How many weeks does Washington ESD unemployment pay - confused about duration

Thanks! So that's about 6 months right? Do I have to file weekly claims for all 26 weeks?

Yes, you have to file every week to get paid, even if you haven't found work yet. Don't skip weeks or you'll lose those payments.

EB is triggered when the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds. We haven't been in an EB period for a while now.

Good to know there might be extensions available if things get really bad economically.

What counts as a job search activity? Is applying for jobs online enough or do I need to do other things too?

Applying for jobs counts, but you can also do things like attending job fairs, networking events, or career counseling sessions. The key is documenting everything properly in WorkSourceWA.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my job search log. Ended up using Claimyr to actually reach someone - they have this system that calls back when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

No, Washington state is definitely 26 weeks for regular unemployment. You might be thinking of a different state.

oh ok thanks for clarifying

That's a good point. Did temp work affect your benefits at all? I'm wondering if I can do part-time work while collecting.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits, but you have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn.

The partial benefit calculation is confusing. They let you earn up to a certain amount before they start reducing your benefits dollar for dollar.

Yeah it was definitely a layoff, not voluntary. Company downsized and eliminated my position entirely.

Even with layoffs, sometimes employers try to fight unemployment claims. Keep any documentation you have about the layoff just in case.

I was doing warehouse work but I'm open to other things. Maybe retail or customer service.

Warehouse and logistics are actually pretty hot right now with all the e-commerce growth. Check out Amazon, UPS, FedEx - they're always hiring.

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA for job leads. They have partnerships with local employers and sometimes have exclusive postings.

That's interesting, I didn't know that. So the clock is always running on the benefit year even when you're working?

Exactly. The benefit year starts when you file your initial claim and runs for 52 weeks regardless of whether you're collecting benefits or working.

I mentioned this earlier but seriously try Claimyr. It's at claimyr.com and basically holds your place in line so you don't have to sit on hold. Game changer for actually reaching Washington ESD agents.

Thanks, I'll check it out. Getting really frustrated with the phone system.

The best times to call are usually early morning right when they open or during lunch hours when call volume drops slightly.

How often do they actually audit people? Is it random or do they target certain cases?

It's mostly random but they definitely target people who have been collecting for a long time or have had previous issues. Better to be safe and document everything from day one.

This is good advice. I see too many people waiting for the 'perfect' job and then panicking when benefits are about to run out.

Yeah I definitely don't want to be in that position. I'm going to start applying right away.

Also remember that you can collect partial benefits if you take a part-time job, so don't turn down part-time work thinking it will disqualify you completely.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. Feeling much more confident about navigating this process now.

Good luck with the job search! The 26 weeks will be plenty of time if you stay focused.

Seems like a few people have had good experiences with that. I'll keep it in mind if I run into any problems.

Same here - used Claimyr when I had an overpayment notice I needed to discuss. Much better than the regular phone system.