How many weeks unemployment can I get on Washington ESD benefits?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I thought I heard someone mention getting more than that recently.

The 26 weeks is for regular UI benefits. There used to be federal extensions during the pandemic but those ended. Sometimes the state adds extensions during high unemployment periods but there aren't any active right now.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have this system that calls repeatedly until they connect you with someone. Check out claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that. Is it legit? I'm getting desperate to talk to someone about my claim status.

Yeah it's legitimate. I used it last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication and I needed to provide additional documents. Saved me hours of trying to call.

Good to know about the earnings requirement. I should be fine since I worked steadily for 2 years, but that's helpful context.

Also remember you have to be actively looking for work and documenting your job search activities. Washington ESD requires at least 3 job search activities per week.

That's frustrating but you can appeal those decisions. Did you file an appeal with Washington ESD? You have 30 days from the determination date.

Yeah I appealed and won eventually, but it took months. The whole system is designed to make you give up.

I'm sorry you went through that. The appeals process can be stressful but it's good you persisted and got the right outcome.

I'm not on standby, just regular unemployment. What kind of training programs extend benefits?

Washington ESD has approved training programs that can extend your benefits while you're learning new skills. You'd need to apply for Training Benefits and get approval before starting any program.

It's up to 26 weeks maximum, but some people get less if they don't have sufficient earnings in their base period or if they find work before using all their benefits.

ok got it thanks

Unfortunately, once you exhaust your 26 weeks of regular UI benefits, that's it unless there are special federal or state extensions in place, which there currently aren't. You should be ramping up your job search efforts as you approach the end.

That's what I was afraid of. At least I have 2 weeks left to find something.

You might want to look into WorkSource services if you haven't already. They have job placement assistance and sometimes that can help you find something before your benefits run out.

Yeah I'm not expecting full salary replacement. Do you know roughly what percentage of your salary unemployment typically covers?

It varies but usually around 50-60% of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum. Washington ESD has a calculator on their website to estimate your weekly benefit amount.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly filings.

And if you have any issues with filing weekly claims or your account gets locked, that's another situation where Claimyr can help you reach a Washington ESD agent quickly to resolve it.

That's encouraging to hear. Did you have any issues with Washington ESD during your claim period?

Not really, my claim was pretty straightforward. Just had to do the weekly filings and job search documentation. The hardest part was actually finding a job that paid as well as my previous one.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and some online job search activities. Washington ESD has a list of approved activities on their website.

You need at least 3 activities per week and they have to be documented with details like company names, contact information, and dates.

Good advice. I'm planning to start applying for jobs immediately, not wait around.

Smart approach. The job market is competitive right now so the sooner you start the better your chances of finding something before your benefits run out.

You still only get 26 weeks total, but working part time can extend the calendar time it takes to use up those 26 weeks since your weekly benefit amount gets reduced when you earn wages.

oh ok so like if i work part time some weeks it might take me 30 calendar weeks to use up my 26 weeks of benefits?

Exactly. If you earn enough in a week to reduce your benefit amount, you're still using up part of your 26-week entitlement, just a smaller portion.

Yes, Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on your part-time earnings, but you can still collect partial benefits as long as you're under certain income thresholds. You need to report any wages when you file your weekly claim.

Thanks, that's helpful to know I can still get partial benefits while working part-time.

What counts as suitable work? Does it have to be in the same field or same pay level?

Generally work that matches your skills and experience, though the standards can change over time. After a certain period they expect you to consider jobs that pay less than your previous job.

The suitability criteria are outlined in Washington ESD guidelines. Early in your claim period, you can be more selective, but as time goes on you're expected to widen your search.

This is where Claimyr really comes in handy. When you have urgent issues that need to be resolved quickly, waiting days or weeks to get through to Washington ESD can really hurt your claim. I used it when I got an overpayment notice that I needed to dispute.

That's smart. Those kinds of issues definitely need personal attention from a real person who can look at your specific situation.