How many months can you collect unemployment in Washington - confused about duration limits

Thanks! So that's 6 months max regardless of how long I worked? I was hoping it might be longer since I had steady employment.

Correct, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington. The amount you receive weekly depends on your wages, but the duration is standardized.

Good point about the job search stuff. How many job contacts do you need per week?

its 3 job search activities per week, but check your WorkSourceWA account for specifics. they're pretty strict about it

Wait, so if I work part-time while collecting and then get laid off again, I could potentially get another benefit year?

Yes, but you'd need to meet the wage requirements again. Washington ESD looks at your earnings in the base period to determine eligibility for a new claim.

This is getting complicated. Is there an easy way to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my specific situation?

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. Beat sitting on hold for 3 hours like I was doing before. They handle the calling part and connect you when an agent picks up.

Interesting, might have to try that. The regular Washington ESD phone line is impossible to get through on.

That sounds like it might have been an adjudication issue. Did you appeal the disqualification? You have rights in that process.

I tried appealing but the whole process is a nightmare. Takes months to get a hearing and they make you jump through hoops.

Sorry that happened to you. The appeal process can be frustrating but it's worth pursuing if you believe the disqualification was wrong.

Good advice. I'll start keeping better records from day one. Better safe than sorry with these things.

Smart approach. I keep a spreadsheet with all my job applications and contacts just in case they ask for documentation.

Your cousin might have had a combination of regular UI and other programs, or qualified for a new benefit year. The standard Washington ESD regular unemployment is 26 weeks.

yeah that makes sense, he did work some temp jobs in between so maybe that reset things

How much do you need to earn to qualify for a new benefit year? Is there a specific dollar amount?

Washington ESD has specific wage requirements for the base period. You'd need to check their website or call for the exact amounts since they can change.

I think it's something like you need to earn at least 680 times your weekly benefit amount, but don't quote me on that exact number.

Wow, I didn't realize that. So the clock starts ticking as soon as you file your initial claim?

Exactly. That's why it's important to file as soon as possible after losing your job and to resolve any issues quickly.

This is solid advice. I made the mistake of being too picky early on and ended up scrambling in my last month of benefits.

Good reminder. I need to start applying to jobs right away, not wait and see how long benefits last.

How much does something like that cost? Is it worth it just to ask a question about benefit duration?

It's worth it if you have specific questions about your claim that you can't get answered online. The Washington ESD website has general info but agents can look at your actual account.

That's interesting. So if I find part-time work, I might still qualify for some unemployment benefits?

Yes, as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. Washington ESD has specific rules about reporting part-time earnings.

Just make sure you report any work income on your weekly claims. They're strict about that and failure to report can cause big problems.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses. This has been really helpful in understanding what to expect.

Good luck with your job search! The Washington job market isn't too bad right now in most sectors.