How many weeks can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total if I need the full amount?

Yes, exactly. 26 weeks equals roughly 6 months of coverage.

Were those pandemic extensions the ones that went up to like 79 weeks total? That was crazy long.

Yeah those were special circumstances. Don't expect anything like that again unless there's another major crisis.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold for hours. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm getting desperate here.

They basically handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent is available. Saved me tons of time and frustration.

Good question. You have one benefit year (52 weeks) to use your 26 weeks of benefits. They don't have to be consecutive. If you return to work and then become unemployed again within that benefit year, you can continue claiming your remaining weeks.

But you might also qualify for a new claim if you worked enough hours at the new job. The Washington ESD system is pretty complex about this stuff.

What are the job search requirements exactly? How many applications do I need to do per week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records. Activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

And you have to register with WorkSourceWA too! Don't forget that step or they'll hold up your benefits.

Hang in there! What industry are you in? Maybe someone here has leads.

Healthcare administration. Been applying everywhere but the market seems pretty tight right now.

Have you checked with temp agencies? Sometimes that can lead to permanent positions.

Oh no, what if I don't qualify for the full 26 weeks? How do they calculate that?

It's based on your earnings history over the past 18 months. If you haven't worked much or had low wages, you might get fewer weeks. Washington ESD should tell you your benefit amount and duration when you file.

There's Extended Benefits (EB) that can kick in when state unemployment rates are high enough, but we're not there right now. It would add up to 13 additional weeks.

So potentially 39 weeks total if EB was activated?

Correct, but like I said, our unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger EB right now.

Which calling service did you use? I've been trying to reach them for days.

Claimyr - found it mentioned in another forum thread. Worth every penny to avoid the endless busy signals.

Wait, they don't let you backdate if you forget to file?

You can request backdating but it's not guaranteed and requires a good reason. Better to just set a reminder and file every week.

I learned this the hard way. Missed filing one week because I was sick and it was a huge hassle to get it backdated.

What's a waiting week? I haven't heard of that before.

Washington doesn't have a waiting week anymore, but some states do. I was thinking of when I lived in Oregon. In Washington you can get benefits starting your first week if you qualify.

Do you know what those programs are called? That sounds like something I should look into.

Look into the Training Benefits program through WorkSourceWA. It can extend your benefits while you're in approved training.

I did this program last year. It's legit and really helped me transition to a new field while still getting UI benefits.

Easy to say when you're not the one unemployed. Some industries are really tough right now.

I'm not trying to be unsympathetic, just stating how the system is designed. Obviously everyone's situation is different.

This is really important advice. The benefits don't just disappear at week 26 - there are other safety nets available.

Thank you, that's good to know. Hopefully I won't need to worry about that but it's reassuring to know there are other options.

That's a relief to hear. I was making decent wages so hopefully that won't be an issue.

With 8 years of steady employment, you should have no problems qualifying. The hard part will be the job search in your field.