When do you stop collecting unemployment benefits in Washington - timing questions

In Washington state, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks (6 months) from when you first started receiving payments, not from when you filed. If you find a job, you stop filing weekly claims starting the week you begin working, even if it's just part-time. Don't file for any weeks where you're working full-time.

make sure you report any job offers or work immediately when you file your weekly claim. washington esd is really strict about this stuff and you don't want to get hit with an overpayment

I had a similar situation last year where I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to ask about my timing questions. Kept calling the main number but either got busy signals or got disconnected after waiting forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD within like 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. The agent was able to explain exactly when my benefits would end and what I needed to do about reporting my new job.

The 26 week limit is just for regular UI benefits. There might be extended benefits available depending on the unemployment rate in Washington, but don't count on it. You should start looking for work seriously if you haven't already because those job search requirements are no joke.

STOP FILING THE MINUTE YOU GO BACK TO WORK!!! I made this mistake and had to pay back like $2000 because I kept filing even though I started a new job. Washington ESD does NOT mess around with overpayments.

Just to clarify the 26 week thing - it's 26 weeks of benefits, not 26 calendar weeks. So if you had any weeks where you didn't get paid due to working or other issues, those don't count toward your 26 weeks. You can check your remaining balance in your Washington ESD account.

i been on unemployment for like 5 months and still haven't found anything decent. all the jobs pay way less than what i was making before. feels like they want us to take any crappy job just to get off the system

Also remember that if you do get a job offer, you generally can't turn it down without good cause or you risk losing your benefits entirely. Washington ESD considers things like pay that's significantly below your previous wage or unsafe working conditions as good cause, but not liking the job or wanting to hold out for something better usually isn't enough.

This whole system is so confusing. I wish they would just send you a letter telling you exactly when your benefits end instead of making you figure it out yourself.

If anyone else is having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about their specific situation, I really recommend checking out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I used it again last week when I had questions about reporting some part-time work and they got me connected right away. Much less stressful than trying to call on your own.

One thing to keep in mind is that even after your regular benefits end, you might be eligible for other programs through WorkSource if you're having trouble finding work. Don't just give up if you hit the 26 week limit.

I stopped collecting after 24 weeks when I found a job. Make sure you keep all your records of job searches and any communication with Washington ESD. They sometimes audit claims even after you're done collecting.

just want to say this thread has been really helpful. i was worried i was doing something wrong with my claims but sounds like im on the right track

The job search requirements are what really stress me out. Having to document everything and worry about whether Washington ESD will think I'm doing enough. Feels like they're always looking for reasons to cut people off.

Quick tip - if you're getting close to your 26 weeks, start preparing for the transition now. Update your resume, reach out to contacts, maybe take some online courses to improve your skills. Don't wait until the last minute.

Remember that once you stop collecting, if you lose your new job within a certain timeframe, you might be able to reopen your claim if you have weeks left. But there are specific rules about this so check with Washington ESD first.

This conversation has covered most of the important points. The main thing is to be honest and timely with all your reporting. Washington ESD can be difficult to deal with but they're usually fair if you follow the rules correctly.

Just to add one more important point - if you're getting close to your 26 week limit and haven't found work yet, start looking into SNAP (food assistance) and other support programs early. There's often a waiting period or application process, so don't wait until your last unemployment check to apply. The transition period can be really tough financially and these programs can help bridge the gap while you continue job searching.