How long does unemployment last in Washington - worried about my timeline

Thank you! I'll check my account tonight. I filed in late September so I think I have a couple more months but wanted to make sure.

26 weeks is standard but some people get less if their earnings weren't high enough in their base period

That makes sense. I worked full time for 2 years before getting laid off so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

Yeah if you worked steady for 2 years you should definitely get the maximum. I only worked part time and got 18 weeks.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month and actually got to talk to someone within an hour. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

They focus on the service value rather than cost. For me it was worth it just to finally get answers about my claim status instead of wondering for weeks.

Yeah I know there's no more pandemic extensions. I'm applying to jobs every day but the market is really tough right now.

Keep documenting all your job search activities in case Washington ESD audits your claim. You need to be doing at least 3 job search activities per week.

That's what I'm worried about. Did you get any warning before they stopped or did they just cut off?

You get a notice when you're getting close to exhausting benefits but it's not much warning. Maybe 2-3 weeks?

The benefit year end date is always available in your account. It's not a surprise - you can calculate it from your initial filing date.

Extended Benefits (EB) are triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Washington hasn't triggered EB in several years because our unemployment rate is relatively low compared to the federal requirements.

Yeah don't count on extended benefits. I kept hoping for them in 2019 and they never came.

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2021. So if you're eligible for 26 weeks, you get 26 actual payments.

Good to know, thanks!

That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. It's hard to stay positive when you know there's a deadline.

I know it's easier said than done but try not to let the stress affect your job interviews. Desperation shows and employers can sense it.

True but it's hard not to be desperate when your benefits are about to run out and you have rent to pay

There's WorkSource Washington which provides job training and placement services. Some programs can provide support while you're training. Also DSHS has programs like Basic Food and Apple Health if you need assistance.

Thanks, I'll look into WorkSource. I've been putting off retraining but might need to consider it.

I'm sorry you went through that. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that but good to know there are options.

Same thing happened to me in 2022. Sometimes you have to take survival jobs while looking for something better.

Correct, but only if you have remaining benefit balance. If you've exhausted all 26 weeks, you'd need to file a new claim with recent work history.

Right, good clarification. The benefit year is separate from the weekly benefit balance.

They do send notices but I'd recommend calling to confirm your exact end date. I used Claimyr again recently to get through to an agent about this same question. Much easier than trying to call on your own.

You can also see your remaining balance every time you file your weekly claim. It shows how much you have left.

I mean, that kind of is the point of unemployment insurance though. It's temporary assistance, not permanent income replacement.

I get that but 26 weeks isn't always enough time to find something in your field, especially for specialized positions.

That's why the job search requirements exist though - you're supposed to be expanding your search as time goes on

If you work during a week, you report those earnings on your weekly claim. Depending on how much you earn, your benefit might be reduced or you might not be eligible for that week. But finding work doesn't automatically stop your claim.

Good to know. I have an interview next week and was wondering about the timing.

I'm at about 18 weeks and yeah, the stress is getting to me too. We'll get through this though.

Week 25 here. I've started applying to jobs I'm overqualified for just to have something lined up.

I exhausted my benefits last month and finally got hired this week. Don't give up - something will come through.

I might try that. I've been trying to call for days with no luck.

Same here, Claimyr helped me get through when I was having issues with my weekly claims. The video demo they have really shows you what to expect.

Actually, once your benefit year ends you can't file weekly claims anymore. You'd need to file a new initial claim if you have sufficient recent earnings.

Oh right, I was thinking of when you have remaining balance but the benefit year isn't over yet. Thanks for the correction.

Actually 26 weeks is pretty standard across most states. Some have less, very few have more.

The duration is set by state law and is based on funding from employer taxes. It's not meant to support you indefinitely.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's helpful to know others have been through this and made it out okay.

Definitely keep your head up. I was down to my last 2 weeks of benefits when I finally got hired. It worked out.