I'm in a very similar situation - also in construction and down to my last few weeks of regular UI benefits. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the Training Benefits program. I had no idea that existed! One question for those who've been through this process: are there any specific training programs that are particularly well-suited for construction workers? I've been doing residential framing for 8 years but I'm open to learning new skills, especially if it means I can get some financial support while training. Energy-efficient construction sounds promising like the original poster mentioned, but I'm wondering if there are other trades or certifications that are considered "high-demand" in Washington right now. Also, does anyone know if the Training Benefits program allows part-time work while you're in training? I might be able to pick up some small side jobs even during the slow season, but I don't want to jeopardize my benefits eligibility. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this thread has given me hope that there might be a path forward even if regular extensions aren't available!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in workforce development - the advice here about Training Benefits is spot on, but I'd also suggest looking into Washington's Apprenticeship programs. Many building trades apprenticeships (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.) actually provide a small living allowance while you're learning, plus you get paid progressively more as you advance through the program. The good news is that some apprenticeships can be combined with Training Benefits in certain circumstances, though you'd need to verify this with ESD. Also, with your framing background, you might be able to get advanced placement in a carpentry apprenticeship program, which could shorten the timeline. One resource that hasn't been mentioned yet is the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) - they have job boards and sometimes know about training opportunities or temporary work that could help bridge the gap. Worth checking out while you're exploring your options. The construction industry in Washington is definitely cyclical, but all the infrastructure and housing development planned for the next few years means there should be good opportunities once you get through this rough patch. Hang in there!

If you're still having trouble reaching someone at Washington ESD about how your benefits might affect your school enrollment, you might want to check out claimyr.com. I used their service to actually get through to a real person at Washington ESD when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get the answers I needed about my specific situation.

I went through this exact situation two years ago when I was laid off from my job at Boeing and had to navigate both Washington ESD benefits and FAFSA applications. Here's what I learned: Yes, your unemployment benefits absolutely count as income on the FAFSA, but don't let that discourage you from applying for aid. The key things to remember are: 1) Get your 1099-G form from Washington ESD as soon as it's available (usually in January), 2) File your taxes early so you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA, and 3) Be completely honest about all income sources. I ended up qualifying for both federal and state aid even with my UI benefits reported. Also, once you start school, make sure to update Washington ESD about your class schedule - they have specific rules about students collecting benefits. The financial aid office at your school will be your best resource for navigating any complications. Don't give up on your education goals because of this temporary income situation!

I had a very similar situation last month where I accidentally reported 22 hours instead of 16. What saved me was keeping detailed notes throughout the process. I documented every call attempt, every eServices message I sent, and kept copies of all my timesheets. When I finally got through to an agent (took about a week), having everything organized made the conversation so much smoother. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - if you're going to try calling, have your Social Security number, claim confirmation number, and the exact week dates ready before you dial. The agents can pull up your information much faster when you have all those details at hand. Also, be prepared to explain exactly how you made the error and what the correct information should be. The whole process was stressful but ESD really does want to get it right. They processed my adjustment within 5 business days once I reached someone, and the extra $156 I was owed showed up as a separate deposit. Hang in there - it's definitely fixable!

For anyone who might be reading this thread in the future, I wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me when I had to correct my hours: 1. If you use direct deposit, make sure your bank info is current in eServices before requesting the adjustment - the corrected payment will use whatever banking info is on file at the time they process it. 2. Don't panic if the adjustment takes longer than expected. Mine took 12 business days instead of the usual 7-10, but I still got every penny I was owed. 3. Consider setting up a simple system for tracking your hours going forward. I now use a notes app on my phone where I record my daily hours right after each shift. Takes 30 seconds but has saved me from making any more mistakes. 4. If you're worried about making errors with partial unemployment claims, the ESD website actually has a worksheet you can download to help calculate your weekly earnings before filing. I wish I had known about it earlier! The most important thing is to act quickly when you realize the mistake. ESD really does work with people to get these things corrected, but the sooner you reach out, the easier the process tends to be.

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!

UPDATE: Found the reopen option under Manage Claims! It was hidden in a submenu. Submitted the request and now it shows as 'pending review.' Hopefully this works without needing to call anyone. Thanks everyone for the help!

Congrats on finding the reopen option! Just a heads up - while your request is pending review, start gathering all your documentation (termination papers, any work you did between claims, etc.) in case they ask for additional verification. Also, once it's approved, you can usually start filing your weekly claims right away even if the first payment takes a bit longer to process. The key is not to let any weeks go unfiled once you're active again. Good luck!