Washington ESD unemployment benefits ending - when do unemployment benefits stop exactly?

So if I filed in March 2024, my benefit year would end in March 2025? Even if I haven't used all 26 weeks?

Exactly right. The benefit year is a hard deadline - you can't collect benefits past that 52-week mark even if you have unused weeks remaining.

I looked but honestly that website is so confusing. There are so many numbers and I can't tell which one is the important one.

If you're having trouble navigating the Washington ESD site or need to talk to someone about your remaining benefits, I had luck using Claimyr to get through to an actual agent. They helped me understand my claim status - there's a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and the site is claimyr.com

That was extended benefits during the pandemic. Regular Washington unemployment is back to the standard 26 weeks maximum.

Ugh okay thanks for clarifying. I was hoping I had more time than I thought.

What kind of options? Like can you extend somehow?

Not really extend regular benefits, but they'll tell you about things like WorkSource services, retraining programs, or if there are any federal extension programs available (which there usually aren't unless there's a recession).

Did you have to do anything special for that last payment or does it just automatically process?

You still have to file your weekly claim like normal. The system just won't authorize payment after you hit the limit.

This is exactly what happened to me too. Got all the warning letters but still felt weird when that final payment didn't show up.

Wait what? I never heard about a waiting week counting against the total. That seems unfair.

The waiting week does count toward your total weeks claimed, but Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement back in 2018. So if you filed recently you shouldn't have had a waiting week at all.

Really? Even if I only get like $50 that week because I worked a few hours?

Yep, any week you claim counts as one of your 26 weeks regardless of the payment amount. Kind of a bummer but that's how it works.

I mean I get the frustration but the 26 week limit has been standard for decades. It's meant to be temporary assistance.

Yeah well 'temporary' feels pretty permanent when you've been looking for work for 6 months and nobody's hiring

You can file a new claim, but you'd need to have worked and earned enough wages in the new base period to qualify. Most people who've been unemployed for a full year won't have recent enough work history.

That makes sense but also seems like a catch-22 situation for long-term unemployed people.

How did she get it sorted out? Did she have to call Washington ESD?

Yeah she had to call repeatedly. Actually ended up using some service called Claimyr that helped her get through to someone faster. Saved her a lot of time on hold.

Hang in there! I was in the same boat and found work in my final week. The pressure actually motivated me to apply to more places.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm definitely stepping up my job search efforts now.

Extended Benefits (EB) are triggered automatically when a state's unemployment rate hits certain thresholds. Washington hasn't had EB available for several years now since unemployment rates have been relatively low.

Ah okay, so it's not something you can just apply for - it has to be activated statewide.

Is WorkSource required or optional? I've been doing my job searches on my own.

It's optional but can be really helpful. Plus if there are ever any training programs available, being registered with WorkSource gives you a leg up.

Wow that's really specific timing. Did you know that was going to happen?

The letters mentioned the exact end date but I wasn't paying close enough attention to realize it would cut off mid-week.

I've tried calling so many times but can never get through. Always just get busy signals or hung up on.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they basically auto-dial for you and get you connected to an actual person. Way less frustrating than trying to call yourself.

Thanks, that's reassuring. I guess I just needed to hear that from someone who's been through it.

Totally understand the anxiety. The whole process is stressful enough without worrying about timing details.

Good point. I haven't been saving everything but I'll start doing that now.

Yeah it's one of those things you don't think about until you need it. Better to have the paperwork and not need it.