How long does unemployment benefits last in Washington state?

Thanks for the info! So it's definitely capped at 26 weeks no matter what? I was hoping maybe having worked 8 years would give me more time.

Unfortunately yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

Thanks! Do you know what counts as a job contact? Like does applying online count or do I need to actually talk to someone?

Online applications definitely count! You can also do informational interviews, attend job fairs, or network with employers. Just make sure to keep a log of all your job search activities.

Good point about the job search requirements. Do I need to start those immediately or is there a grace period?

You need to start job searching from your first payable week. Keep detailed records because they can audit your job search log at any time.

I haven't set up an account yet. Is that something I need to do right away?

Yes, you should file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I was dreading having to call Washington ESD based on what I've heard about wait times.

How much does that service cost? Seems like something that should be free.

It's worth it when you consider the time saved and actually getting answers to your questions instead of waiting on hold for hours.

Got it, so I really need to make those 26 weeks count. Thanks for the clarification about no extensions.

Wait, what about extended benefits? Don't states sometimes offer those during high unemployment?

Extended Benefits (EB) can trigger during high unemployment periods but Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger EB right now.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm trying to avoid any extra expenses right now.

It's definitely worth checking out their site for details, but honestly after spending hours trying to call ESD myself, it was a lifesaver. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things sorted.

I feel your frustration but unemployment was never meant to be long-term income replacement. It's supposed to give you time to find comparable work.

Tell that to someone over 50 trying to find work in tech. 26 weeks isn't enough time when employers are ageist.

Good to know. So there's no extra pandemic benefits anymore either right?

Correct, all the pandemic programs like PUA and PEUC ended in 2021. It's back to regular state unemployment insurance only.

I know it feels tedious, but they do audit job search logs regularly. It's better to be thorough than risk losing your benefits.

yeah you're right. just wish the system was easier to navigate

That's scary to think about. What did you do after the 26 weeks ran out?

Had to rely on savings and family help while continuing to look. It was rough. Definitely motivated me to be more aggressive with applications.

That's good to know. I made decent money at the plant so hopefully I'll qualify for the full 26 weeks.

What if you worked part-time or had gaps in employment? Does that affect the 26 weeks?

Your work pattern doesn't affect the maximum duration, but it affects your weekly benefit amount and whether you have enough wages to qualify for the full 26 weeks.

Oh interesting, I didn't know you could do that. How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

It's calculated based on your weekly benefit amount. Generally you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before it starts reducing your UI payment. But you still need to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim.

Did the adjudication time count against your 26 weeks or did you still get the full amount?

The benefit year is 52 weeks total, but you can only collect for 26 weeks maximum within that year. So adjudication delays don't reduce your 26 weeks.

That's a good point. So if I take a part-time job I could potentially stretch the benefits out over more than 26 weeks?

Exactly. If you work part-time and earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can collect partial benefits and make your claim last longer.

Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Thanks, that makes sense. So it's not just your most recent job that matters.

I'll definitely look into that. Do I need to register with them separately?

Yes, you'll need to create a WorkSourceWA.com account. It's separate from your ESD account but they work together.

I did during the recession. Had to take a job paying way less than what I was making before. You do what you have to do to survive.

There are other safety net programs like SNAP and housing assistance. It's not easy but there are options beyond unemployment.

What counts as a good reason to turn down a job?

Generally things like the job paying significantly less than your previous wage, unsafe working conditions, or the commute being unreasonable. But ESD makes the final determination on each case.

Good advice. I was thinking of taking a week or two to decompress but maybe I should start right away.

Definitely start right away. You need to do job search activities for Washington ESD anyway, so might as well make them count.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier! They basically call for you and get you connected to an ESD agent. Saved me so much frustration.

I might have to look into that. I've been trying to call for days about an issue with my claim status.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your benefits or pay estimated taxes quarterly. ESD will send you a 1099-G at the end of the year.

Thanks! I'll probably have them withhold taxes to avoid a big bill later.

Yes! Washington has several training programs. You might qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your layoff was trade-related, or there are other workforce development programs through WorkSource.

I'll definitely look into TAA. The plant closure was partly due to overseas competition so that might apply.

Good point. When do the weekly claims need to be filed by?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week, and you have until the following Saturday. But don't wait - file as early in the week as possible.

I keep seeing mentions of that service. Might be worth it if I run into problems with my claim.

Same here, I was skeptical but when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks, I tried it and finally got my questions answered.

That's reassuring. I was worried about losing time due to processing delays.

Which states offer more than 26 weeks? I might consider relocating if I can't find work here.

Montana offers up to 28 weeks and Massachusetts can go up to 30 weeks depending on the unemployment rate. But you'd have to establish residency and work history there.

That's encouraging. I'm hoping with my experience I can find something before the 26 weeks are up.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone - this thread has been really informative about the 26 week limit.

Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or try a different browser. The ESD system can be finicky sometimes.

thanks, i'll try that

That's encouraging to hear you're staying positive. Are you looking in other industries too or sticking with manufacturing?

I'm branching out into logistics and warehousing since the skills transfer pretty well. Cast a wider net, you know?

Good reminder. I'll make sure to scan everything and keep digital copies too.

Smart idea. Digital backups are clutch if something happens to the physical copies.

Wait, really? I thought that first week was just lost.

In Washington, the waiting week is paid after you complete your claim or find employment, whichever comes first. It's like a deposit that gets returned.

Yes, you can definitely appeal. You have 30 days from the determination date to file an appeal. Make sure you have documentation to support your case.

This is another situation where being able to actually talk to an ESD agent helps a lot. They can explain the appeal process and what documentation you need. That's when services like Claimyr really come in handy.

What exactly is adjudication? I keep seeing that term but don't really understand it.

It's when ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - could be your separation reason, work history, or other eligibility issues. They review everything and make a determination.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared to start this process now.

You're welcome! Feel free to ask if you run into any specific issues. This community is pretty good about helping each other out.