How long is Washington ESD unemployment benefits - confused about duration

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I thought I saw something about extended benefits but wasn't sure if those were still available.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Extended benefits only kick in during high unemployment periods in the state, and we're not in one of those periods right now.

Good to know about the weekly claims! I haven't filed yet but planning to do it tomorrow. Did you have any issues getting through to Washington ESD?

Oh man, trying to call Washington ESD was a nightmare. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Ended up using this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person in like 15 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

What counts as job search activities? Is applying to jobs enough or do I need to do other stuff too?

Applications count, but you can also include things like attending job fairs, networking events, or WorkSource workshops. Just keep detailed records of everything you do.

Make sure you log everything in your job search log! I got audited and had to provide proof of all my activities. Washington ESD takes this seriously.

After 26 weeks, regular UI benefits end. You'd need to look into other programs like food assistance, housing help, or job training programs through WorkSource.

damn thats not very long especially if the job market sucks. better start applying everywhere i guess

That's good to know. I was thinking about maybe doing some gig work like DoorDash while looking for a full-time job.

Yeah just make sure to report all earnings honestly. Washington ESD will eventually find out about unreported income and you could face penalties or have to pay money back.

Yeah I'm already dreading having to call them if something goes wrong with my claim.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

Interesting, I didn't know about the benefit year vs. weeks you can collect. Hopefully I won't need to use that but good info to have.

Yeah it's confusing but basically the 'benefit year' is like your eligibility period, and the 26 weeks is how much you can actually collect during that year.

Did you find work right after the 26 weeks ended or did you have a gap?

found something about 2 weeks before my benefits ran out. the pressure definitely motivated me to take a job that paid less than my old one but at least i had income again

Good advice. I've already started updating my resume and looking at job postings. Better to get ahead of it.

Seasonal workers might be eligible for standby status if they have reasonable assurance of returning to work. It's a different process than regular UI.

That might be what he had. Thanks for clarifying!

Yeah I figured the pandemic stuff was over. Just wanted to make sure I understood what's available now.

Those pandemic benefits were a lifesaver for a lot of people. Too bad they couldn't make some of those extensions permanent.

So someone making $30k and someone making $60k both get 26 weeks, just different amounts each week?

Exactly right. The duration is the same, only the weekly amount changes based on your prior wages.

Yikes, good warning. I'll set a reminder on my phone to file every week.

Yeah the system is pretty unforgiving about stuff like that. When I had issues with my claim, getting through to Washington ESD to fix it was impossible until I found Claimyr.

Good point, I'll watch for those updates. Probably get emails about it?

Yeah they usually send email notifications, but also check your account regularly just in case.

That's a good idea. I should look into what training programs are available through WorkSource too.

Definitely check out WorkSource! They have job training programs and some of them don't affect your unemployment benefits.

Once you go back to work and stop filing weekly claims, those remaining weeks are gone. You can't save them for later unless you get laid off again within the same benefit year.

Makes sense. So it's really use it or lose it within that year.

Yeah I'm planning to file tomorrow morning. Better safe than sorry.

Smart move. And if you run into any issues with your claim, seriously consider using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Good reminder. I've got most of my recent pay stubs but should probably gather everything together.

Yeah better to have it ready than scramble to find it later if Washington ESD asks for verification.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feeling much more prepared to navigate this process now.

Good luck with your claim and job search! Feel free to come back if you have more questions.