When does unemployment stop in Washington - need to know cutoff dates

In Washington state, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks maximum. It's not based on a calendar date but on how many weeks you've claimed. You can check your remaining balance and weeks left in your eServices account on the Washington ESD website.

I just hit my 26 week limit last month and my benefits stopped completely. There's no extension right now like there was during COVID. Once you hit 26 weeks that's it unless you find new qualifying work and can file a new claim.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check your claim details, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an agent quickly. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Wait, I thought unemployment was longer than 26 weeks? My friend in another state got like 39 weeks.

Also keep in mind your benefit year expires after 52 weeks from when you first filed, even if you haven't used all 26 weeks of benefits. So if you went back to work for a while and then got laid off again, you might not be able to collect the full 26 weeks if your benefit year is almost up.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE PEOPLE AND MAKE THEM GIVE UP. They don't want to pay benefits so they make everything as complicated as possible.

If you're worried about your benefits ending soon, make sure you're really stepping up your job search. The job market is actually pretty good right now in most areas.

When I was running out of benefits last year, I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD and ask about my options. The agent was actually really helpful and explained some work programs I didn't know about. Definitely worth using their service if you can't get through on your own.

I'm in the same boat - week 22 and getting nervous. Does anyone know if there's any chance they'll extend benefits again like they did during the pandemic?

Pro tip: if you do find work before your benefits run out, even if it's temporary or part-time, make sure to report it properly. You might be able to file a new claim later if you lose that job too.

Check your determination letter from when you first filed - it should have all the details about your benefit year dates and maximum benefit amount. That's the easiest way to figure out when everything expires.

Just went through this myself. My benefits stopped at exactly 26 weeks even though I still had money left in my benefit account. The weeks are what matters, not the dollar amount.

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator tool that's actually pretty helpful for figuring this stuff out. Just search for 'benefit calculator' on their site.

Has anyone tried calling the WorkSource offices? They might have better info about what happens when benefits end and what other resources are available.

Bottom line - start planning now for when your benefits end. 26 weeks goes by fast and there's no safety net after that unless you qualify for other programs.

If you're really struggling to get information from Washington ESD directly, Claimyr has been a lifesaver for me multiple times. Worth every penny when you actually need to talk to someone who can give you real answers about your specific situation.