


Ask the community...
I'm on week 20 of my benefits and starting to get nervous about finding work soon. Has anyone had luck with extending benefits beyond 26 weeks? I heard there might be options during high unemployment periods.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This thread has been way more useful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website. Sounds like I can count on 26 weeks maximum, need to keep up with job search requirements, and should start looking for work immediately rather than waiting.
And if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, remember that Claimyr option. Saved me so much time and frustration.
One last suggestion - check with local churches and community organizations even if you're not religious. Many have emergency assistance funds that don't require you to be a member.
Following this thread because I'm in a similar situation. My benefits end next month and I'm terrified. At least now I have some idea of what steps to take.
Just want to add - don't give up. 8 months feels like forever but the right opportunity will come along. Keep refining your approach and staying persistent. The job market is tough right now but it's not impossible.
Last thing - make sure you file your weekly claims EVERY week, even if you haven't received your determination yet. If you skip weeks, you can't go back and claim them later. The system doesn't automatically file for you.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to file my claim this week and see what happens. Sounds like I probably qualify but won't know for sure until Washington ESD reviews everything.
And remember if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service is still an option. Much easier than trying to get through on your own.
CosmicCruiser
Remember to report any income you earn while collecting unemployment, even part-time work. You can still get partial benefits but you have to report it.
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Connor Murphy
•What if I do some freelance work? Does that count as income I need to report?
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CosmicCruiser
•Yes, any income needs to be reported including freelance work, even if it's just a few dollars. Better to over-report than under-report.
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Anastasia Fedorov
The whole system seems intimidating at first but once you get the hang of filing weekly claims it becomes routine. The key is just getting that initial application submitted.
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Connor Murphy
•Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going to file my application tonight.
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Yara Haddad
•That's the spirit! You've got this. Come back and update us on how it goes.
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