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

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the max no matter what? What happens if I still haven't found a job after that?

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits. After that, there might be extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but those aren't guaranteed and depend on the state's unemployment rate.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I haven't started looking yet since I just got laid off yesterday.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Register with WorkSource too - that's mandatory.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially.

It's worth it when you're stuck and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Much better than spending hours on hold every day.

The maximum is 26 weeks, but you need to have worked enough quarters to qualify for the full amount. If you only worked 8 months, you might get less depending on your earnings history.

Oh no, so I might not get the full 26 weeks? How do I find out how many I'm eligible for?

When you file your claim, Washington ESD will calculate your benefit year and tell you exactly how many weeks you're eligible for. It's based on your base period earnings.

Did you have any options after the 26 weeks ran out?

Not really. There weren't any extended benefits available when mine ran out. Had to take a part-time job just to survive.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - getting consistent information from Washington ESD is nearly impossible. At least with Claimyr you can actually get through to talk to someone who knows what they're talking about.

I might have to try that. I've been calling for three weeks trying to get my claim unstuck from adjudication.

Good to know the pandemic stuff is over. I was getting confused reading old forum posts about PUA and all that.

Yeah, ignore anything about PUA, PEUC, or pandemic extensions. Those programs ended in 2021. It's back to regular UI only.

Yes, you can work part-time but you have to report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn.

How much can I earn before it affects my benefits?

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. Anything over that gets deducted dollar for dollar.

Don't panic! 26 weeks is actually pretty generous. Just make sure you're actively job searching and meeting all the requirements. Document everything!

I'm trying but the job market in my field is terrible right now. I'm worried I'll have to take something way below my previous salary.

Their website is awful. When I needed specific answers about my claim, I had to use that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier to actually talk to someone. Much faster than trying to decode their website.

I might have to look into that. I've been going in circles on their site for days.

The benefit year starts from when you file your claim, not when you became unemployed. You can't get benefits for weeks before you filed.

Darn, so I lost those two weeks? I should have filed right away.

Unfortunately yes. Always file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, but you don't want to lose more time than necessary.

There can be Extended Benefits (EB) during periods of high unemployment, but it's not automatic. The state unemployment rate has to trigger specific thresholds, and even then it's not guaranteed.

How often does that happen? Are we likely to see extended benefits anytime soon?

It's rare and depends on economic conditions. Don't count on it - plan for 26 weeks maximum.

Any tips for making the most of the time? I want to be strategic about this.

Network like crazy, consider temp work to extend your runway, and don't be too picky early on. You can always keep looking while working.

Really? I didn't know it varied so much by state. 26 weeks is looking pretty good now.

Yeah, we're lucky in Washington. Some states have really stingy unemployment systems.

How do they check? Do they call the places you apply to?

They can audit your job search log and may contact employers. Keep detailed records of every application you submit.

What did you get disqualified for? I want to make sure I don't make the same mistake.

I didn't report some part-time work correctly. It was an honest mistake but took forever to get resolved.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much better prepared now.

You're welcome! The unemployment process can be overwhelming but knowing what to expect helps a lot.

I bookmarked their site just in case. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know it's there.

Smart thinking. The phone lines at Washington ESD are brutal, especially when you're stressed about your claim.

Thank you! I'm feeling more confident about the whole process now.

That's great to hear. Having a plan makes all the difference when you're dealing with unemployment.