How many weeks to collect unemployment in Washington ESD - need to know my limits

Thanks! So that's about 6 months right? Do I need to be actively job searching the whole time?

Yes, exactly 6 months. And yes, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and log them in your WorkSource account. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that requirement.

Yeah the pandemic extensions are long gone. My cousin tried to get extra weeks last year and Washington ESD told him no dice.

Good to know, so I should plan on finding work within 26 weeks max.

OMG yes! I was in the same boat until someone told me about claimyr.com - they actually call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to a real person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Total game changer for me.

Wait seriously? How does that even work? I'm so tired of getting hung up on by their phone system.

You just give them your info and they keep calling until they get through, then transfer you to the agent. Way better than spending hours on hold yourself.

So if I use up all 26 weeks and then get a job for like 3 months, I could potentially qualify for another 26 weeks if I get laid off again?

Potentially yes, but you'd need to meet the earnings requirements again. Washington ESD looks at your work history over the past 18 months to determine eligibility.

26 weeks = 6.5 months, not 3-4. Maybe you're thinking of some other state? Washington gives you the full 26 weeks if you qualify.

oh wow ok that's actually not bad then. i was dreading having to find work in like 12 weeks

When are the deadlines? I haven't gotten that far in the process yet.

You have to file your weekly claim by midnight on Saturday for the previous week. Set a reminder because they won't let you file late.

True, but even minimum wage workers get the full 26 weeks as long as they worked enough hours. The weekly amount varies but the duration is standard.

That's reassuring. I wasn't making a ton at my retail job but at least I know I get the full time period.

Washington ESD will send you notices as you approach your benefit year end. They don't provide extra job placement services though - that's what WorkSource is for.

I used all 26 weeks during the recession. They definitely let you know when you're running out but there's no special help. You just... run out.

Wait what? So I don't get paid for the first week I file?

Exactly. Week 1 is a waiting period with no payment. Weeks 2-26 are paid if you qualify. It's just how Washington ESD does it.

That waiting week rule is so annoying when you're already stressed about money! But yeah, that's standard across most states.

Good point. I'm just looking at regular unemployment, not anything special. Just want to make sure I get my full 26 weeks.

Yeah stick to regular UI. Those federal extension programs come and go but the 26 week state benefit is always there.

Definitely planning to start looking right away. The 26 weeks is more like a safety net than a vacation for me.

Smart approach. I treated my unemployment like a full time job - job searching 40 hours a week. Found work in 8 weeks.

This is where that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really helps. They specialize in getting through to Washington ESD agents when you can't. Saved me weeks of frustration when my claim had problems.

Wish I had known about that! I spent so many hours on hold just to get disconnected.

That's good advice. I can always keep looking for something better after I'm employed again.

Exactly! It's easier to find a job when you already have one. Don't let the 26 weeks make you too comfortable.

Interesting, I didn't know that. So part time work doesn't necessarily hurt your benefits?

Right, Washington ESD has partial benefit rules. You can work up to a certain amount and still get reduced unemployment payments.

Perfect summary, thank you! I feel much more prepared to navigate this process now.

Good luck with your job search! The 26 weeks should give you enough time to find something decent if you stay focused.