Washington ESD unemployment benefits last how long - need to plan ahead

Thanks for clarifying! So even though my benefit year is 52 weeks, I can only collect for 26 weeks total during that period?

Exactly right. And if you find work and get laid off again during that same benefit year, any weeks you already used count toward your 26-week limit.

Unfortunately, Washington doesn't have an extended benefits program right now. Once you exhaust your 26 weeks, regular UI benefits end. You'd need to requalify with new work history to file a new claim.

That's terrifying. So if I don't find work in the next 8 weeks, I'm completely cut off?

You might want to look into other assistance programs through DSHS while you're still receiving UI benefits. Don't wait until they run out to explore other options.

I had the same issue with getting conflicting info about my remaining weeks. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. They have a system that handles all the calling and connects you when someone picks up. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Did it actually work for you? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah it worked great. Got connected to an agent in about 2 hours instead of spending days trying to call myself. The agent was able to explain exactly how many weeks I had left and why my account was showing wrong info.

The 26 weeks is standard duration, but your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings. You need to have worked enough quarters and earned enough to qualify, but once you qualify, everyone gets up to 26 weeks maximum.

oh ok that makes more sense. so my $320/week for 26 weeks vs someone elses $600/week for 26 weeks

You can work part-time while collecting benefits, but your weekly benefit gets reduced based on your earnings. The key is you can only collect benefits for 26 weeks total during your 52-week benefit year, regardless of whether you're working part-time or not.

So if I work part-time for 10 weeks and collect partial benefits, I'd only have 16 weeks of full benefits left?

Correct. Each week you claim benefits (whether full or partial) counts toward your 26-week limit.

Washington eliminated the waiting week back in 2018. You can receive benefits starting with your first eligible week now, so all 26 weeks are payable weeks.

Oh good to know! I filed my last claim in 2017 so that's why I remembered the waiting week.

Not stupid at all! The weeks don't have to be consecutive. If you find work and stop claiming, you can restart your claim later as long as you're still within your benefit year and haven't used up all 26 weeks.

That's a relief. So I could potentially stretch my benefits over several months if I pick up temp work here and there.

Yes, exactly. Just remember to report any work and wages when you restart your claim.

I'm in the same boat - week 23 here. From what I've researched, there's no automatic extension. You'd have to look into other programs like SNAP, housing assistance, etc. through DSHS.

Have you tried contacting WorkSource? They might have additional job training programs or resources that could help. Some training programs even come with extended benefits.

I'll look into WorkSource. At this point I need to explore every option.

How did you manage to get through to them? I've been trying for days!

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier in this thread. Took about 3 hours but way better than the weeks I spent trying to call myself. The agent was really helpful in explaining all my options.

I might have to try that. Getting accurate information has been impossible through the normal channels.

Good point about standby. I'm a teacher and my summer claim works differently than regular unemployment.

Exactly! Standby claims can be more complex, especially with the able and available requirements.

I agree it seems inflexible, but at least it's predictable. You know exactly what you're getting when you file your claim.

True, but predictable doesn't help when the job market is tough and 26 weeks isn't enough.

That's why the job search requirements exist - they want you actively looking throughout those 26 weeks, not just coasting.

Totally agree. The website is confusing and their phone system is nearly impossible to navigate. Makes an already stressful situation worse.

At least now with services like Claimyr (someone shared the link earlier), you don't have to waste days trying to get through to ask basic questions. But yeah, the info should be more accessible.

I'll have to check out that service. Anything is better than the current system.

Thanks for that tip! I noticed my account was showing weird numbers and couldn't figure out why.

Yeah, the online system has glitches. The email confirmations are usually more reliable for tracking.