How many weeks of unemployment do you get from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's not automatic 26 weeks? How do they determine if you get less?

Right, it's based on your earnings. If you didn't work enough or earn enough during your base period, you might qualify for fewer weeks. The minimum is usually around 10-12 weeks if you barely qualify.

Thanks! So it's not automatic 26 weeks? How do they calculate the exact number I'd get?

It's based on your total base period wages. Washington ESD uses a formula - generally you need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period to qualify for the minimum benefit duration.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

It was worth it for me since I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through on my own. Way better than spending entire days redialing Washington ESD.

Never heard of that service but the phone situation with Washington ESD is definitely frustrating. Might be worth checking out.

Thanks! So if I worked steadily for 2 years I should get the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, as long as you earned enough wages during your base period. Washington ESD will calculate this automatically when you file your claim.

Oh no, I hope that doesn't happen to me. I worked pretty consistently though so maybe I'll be ok.

Don't worry too much, construction work usually pays well so your benefit calculation should be good if you worked steady for 2 years.

That's good advice about starting the job search right away. I'll check out that Claimyr thing too, thanks!

Is that some kind of paid service? Seems weird that you'd need to pay someone just to talk to Washington ESD.

I mean, it's way better than spending hours trying to get through their phone system. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone about your claim and their regular lines are always busy.

The phone situation is ridiculous! I spent 3 hours on hold yesterday just to get disconnected.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it from someone on here - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Wait so there's no extra weeks available right now? I thought there might be some kind of extension program still running.

Correct, the federal extension programs like Extended Benefits (EB) are only triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger these programs currently.

What exactly do I need to do for job search activities? I keep hearing different things about this requirement.

you have to do 3 job search activities per week and log them. applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, stuff like that. washington esd is pretty strict about this

Do I have to use WorkSourceWA specifically or can I use other job sites like Indeed?

You can use any legitimate job search method, but you're required to register with WorkSourceWA within 4 weeks of filing your initial claim. You don't have to use only their site for job searching though.

This is so much more complicated than I thought. Why can't they just give you the money and let you look for work?

What kind of weekly requirements? I thought you just had to file your weekly claim online.

You have to do job search activities and keep a log of your job contacts. It's not too bad once you get used to it but there are rules you have to follow.

I worked full time for 2 years making about $18/hour. Would that qualify me for the full 26 weeks?

With 2 years of full-time work at $18/hour, you should definitely qualify for close to the maximum. You can estimate your benefit amount and duration on the Washington ESD website before you file.

Working part-time doesn't reset your benefit year, but it can affect your weekly benefit amount. Washington ESD has earnings deductions - you can earn up to a certain amount before they start reducing your weekly benefits. The 26-week maximum stays the same though.

Good to know! I was worried about taking temp work and losing my remaining benefits.

No, this is a permanent layoff unfortunately. The project ended and they don't have any new work lined up.

Sorry to hear that man. Construction can be tough with all the seasonal ups and downs.

The benefit year starts from the Sunday of the week you file your initial application, not when it gets approved. So if you're stuck in adjudication, those weeks are still counting against your 26-week maximum.

That's exactly what I was afraid of! I've already lost 4 weeks to adjudication. This is so stressful.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - adjudication issues are one of the main reasons people need to actually talk to a Washington ESD agent, and that service helped me get through when I couldn't reach anyone by calling normally.

The pandemic extensions like PEUC and extended benefits have ended. Right now it's back to the standard 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment insurance.

oh man that sucks, I was hoping there might be something extra available still

I feel you! The stress of not knowing when money is coming while everything else keeps piling up is the worst part.

This is making me really nervous about filing. Should I wait to see if I can find work first?

No, file immediately! There's a waiting week anyway, and delays in the system mean you want to get the process started as soon as possible. You can't backdate your claim very far.

What kind of disqualification issue? I want to make sure I don't run into the same problem.

It was related to why I left my previous job. Washington ESD initially thought I quit voluntarily but I was actually laid off. Had to provide documentation to prove it.

How did you finally get it resolved? I'm dealing with something similar right now.

Are there any signs that extensions might become available again? The job market still feels pretty tough out there.

Extensions are tied to unemployment rates and other economic indicators. Right now Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger Extended Benefits, but that could change if economic conditions worsen.

Extended Benefits (EB) can trigger when unemployment rates are high enough, but we're not in an EB period right now. You'd need to watch the Washington ESD announcements.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out. Really hoping to find work before my 26 weeks run out.

Yeah I figured I'd need to be looking for work. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but that can include more than just applications. Check with WorkSource WA for the exact requirements.

That's correct - 3 job search activities per week is the standard requirement for most claimants.

How much does it cost? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

It's worth checking out their site for details, but I thought it was reasonable considering how much time it saved me. The peace of mind was worth it.

So if I use up all 26 weeks and then get a job, I couldn't file again if I got laid off from that job?

Not unless you've earned enough wages in your new base period to qualify for a new claim. It's complicated and depends on your specific work history and earnings.

This is why it's important to understand that unemployment insurance is meant as temporary assistance while you actively search for work, not long-term support.

What's confusing you? Maybe someone here can help.

my claim has been in adjudication forever and I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. When you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about adjudication issues, their service can get you through to an agent instead of sitting on hold for hours.

What counts as 'available for work'? I have some health issues that limit the types of jobs I can do.

You have to be able and available to accept suitable work. If your health issues prevent you from working in your usual occupation, you might need to look into disability benefits instead of unemployment.

I feel your frustration. The phone system is definitely overwhelmed. Have you tried the online messaging system?

Yes and they take forever to respond or give generic answers that don't help!

Good point about the job search requirement. How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week in Washington, but check your specific requirements when you file your weekly claim.

Did they tell you upfront how many weeks you qualified for?

yeah it showed up in my account after they processed my initial claim

Got it, so I should plan for 26 weeks max and hope I find something before then.

That's the smart approach. Better to be conservative with your planning.

You can continue collecting Washington ESD benefits if you move to another state, but you have to follow that state's job search requirements and report your move to Washington ESD. The process gets more complicated but you don't automatically lose your benefits.

Good to know! I might have to relocate for family reasons and was worried about losing everything.

Part-time work affects your weekly benefit amount but doesn't use up your weeks faster. You still get the same total number of weeks, just potentially lower payments each week.

That's helpful to know, thanks!

Standby is different - that's for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer. The rules and duration can be different from regular UI.

Ah that makes sense, my situation is permanent layoff so probably different rules

Seasonal workers can qualify for the full 26 weeks as long as they meet the earnings requirements during their base period. The fact that your layoffs are seasonal doesn't reduce the maximum benefit duration.

That's a relief! I was worried they might give seasonal workers less time since our layoffs are somewhat predictable.

Wait, there's a waiting week? So I won't get paid for my first week of unemployment?

Right, the first week is unpaid. So really you're looking at 25 weeks of paid benefits out of the 26 total weeks.

That's good to know for budgeting purposes. Thanks for the heads up!

Oh man, that's stressful. Are you having trouble finding openings or getting interviews?