As someone who just went through this process myself, I can confirm that Mason's understanding is correct - you get up to 26 weeks of benefits during your 52-week benefit year. The key thing that helped me was understanding that these don't have to be consecutive weeks. I lost my retail job in September and have been strategically using my benefits while also doing some part-time work when available. Those weeks where I earned enough to not receive unemployment didn't count against my 26-week limit, which gave me more flexibility. Also, definitely start documenting everything from day one - job searches, any work you do, all communications with ESD. The weekly filing requirement is strict, so set a reminder for yourself. One last tip: if you're getting close to exhausting your benefits, start researching training programs and other assistance early. Don't wait until your last few weeks to explore your options. Good luck with your job search!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who recently navigated the Washington unemployment system. I was laid off from my tech job in October and went through the same confusion about benefit duration. What really helped me was calling the ESD office early in my claim to confirm my specific situation - turns out the 26-week maximum applies, but like others mentioned, the weeks don't have to be consecutive. I've been doing some freelance work occasionally, and those weeks where I earn enough to not collect benefits don't count against my limit. One thing I'd recommend is downloading the ESD mobile app if you haven't already - it makes weekly filing much easier and you can check your benefit balance anytime. Also, start networking NOW even if you're not desperate yet. I wish I had started building professional connections earlier in my unemployment period rather than just focusing on online applications. The job market is tough but there are opportunities out there. Good luck Mason!

I was in a very similar situation recently! My benefits ended in August, I worked part-time for about 4 months, then got my hours drastically reduced in December. Filed a new claim in January and it was actually pretty straightforward. Since you've been working since your last claim ended, you'll definitely need to file a completely new claim - don't try to reopen the old one. The Washington ESD website has gotten much better lately, and the whole application took me about 20 minutes. Make sure you have your recent pay stubs, employer contact info, and any separation paperwork ready before you start. My new claim was approved within about 10 days, which was way faster than I expected. One thing that helped me was using the eligibility tool on the ESD website first to make sure I was on the right track. Don't delay filing - every week you wait is potential money lost if you do qualify. Good luck!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago! After my claim ended, I worked part-time for about 6 months before getting laid off again. You absolutely can reapply - no waiting period needed since you've been working. The key is to file a NEW claim, not reopen your old one. Since you worked after your benefit year ended, Washington ESD will look at your recent wages to calculate your new benefits. I actually ended up with a higher weekly benefit amount because I was earning more at my recent job than when I first filed years ago. The online application is pretty straightforward - just have all your recent employer info, pay stubs, and separation notice ready. It took me about 25 minutes to complete and my claim was approved in about a week and a half. Don't stress too much about it - layoffs due to reduced hours are usually processed quickly since the reason for separation is clear cut.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and made the mistake of not reporting immediately - ended up with a $600 overpayment that was a real headache to deal with. The key thing is Washington ESD considers you employed from your scheduled start date, not your actual first day of work. So even if you start Monday but report it today, that's the right approach. I'd also recommend calling the employer and asking for their Federal EIN number before you submit the report online - you'll need that information and it's easier to get it now than trying to hunt it down later. The online reporting is definitely the way to go if you can access it. One last tip - after you submit the return to work report, don't file any more weekly claims even if the system lets you. I've heard of people accidentally filing additional claims after reporting return to work and it creates complications. Good luck with the new position!

I'm in a similar boat - just got offered a position that starts next Monday and was stressing about the reporting requirements! This thread has been incredibly helpful. Based on everyone's advice, it sounds like the key points are: 1) Report immediately through SecureAccess Washington, don't wait for your next weekly claim, 2) Use the exact start date even if it's in the future, 3) Get your employer's Federal EIN number beforehand to make the process smoother, and 4) Save confirmation for your records. One question - does anyone know if there's a specific time of day that's better for accessing the SecureAccess Washington website? I've heard some government sites can be slow during peak hours and want to make sure I can get this reported today without technical issues.

This thread highlights a really important issue - the inconsistency in guidance from ESD agents. @Yang Wang's experience of being told rental income counts as self-employment directly contradicts what multiple others have experienced and what the official policy seems to indicate. I think this shows why it's so crucial to get clarification in writing or speak with a supervisor if you get conflicting information. For anyone facing this situation, I'd recommend: 1) Document exactly what the agent tells you and get their name/ID if possible, 2) Ask for specific policy references they're citing, and 3) Consider calling back to speak with a different agent if you get an answer that doesn't align with the general consensus. The difference between passive rental income and self-employment classification could significantly impact your benefits, so it's worth getting multiple confirmations before proceeding.

Given the conflicting information that's come up in this thread, I think it's worth mentioning that rental income classification might depend on how it's structured on your tax returns. If you file Schedule E for rental income (which most single-property owners do), that's typically considered passive income. However, if you file Schedule C because you're treating it as a business with significant time investment, that could be why some agents classify it as self-employment. @Yang Wang's experience might reflect this distinction. For @Anita George's situation with a duplex where she lives in half and rents the other half, this would almost certainly be Schedule E passive income territory. But definitely get it confirmed directly with ESD and ask them to reference the specific policy they're using - that way you'll have documentation if there are any issues later.

This is really helpful! I was feeling so overwhelmed when I first started filing claims. One thing I learned is to take screenshots of job postings before applying since some companies remove them quickly. Also, if you attend virtual job fairs or webinars, make sure to save the registration confirmations and any follow-up emails - those count as networking activities. I keep everything in a Google Drive folder organized by week so I can find it easily if needed. The system seems intimidating at first but once you get into a routine it becomes much more manageable.

One thing that really helped me stay organized was creating a simple template for each job search activity. I include: Date, Company/Organization, Contact Person (if applicable), Type of Activity (application, networking, training, etc.), Position/Event Details, Method of Contact, and Follow-up Notes. I also save confirmation emails and take screenshots right away. The key is being consistent - I update my log immediately after each activity so I don't forget important details. It only takes a few extra minutes but saves so much stress later if you get audited. Also, don't forget that informational interviews and career-related LinkedIn conversations can count as networking activities if you document them properly!