Washington ESD unemployment benefit duration - how long can I collect?

Thanks! So the 18 months I worked doesn't affect the 26 week limit?

Correct - the 26 weeks is the maximum duration regardless of your work history, as long as you qualify for benefits.

No, regular UI benefits are still up to 26 weeks in Washington. You might be thinking of a different program or another state.

How do I know what my actual duration will be? Is this shown somewhere in my Washington ESD account?

Yes, when you log into your SecureAccess Washington account, your benefit summary should show your maximum benefit amount and the estimated duration based on your weekly benefit amount.

How much does that cost? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford to pay for phone calls.

It's worth checking out their site for the details. For me, getting actual answers about my claim was worth it after weeks of frustration with the regular phone system.

The pandemic programs like PEUC and extended benefits have ended. Currently, extensions are only available during high unemployment periods when triggered by specific economic conditions, which isn't the case right now.

Got it, so basically plan for 26 weeks max and hope to find work before then.

Once you exhaust your regular UI benefits, you'd need to look into other assistance programs. WorkSource has job training programs that might help, and there are other state assistance programs for basic needs.

yeah the job market is rough right now, 26 weeks goes by fast

Good point. I've been tracking my job searches but wasn't sure about the exact requirements.

Keep detailed records! They can audit your job search log at any time, and if you can't prove you met the requirements, they can create an overpayment.

I feel this so much. The weekly claiming process is anxiety-inducing when you're already stressed about finding work.

At least Washington's benefits are better than some states. Could be worse.

That's interesting. So if I used 10 weeks of benefits, found work, then got laid off again 6 months later, I'd still have 16 weeks left?

Exactly, as long as you're still within your original benefit year and meet the other eligibility requirements.

There are some training programs through WorkSource that can extend benefits, but they have specific eligibility requirements. You'd need to be enrolled in an approved training program and meet certain criteria.

thanks, ill look into that. running out of time here

Washington eliminated the waiting week, so you can receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment if you're eligible. The 26 weeks is the total number of weeks you can receive payments.

Wait, so it's not always 26 weeks? How do they calculate the actual number?

It's based on your total wages in the base period. Lower wages might mean fewer weeks of benefits, but 26 is the maximum anyone can get.

This is great advice. I made the mistake of taking the first few weeks 'off' and regretted it later.

Yes, all the pandemic unemployment programs ended in 2021. Your cousin might be thinking of PEUC or PUA, which provided extended benefits during COVID but are no longer available.

That makes sense. Better to focus on quality applications than just meeting the 3 job search requirement.

I'll look for that calculator. Having a concrete timeline would help with planning.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I'm worried about being forced to take a job that pays way less than my previous position.

Generally, suitable work considers your skills, experience, and local job market. Early in your claim, they're more flexible about wage requirements, but expectations change as time goes on.

Good advice. I'm keeping a spreadsheet of all my job applications and networking activities.

This is true, but you need sufficient wages in a new base period to qualify for a new claim. It's not automatic.

That's encouraging to hear! What field were you in?

Manufacturing, similar to you. There are opportunities out there, just takes patience and persistence.