Washington ESD unemployment - how long does unemployment last for regular claims?

Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. So I have about 6 months to find something new which seems reasonable.

Just remember you still need to do your weekly claims and job search requirements every week to keep getting paid.

What exactly counts as a job contact? Is applying online enough or do I need to do more?

Applying online counts, but you need to keep detailed records in your job search log. You can also count things like attending job fairs, networking events, or contacting employers directly.

So if I started this week, I have until sometime in July to find work? That's cutting it close but at least gives me a timeline to work with.

Just make sure you're doing your job searches every week and logging them properly. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities even months later.

Did you have any luck finding work before your benefits ran out? I'm worried about the same thing happening to me.

I found something in week 24, thankfully. But it was stressful knowing the deadline was approaching. Don't wait until the last few weeks to get serious about the search.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stretched thin financially.

It's worth checking out their site for the details. For me, the time saved was worth it since I was spending hours trying to get through on my own.

What unemployment rate triggers extended benefits? Is there a specific threshold?

It's complicated - depends on both state and national unemployment rates. Usually needs to be significantly higher than normal for extended benefits to kick in.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you actually get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

Really? I've never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. The phone system is ridiculous.

Once regular UI ends, you might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS but not additional unemployment benefits. Look into food assistance, housing help, etc.

Also check with your local WorkSource office - they sometimes have job training programs that come with small stipends while you learn new skills.

How do partial weeks count? I had one week where I worked a couple days but still filed a claim.

Partial weeks still count toward your 26 week maximum even if you received reduced benefits. Every week you file counts.

Good point, I set up reminders on my phone so I don't forget. Do you file yours online or by phone?

Always online through the Washington ESD website. Way easier than trying to call in.

That's good to know! I didn't realize you could restart a claim like that.

Yeah, as long as it's within your benefit year and you have weeks remaining. The benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed.

That's good to know. I might pick up some side construction work if I can find it.

Just make sure to report every penny you earn, even cash jobs. Washington ESD does cross-check with employers and tax records.

No, regular unemployment in Washington is 26 weeks, which is about 6 months. You might be thinking of some other state or a different program.

oh man i need to tell my brother then, he thinks his benefits are ending soon but hes only been on for 2 months

Temp work can be tricky with unemployment. You have to report all earnings and it might affect your weekly benefit amount. But it's better than nothing.

I did temp work while on UI. Just make sure you report everything accurately on your weekly claims or you could get hit with an overpayment later.

Did they help you understand the 26 week limit better? I'm still confused about how it all works.

Yes, the ESD agent they connected me with explained exactly how many weeks I had left and when my benefit year would end. Much clearer than trying to figure it out from the website.

I understand the frustration but you're not supposed to be picky. You have to accept suitable work or risk having your benefits stopped.

I know, I know. It's just frustrating when you've worked your way up in a field and then have to start over at entry level somewhere else.

After regular benefits end, there's no automatic extension right now. You might qualify for other programs through WorkSource or retraining programs, but there's no additional unemployment payments currently.

That's what I was afraid of. I better step up my job search efforts then.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr when I had questions. Much easier than trying to navigate the phone system myself. Really wish I had known about it during my first unemployment claim.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything that helps with reaching Washington ESD sounds worth trying.

I'm on regular unemployment, not standby, so 26 weeks it is. Thanks for clarifying though.

No problem! Good luck with your job search. Construction work should pick up in spring if you don't find something before then.

I've been keeping a spreadsheet with all my applications and contacts. Is that enough or do I need to use their specific form?

A spreadsheet is fine as long as it has all the required information - employer name, contact method, date, type of contact, etc. The important thing is having detailed records.

Good luck with your interviews! That's smart to track everything manually.

Thanks! The manual tracking helps because sometimes the ESD website is confusing about which week you're actually on.

Washington did eliminate the waiting week a few years ago, but you still get a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits. The elimination just means you get paid for your first week instead of having to wait.

So it's 26 weeks of actual payments, not 26 weeks including a waiting week. That's better than I thought.

Good advice. I'm trying to be realistic about what jobs I'll take while still hoping to stay in construction.

Smart approach. Better to find something decent early than scramble at the end when benefits are running out.

Good luck! I hope you get it. I'm definitely taking the job search more seriously after reading all these responses.

Hope it works out! The pressure definitely increases as you get closer to that 26 week cutoff.

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough hours since your last claim ended. There are specific requirements about how much you need to have earned, but it's possible to qualify for a new 26-week period.

That's good to know. Hopefully I won't need it but construction can be unpredictable.

That sounds really helpful. I've been trying to call ESD directly but never get through.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - they handle getting you connected to an actual person instead of dealing with busy signals and hold times.

This is important advice. Too many people assume there will be extensions like during COVID but that was an unusual situation.

Exactly. Better to find work in week 20 than hope for extensions that don't exist.

I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had issues. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone - saved me a lot of frustration trying to call on my own.

I'll have to look into that for future reference. The regular phone system is definitely broken.

Already set up, thanks! First payment should be direct deposited this week.

Perfect. Makes everything much smoother than waiting for checks.

What kind of work are you looking for? Maybe we're in similar fields and can share leads.

I'm in manufacturing but looking at construction too since the skills overlap somewhat.