How long does unemployment last in Washington - need to know the maximum duration

Thank you! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was worried it might be less since I heard some states reduced their benefits.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum in Washington. Some states did reduce theirs but Washington kept the 26-week duration.

Got it, so no extra federal extensions available right now. Good to know so I don't get my hopes up.

Yeah those pandemic programs like PEUC and PUA are long gone. It's just regular UI now.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and watch their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person instead of you sitting on hold forever.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers about my claim.

Wait, is this legit? Sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

Oh wow, I didn't know you could lose weeks like that. I filed my initial claim but haven't gotten approved yet. Should I be filing weekly claims already?

Yes! File your weekly claims even while your initial claim is pending. You can always backdate if needed but it's easier to file them on time.

What counts as job search activities? Is it just applying for jobs or are there other things?

applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, updating your resume, taking online courses related to work. check the worksourcewa website for the full list

Actually it's WorkSourceWA.com - they have detailed information about what activities qualify for your job search requirements.

Unfortunately there's no automatic extension program active right now. Extended Benefits (EB) only kicks in when the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds, which it hasn't. Your best bet is to intensify your job search in these remaining weeks.

That's what I was afraid of. Guess I need to start looking at temp work or something to bridge the gap.

You need to file in the state where you worked most recently, which would be Oregon in your case. Each state has its own rules and benefit duration. You can't choose which state to file in based on better benefits.

Darn, I was hoping I could file in Washington since I worked there longer. Thanks for clarifying.

I feel for you. Have you looked into other assistance programs? Food stamps, medicaid, emergency rental assistance? It's not unemployment but it might help bridge the gap.

Yeah I'm on food stamps now. It's just frustrating that unemployment benefits are so limited when jobs are still hard to find.

That's smart thinking. I did get some severance pay. Should I delay filing my claim until that runs out?

It depends on your situation, but generally yes. Your 26 weeks start ticking when you file, not when you become unemployed. So if you have severance to live on, you might want to wait.

That's exactly what I need. Did they charge you a lot for the service?

I don't want to get into pricing details but it was reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saved me. Check their website for current rates.

So if I have to wait 2 weeks for approval, I still get 26 weeks of actual payments?

Exactly. The 26 weeks refers to compensable weeks - weeks where you actually receive a payment. Waiting weeks and disqualified weeks don't count against your maximum.

You can establish a new benefit year if you've worked enough in covered employment since your last claim. Generally you need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered wages to qualify for a new claim.

ok so if i work for like 3 months and earn enough i could get another 26 weeks if i get laid off again?

Potentially yes, but it depends on your total earnings during the new base period. It's not automatic - you'd need to meet all the monetary requirements again.

Unfortunately no, there's no extended benefits program currently active. The state unemployment rate would need to be much higher to trigger Extended Benefits. You might want to check with DSHS about other assistance programs for families.

Thanks, I'll look into that. It's scary knowing there's a hard cutoff at 26 weeks.

You're required to register with WorkSourceWA.com and use their job search tools as part of your job search requirements. You don't have to find jobs only through WorkSource, but you do need to be registered and use their services.

Oh great, another hoop to jump through. Is the registration complicated?

nah its pretty straightforward. just go to worksourcewa.com and set up an account. they walk you through it

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been incredibly helpful for planning my next steps.

Agreed, lots of good info here. Wish Washington ESD made this clearer on their website.

This is good advice. I'm at week 20 now and starting to panic. Time to get serious about any work I can find.

Exactly. It's better to take something temporary than to have zero income. You can always keep looking for better opportunities while working.

And if you need to discuss your specific situation with Washington ESD about work search requirements or other concerns, services like Claimyr can help you get through to speak with someone who can give you personalized guidance.