Washington ESD unemployment benefits after stem opt ends - how many days allowed?

You should be eligible for regular UI benefits if you've been working and paying taxes in Washington. The key factors are your work history and earnings during your base period, not your previous visa status. As long as you're authorized to work now and actively seeking employment, Washington ESD should process your claim normally.

I went through something similar last year when my work situation changed. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD to file my initial claim. Their phone system is absolutely brutal - I spent weeks trying to reach someone.

Just to clarify the timeline - regular unemployment benefits in Washington provide up to 26 weeks of coverage during your benefit year. Your benefit amount depends on your earnings during the base period, which is typically the first four quarters of the last five completed quarters before you file. Since you've been working consistently, you should qualify for the maximum duration.

Wait I'm confused about the stem thing... doesn't that affect your work authorization? I thought you needed specific permission to work after graduation programs end?

The tech layoffs have been brutal this year. I've seen so many people in similar situations trying to navigate the gap between jobs. At least Washington ESD has been processing claims faster than they were during the pandemic mess.

You mentioned paying taxes for 18 months - that should definitely establish your work history for UI eligibility. The 26-week maximum is standard across Washington, regardless of your background. Just make sure you file your initial claim as soon as you become unemployed to avoid any delays.

I had a friend who used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. She said it was a game changer for actually reaching Washington ESD when she had issues with her claim. Might be worth looking into if you run into problems filing.

Pro tip: start documenting your job search activities now, even before you file. Washington ESD requires detailed records of where you applied, when, and what happened. Having that ready makes the weekly claims much easier.

The tech job market is tough right now but 26 weeks should give you a decent runway to find something good rather than just taking the first offer. Take advantage of that time to be selective.

One thing to watch out for - if you get any severance pay or vacation payout, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD has rules about separation pay that can delay your first payment.

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. The online application is actually pretty straightforward, but if you have any complications or questions during the process, getting phone support is where it gets difficult. That's when services like Claimyr become really valuable.

Don't stress too much about it. You've been working and paying taxes, so you've earned these benefits. The system is designed to help people in exactly your situation - transitioning between jobs in good faith.

Make sure you understand the difference between being 'able and available' versus just available. Washington ESD is particular about that distinction when you file your weekly claims.

The 26-week maximum is per benefit year, so if you exhaust your benefits and later become unemployed again, you'd need to requalify with new work history. But for your current situation, you should have the full duration available.

I used Claimyr when I had adjudication issues with my claim last year. Really worth it when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Their regular phone system is designed to make you give up.