How to know when Washington ESD unemployment runs out - checking benefit balance

Thanks! I'll log in and check that out. Do you know if the weeks reset at all or is it just a hard cutoff?

It's typically a hard cutoff at 26 weeks unless there are extensions available, which is rare these days.

Tell me about it! I've been trying to call for weeks about a different issue and can never get through.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It basically calls for you and connects you when an agent picks up.

So even if my benefit year isn't over, I still can't get more payments after 26 weeks?

Correct. The benefit year just determines when you can file a new claim, but the 26 weeks is your payment limit for that claim.

This is so confusing. Why do they make it so complicated?

What happened when they ran out? Did you get any warning?

Nope, just stopped getting payments. I had to scramble to figure out if I could file a new claim or what my options were.

It's definitely not user-friendly. The Claim Summary page should have everything in one place but they spread it out everywhere.

I agree the website is awful. That's why I ended up using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about my claim details. Way easier than trying to navigate their terrible online system.

No, the 26 weeks only counts weeks where you actually received a payment. Weeks where you earned too much and got $0 don't count against your limit.

Oh that's good to know! I had a few weeks where I picked up some part-time work and didn't get paid.

Right? You'd think they'd send you some kind of heads up when you're getting close.

They should but they don't. Washington ESD communication is terrible across the board.

That's smart. I should have been doing that from the beginning.

Same here. Now I'm trying to backtrack through all my bank deposits to figure out how many weeks I've used.

You might be able to file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim started, but the requirements are pretty strict. Otherwise you're looking at other assistance programs.

I had to look into food stamps and other assistance when my UI ran out. The transition was rough.

I didn't even know they had a mobile app! Is it worth downloading?

Honestly, no. Just use the website on your phone browser - it works better than their app.

Same! I'm going to log in right after I finish reading these responses.

Better to know now than be surprised later. At least you can start planning ahead.

How much does that service cost? Is it worth it just to check my benefit balance?

For me it was worth it because I had multiple questions about my claim. They connect you to a real Washington ESD agent so you can get official answers.

That's exactly why the system is broken. Basic information like that should be front and center on your account dashboard.

Agreed. It shouldn't be a surprise when your lifeline gets cut off.

Good advice. I've been pretty casual about my job search but sounds like I need to step it up.

Yeah definitely don't wait. The job market is tough right now and it takes time to land something.

It can happen during severe economic conditions, but it requires federal action. It's not something Washington state can do on their own. The last extensions were during COVID and before that during the 2008 recession.

Don't count on extensions. Plan as if 26 weeks is all you'll get.

Glad it helped! This thread definitely opened my eyes too.

Same here. This is exactly the kind of info Washington ESD should be providing upfront.