Washington ESD unemployment benefits how long can I collect them?

Oh ok that makes more sense. So I have 26 weeks of payments but spread over a whole year if needed?

Exactly! And you have to keep filing your weekly claims and meet the job search requirements to keep getting paid.

I worked full time for 2 years so hopefully that's enough. How do I check what my base period wages were?

You can see it in your eServices account under 'Monetary Determination' or it should be on the paperwork they sent you when your claim was approved.

Yeah I remember getting those extra weeks during the pandemic but don't count on that happening again anytime soon.

Bummer, was hoping there might be something extra available. Guess I better start job hunting hard.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, even some training programs. Check the WorkSource website for the full list.

I got disqualified for not doing enough job searches last year. They're pretty strict about it now.

Really? How does that work exactly? I tried calling Washington ESD yesterday and gave up after an hour.

It basically calls for you and waits in the queue, then connects you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than sitting there listening to hold music forever.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Might be worth trying if I can't get through the normal way.

Wait really? So if I take a temp job I could lose benefits?

Not lose them, but you won't get more weeks added. You'd still have whatever weeks you didn't use before.

That's why some people are careful about taking really short term work unless it pays well enough to be worth it.

Right? I had to learn most of this stuff the hard way. Their website has the info but it's buried in legal language.

At least it's better than it was during COVID when their whole system was crashing every week lol

How do I find out about those programs? That might be a good option.

WorkSource has information about approved training programs. You have to get permission from Washington ESD before you start though.

Training programs are great but they have waiting lists and not everyone qualifies. Don't count on it as your only plan.

That's scary. Did you have any luck with temp agencies or anything while you were looking?

Temp work can help but make sure it doesn't interfere with your benefit weeks if you still have them available.

Yeah I moved to Oregon while on Washington benefits and had to jump through a bunch of hoops to keep getting paid.

Not planning to move but good to know. This system has so many gotchas.

I was making about $20/hour so not sure where that puts me. Is there a calculator somewhere?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website. It's based on your highest earning quarter in your base period.

How much does something like that cost? Seems too good to be true.

It was worth it for me to get my questions answered quickly. Check out their site for details.

Wait what? So I won't get paid for my first week even though I filed?

Nope, the first week is a waiting week. Everyone has to serve it. You still file the weekly claim but don't get paid for that week.

That's such BS. Like people aren't already struggling enough without losing a week of benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. This is way more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone.

Good luck with your job search! The warehouse industry is pretty busy right now so hopefully you'll find something soon.

What kind of documentation should I keep?

Job search log, copies of applications you submitted, any correspondence with Washington ESD, and records of any part-time work or income.

I keep everything in a folder on my computer. Makes it easy to find if they ask for it later.