How long you can claim unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about my timeline

Wait, so I don't have to use all 26 weeks consecutively? I could theoretically stop claiming for a few weeks and then restart?

Exactly! As long as you're still within your benefit year and haven't exhausted your 26 weeks, you can stop and restart. Just remember you still need to meet the job search requirements when you're actively claiming.

I heard there might be extended benefits if the state unemployment rate gets high enough. Is that still a thing?

Yes, Extended Benefits (EB) can kick in when state unemployment rates hit certain triggers, but Washington hasn't activated those recently. It's all based on state unemployment statistics.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status.

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of being on hold and getting disconnected.

Interesting, might have to try that. I gave up calling after getting hung up on three times in one day.

Yeah I've been keeping up with my job search log. How many job contacts do we need per week now?

It's three job search activities per week unless you're in a training program or have some other approved exemption.

It is confusing at first. Think of it this way: you get 26 weeks worth of payments, and you have one full year to use them up. Most people use them consecutively, but you don't have to.

ok that makes more sense. so if i started in august i have until august next year to claim my 26 weeks?

Exactly right! Your benefit year end date should be shown in your Washington ESD account.

What happens if you don't qualify for a new claim after your benefit year ends?

Then you're out of luck for unemployment benefits until you work enough to establish a new claim. That's why it's important to use your job search time wisely.

lol so true, that website is terrible. half the time the links don't even work

The mobile version is somehow even worse than the desktop site. I always have to use a computer to check anything important.

I didn't know that! So working part-time doesn't necessarily hurt your claim duration?

Right, as long as you report your earnings correctly. You might get partial payments for more weeks instead of full payments for fewer weeks.

Did they charge you for that service?

They do charge but it was worth it to avoid spending entire days trying to get through. Plus the agent was able to explain my specific situation instead of me guessing from the website.

Unfortunately, any unused benefits expire when your benefit year ends. You can't carry them over to a new claim. That's why it's important to understand your timeline.

wow that sucks. seems like they should let you use what you earned

Same boat here. Week 23 and getting desperate. But remember, if you've been working some part-time gigs, you might have earned enough for a new claim when this one expires.

Don't panic yet! Sometimes opportunities come up right at the end. Keep applying and networking. And make sure you're using all your remaining weeks even if job prospects look good.

I feel you on the stress. But the 26 week limit has been pretty standard for decades. It's meant to be temporary assistance, not long-term support.

I get that but when the job market is terrible and it takes 6+ months to find anything decent, 26 weeks feels like nothing.

Good advice! I should probably print out my benefit summary page. Do you know if the dates ever change or are they set when you first file?

Your benefit year dates are locked in when you first establish the claim. But your remaining weeks obviously decrease as you use benefits.

Don't wait! You can't backdate claims very far, so you're potentially losing weeks of benefits by waiting. File as soon as you're eligible.

Yeah file ASAP. The timeline starts when you file, not when you figured everything out. I made that mistake and lost like 3 weeks of benefits.

Glad we could help clarify! Just remember to keep up with your weekly claims and job search requirements. The timeline is one thing, but staying compliant is equally important.

Exactly! And if you need to talk to Washington ESD about anything specific to your situation, don't hesitate to call or use one of those callback services people mentioned.