How many weeks of unemployment can you collect in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was making about $45k per year so hopefully that's enough work history.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest earning quarter from your base period.

Those pandemic extensions ended in 2021. We're back to the regular 26-week maximum for standard UI benefits.

Oh darn, I was hoping there might still be some extended benefits available.

What would trigger extended benefits? Is there a specific unemployment rate threshold?

Extended benefits kick in when the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds compared to previous years. But like I said, we haven't seen those triggered recently.

I actually used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold. Saved me hours of frustration trying to reach Washington ESD.

Wait, that doesn't seem right. If I'm not getting paid during adjudication, how can it count against my 26 weeks?

That's not correct. The 26 weeks refers to weeks you're actually eligible for benefits, not calendar weeks since filing. Adjudication time doesn't count against your benefit weeks.

Oh okay, I must have misunderstood. Thanks for the clarification!

Yeah I saw that on the Washington ESD website. Do they actually check or verify the job searches?

They can audit your job search log, so definitely keep good records. I keep screenshots of applications and write down who I talked to.

That's good to know. I might pick up some gig work while I'm looking for a full-time job.

Just make sure you report all earnings when you file your weekly claims. Being honest about work and income is super important.

Did you find work before the 26 weeks ran out?

I found something in week 24, thankfully. But yeah, it was getting stressful toward the end knowing the benefits were about to stop.

Wait, so if I use 10 weeks now and then lose another job 6 months later, I can still collect the remaining 16 weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's within the same benefit year. But you'd need to meet the eligibility requirements for the new job loss too.

Totally agree. The website is terrible and trying to call them is even worse.

I actually had luck with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Finally got through to an actual Washington ESD rep who explained everything clearly.

You might be eligible for other programs like SNAP (food stamps) or TANF, but those are separate from unemployment benefits and have different eligibility requirements.

Good to know. Hopefully it won't come to that but it's good to have options.

That's really important to know. I'll make sure to file every week no matter what.

Exactly. Consistency is key with Washington ESD. They're not very forgiving if you miss deadlines or forget to file.

Yes, standby benefits count toward your 26-week maximum just like regular unemployment benefits.

Thanks! I was hoping standby might be separate but I guess not.

That's interesting. Do you know what kind of training programs qualify?

I'm not sure of the specifics, but I know WorkSource Washington has information about approved training programs. Might be worth checking out.

That's reassuring. I'm hoping to find something much sooner but good to know others have been successful even near the end.

Absolutely. Just stay persistent with your job search and keep networking. Something will come up.

Yeah, I'm trying to balance being selective with being realistic about the time pressure.

Smart approach. Don't take just anything, but don't hold out for the perfect job either.

So I could potentially run out of money before I run out of weeks?

It's possible, but usually the 26 weeks runs out first. Washington ESD calculates it so most people can collect for the full 26 weeks.

Perfect summary. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Good luck with your job search! Hope you find something great before the 26 weeks are up.