Washington ESD unemployment benefits - how long can you collect unemployment?

Thanks! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate the exact number of weeks I get?

Right, it's based on your earnings. Washington ESD looks at your total wages in the base period and divides by your weekly benefit amount to determine your maximum weeks, up to 26. You can check your exact benefit year duration on the Washington ESD website.

Yeah I've been doing the weekly claims online. The job search requirement is 3 per week right? I've been applying to other construction companies but not much is hiring right now.

Exactly, 3 job search activities per week minimum. You can use WorkSourceWA to track them. Construction work is definitely seasonal so that makes it harder.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money with just the unemployment payments coming in.

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was worth it to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD instead of getting hung up on constantly.

That's good to know. So if I find a short-term job for a few weeks and then get laid off again, I could still use my remaining weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's within your benefit year and you have weeks remaining. You'd just restart filing weekly claims where you left off.

Yeah the timing is terrible with winter coming. Are you doing anything besides the regular job search stuff?

mostly just applying online and checking with the union hall when they have anything. not much else to do

Good point. I might pick up some odd jobs here and there. Do I report gross or net earnings?

Always report gross earnings before taxes. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your weekly benefit amount.

After your regular 26 weeks of UI benefits end, that's it for that benefit year. You'd need to have enough new earnings to qualify for a new claim. There used to be extended benefits during the pandemic but those ended.

Damn, so basically you better find work within 6 months or you're screwed. That's pretty stressful.

Easy to say when you're not the one trying to find work. Some industries take longer than others, especially skilled trades.

True, I wasn't trying to be insensitive. Just explaining the system's design. Construction is definitely one of those fields where timing matters a lot.

Did they help you figure out if you were getting the right amount? I'm not sure if my weekly benefit is calculated correctly.

Yeah, the agent was able to look at my account and explain exactly how they calculated my weekly benefit amount. Turned out I was getting the right amount, but it was good to confirm.

Wait, so the clock starts ticking from when I filed, not when I got approved? That seems unfair if there are delays on their end.

Exactly. The benefit year is always 52 weeks from your filing date, regardless of any processing delays. It's one of the frustrating aspects of the system.

I mean, unemployment isn't supposed to be permanent though. The point is to bridge you between jobs, not replace working entirely.

Nobody's saying it should be permanent, but 26 weeks isn't always enough time to find work that actually pays your bills. Especially in specialized fields.

If your claim goes into adjudication, the time spent waiting for a decision doesn't count against your 26 weeks. But the benefit year clock keeps running.

That's somewhat reassuring. I just don't want to lose weeks of benefits because Washington ESD takes forever to make decisions.

How long did it take them to connect you? I've been trying to call Washington ESD directly but can never get through.

Much faster than calling myself. They handle the waiting and calling back when an agent is available. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Good luck with the job search! Construction should pick back up in spring if nothing else comes up before then.

Thanks, that's what I'm hoping for. Just gotta make it through the winter somehow.

I'll look into that. Haven't really explored what WorkSourceWA offers beyond the job search logging requirement.

They actually have some good resources, especially for trade workers. Career counseling, skills assessments, sometimes even training programs.

You still need to file during your assigned week even if there's a holiday. The online system is usually available 24/7, but if there are technical issues, Washington ESD usually extends deadlines.

Good to know. I was worried about missing a week and losing benefits.

You can continue collecting Washington ESD benefits if you move, but you have to follow the other state's job search requirements and report your move to Washington ESD.

That's complex. Would I need to register with that state's workforce agency too?

Usually yes, you'd register with their workforce system for job search purposes, but Washington ESD would still pay your benefits.

Yeah, I started applying right away even though my foreman said they might have work in spring. Can't count on maybe.

Smart approach. Better to have options than to be scrambling when your benefits are about to run out.

What counts as suitable work? I assume it has to be somewhat related to my experience and pay reasonably well?

Generally work that matches your skills and pays at least 70% of your previous wage, but the standards can change over time during your claim. Washington ESD has guidelines on their website.

Seriously, their website is confusing as hell. Half the time I can't find basic information about my own claim.

Exactly. And good luck getting anyone on the phone to explain things clearly. That's why services like Claimyr are probably popular.