How many weeks can you collect unemployment in Washington state?

Thanks! So I have 26 weeks maximum from when I first filed, which was about 3 weeks ago?

Exactly. You've got about 23 weeks left assuming you continue to qualify each week by filing your weekly claims and meeting job search requirements.

Good point. I've been pretty selective so far but maybe I need to broaden my search.

How do I check how much money I have left in my claim? Is that shown somewhere in my Washington ESD account?

Yes, when you log into your SecureAccess Washington account, look for your claim summary. It should show your maximum benefit amount and how much you've already received.

I had trouble finding this info in my account. The Washington ESD website is confusing to navigate sometimes.

I had the same problem until someone recommended Claimyr to me. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. I used it last month and actually got connected within an hour instead of spending days calling. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

The pandemic extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. We're back to the regular 26-week maximum for standard unemployment insurance in Washington.

oh ok thanks for clarifying. time flies!

Working part-time can extend your claim duration. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on your part-time earnings, but the weeks you receive partial benefits still count toward your 26-week maximum.

I did this and it worked out well. I took a part-time job at 20 hours/week and still got some unemployment benefits while I looked for full-time work.

I get the frustration but 26 weeks is actually pretty generous compared to some other states. Plus Washington has good job training programs through WorkSource if you want to learn new skills.

I guess but when you've been out of work for 5 months already and still haven't found anything good, 26 weeks feels like nothing

After your regular unemployment benefits end, you might be eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) if Washington's unemployment rate is high enough. But EB isn't available right now since our unemployment rate is too low.

You could also look into other assistance programs like SNAP or temporary assistance while you continue job searching.

That's what I was afraid of. Guess I better find something soon!

What are the job search requirements exactly? I've been applying to jobs but I'm not sure if I'm documenting it correctly.

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, etc. Log everything in WorkSourceWA.com

This is so important! I almost got disqualified because I wasn't logging my job search activities properly in the WorkSource system.

I found my current job at week 24! Don't give up. Sometimes it takes time but something will come through.

Same here - got hired at week 23. The pressure actually motivated me to be less picky and I ended up with a better job than I expected.

Thanks for the encouragement! I needed to hear that right now.

You can't file a new regular claim until your current benefit year ends (52 weeks from when you first filed). However, if you've worked and earned enough wages since filing, you might be able to file a new claim with different base period wages.

That makes sense. So timing really matters with when you file your initial claim.

How does that service work exactly? Do they just call for you?

Pretty much - they handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when they reach an agent. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through myself.

It's tough out there but don't beat yourself up. You still have 8 weeks left which is plenty of time to find something good.

yeah trying to stay positive. thanks for the reminder that i still have time left

I understand that perspective but unemployment insurance is meant to be temporary assistance, not indefinite income replacement. 6 months should be enough time to either find work in your field or consider transitioning to something else.

Easy to say when you're not the one looking for work! Some industries just move slower than others.

Exactly. Tech jobs especially can have long interview processes that stretch for months.

Do you know which programs qualify for benefit extensions? I'm interested but want to make sure before I commit to training.

I'd recommend calling WorkSource directly or using something like Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD to ask about Training Benefits. The eligibility requirements can be specific.

Good advice. I'm definitely going to step up my job search efforts starting this week. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Smart move. Better to find something at week 10 than scramble at week 25!