How long is unemployment for in Washington - confused about benefit duration

Thanks! So with my $45k last year, I should get close to the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter that shows your exact benefit amount and duration once your claim is processed.

Good to know! How strict are they about the job search requirements?

pretty strict, you need 3 job contacts per week and they can audit you anytime. keep good records

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they just help you get through the phone queue faster. I was skeptical too but it actually connected me to a real Washington ESD agent who answered all my questions about benefit duration and job search requirements.

Interesting, might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way.

What kind of training programs qualify for extensions?

Usually trade schools, community college programs, or WorkSource-approved training. You have to get approval BEFORE starting the program though.

How do you file? Is it online or do you have to call?

Online through the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal. Way easier than calling but the system goes down for maintenance sometimes on Sundays.

You can also file by phone if needed, but online is definitely faster and more reliable.

If you work and earn enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim with a fresh 26-week potential duration. But if you don't earn enough for a new claim, you can usually reopen your existing claim and use remaining weeks.

That's confusing. How much do you need to earn for a new claim?

You need at least $1,500 in covered wages in your base period to qualify for a new claim. Washington ESD will automatically calculate which option gives you more money - a new claim or reopening the old one.

yeah that last month gets stressful. have you looked into WorkSourceWA for help with your job search? they have resources and sometimes job leads

I registered with WorkSource but haven't used their services much. Maybe I should schedule an appointment.

Definitely worth it. They also have workshops on interviewing and resume writing that count toward your job search requirements.

Generally no, you can't collect if you quit voluntarily. However, if you quit for 'good cause' like harassment, unsafe working conditions, or significant changes to your job, you might qualify. You'd need to document everything and be prepared to prove your case.

What counts as good cause? My boss yells at employees in front of customers and has unrealistic expectations.

Hostile work environment can qualify as good cause, but you need documentation. Emails, witness statements, complaints to HR if you have it. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination.

Yes, Washington has partial unemployment benefits. You can work part-time and still collect some benefits as long as your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. You have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim.

Do they reduce the benefits dollar for dollar or is there a formula?

There's a formula. Generally, if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, they subtract your earnings minus $5 from your benefit amount. So if your benefit is $400/week and you earn $200, you'd get $195 in unemployment ($400 - $200 - $5).

Yes, I mentioned it earlier! It really works. I was in the same boat - couldn't get through for over a month. Claimyr got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.

Thanks, I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. The waiting is killing me.

I used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. The agent was able to explain exactly what was holding up my claim and what documentation I needed to submit. Definitely recommend it.

How long can you wait before filing? I was laid off 3 weeks ago but just now thinking about unemployment.

You can file anytime within your benefit year, but benefits only start from the week you file, not from when you were laid off. So those 3 weeks are lost potential benefits.

Exactly right. There's no retroactive payments for weeks before you filed your initial claim.

What's the difference between standby and regular unemployment? I might be in a standby situation.

Standby means your employer expects to bring you back within a specific timeframe, usually 8-10 weeks. You're still 'attached' to your employer and don't need to search for other jobs. Regular unemployment means you're permanently separated and need to actively job search.

You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your initial claim, or you can pay quarterly estimated taxes. Unemployment benefits are fully taxable as income.

Thanks! I'll probably opt for the withholding to avoid a big tax bill next year.

Smart choice. A lot of people forget unemployment is taxable and get hit with a surprise tax bill.

The monetary determination shows your maximum potential duration, but your actual available weeks depend on your wage credits. If you didn't work full-time for the entire base period, you might qualify for fewer weeks.

that makes sense, i had a few months where i was only working part time last year

Good advice! I almost made the same mistake. Filed my claim today actually.

Smart move. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

This is exactly what I was asking about earlier! So the benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first file?

Correct. You have 52 weeks to use up to 26 weeks of benefits, but once that year is up, any unused weeks expire.

Good luck with your job search! Remember to keep detailed records of your job contacts for Washington ESD.

you got this! job market is tough but there are opportunities out there

Thanks everyone! This was way more helpful than the Washington ESD website.