Age discrimination in job market after 65? Dealing with ESD benefits while avoiding early SS

I'm sorry you're going through this. At 63, I've been in a similar situation and understand the frustration. For your ESD claim, make sure you're meeting all the job search requirements (3 documented activities per week) and keeping detailed records. Age discrimination is unfortunately common but hard to prove. Some strategies that helped me:\n\n1. Update your resume to focus on recent experience (last 10-15 years only)\n2. Remove graduation dates from education section\n3. Use updated industry terminology in your resume and interviews \n4. Emphasize your technology skills and recent training\n5. Consider applying to companies with age-diverse workforces\n\nAlso, if you're concerned about your benefits running out, remember you can request an extension if you're still actively searching when your regular UI is exhausted. Don't give up!

Thank you for these practical tips. I've already removed dates from my education, but I should probably trim down my experience section too. I didn't know about the possibility of an extension - is that something I need to apply for separately, or does ESD automatically consider it when my regular benefits are close to ending?

OMG im dealing with the EXACT same thing!!!! im 61 and cant tell u how many zoom interviews ive had where they seem all excited then NOTHING. its so obvius theyre like

I don't think that's entirely fair to ESD. They do offer reemployment services through WorkSource that specifically help older workers. I went through their 55+ program last year and got some really helpful resume advice and interview coaching. They can't solve societal ageism, but they do try to help you navigate it better.

Have you considered consulting or contract work? That's what I did when I faced similar issues at 62. Many companies hesitate to hire older workers for full-time positions but are happy to bring on experienced consultants. You'll still need to maintain your job search requirements for ESD, but I found focusing on short-term contracts actually led to better results than pursuing permanent positions.

That's a really good suggestion. I've primarily been looking at permanent roles, but maybe I should shift my focus to contracts. Did you find these through regular job boards or did you use specialized sites for consulting work?

Just to add some factual information here: if you continue to fulfill all ESD requirements but are unable to find employment due to no fault of your own, you should be eligible for your full benefit period regardless of age. You need to complete 3 job search activities weekly, document them properly, and submit your weekly claims on time. Age discrimination is illegal under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, though as you noted, it can be difficult to prove.\n\nIf you're applying to larger companies (50+ employees), they're more likely to have HR departments with strict anti-discrimination policies. Also, certain industries tend to be more age-diverse than others - government, education, healthcare, and non-profits often value experience more highly.

Thank you for this information. I've been focusing on private sector roles in my industry, but maybe I should expand my search to include government and non-profit positions. Is there any penalty from ESD if I turn down a job offer that pays significantly less than my previous position?

If you need to reach someone at ESD to discuss your specific situation or concerns about your claim running out, I highly recommend using Claimyr. After weeks of failing to get through on the ESD phone lines, I used their service and got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The site is claimyr.com - it made a huge difference for me when I had questions about my job search requirements as an older worker.

does it actually work?? ive tried calling ESD like 20 times and either get hung up on or sit on hold forever!!

I'm 67 and went through EXACTLY what you're describing last year. After 6 months of interviews leading nowhere, I finally found something by networking through former colleagues. The online application process is BRUTAL for older workers - it's like throwing resumes into a black hole. I stayed on unemployment the whole time and it was a lifesaver financially.\n\nOne thing that really helped me was joining some of the WorkSource workshops. They have specific resources for older job seekers, and the career counselors understand the unique challenges we face. They helped me reframe my experience in ways that emphasized my value rather than my long work history (which just screams 'old!'). \n\nDon't get discouraged - it took me longer than I expected, but I did find something, and you will too!

That's encouraging to hear you found something after a similar struggle. I'll definitely look into the WorkSource workshops - I've been reluctant to use those services because I wasn't sure they'd be helpful for someone with my experience level, but it sounds like they might be worth a try.

To answer your question about turning down lower-paying jobs: ESD requires that after you've been receiving benefits for a certain period (usually around 13 weeks), you may be expected to consider jobs that pay at least 90% of your previous wages. During the initial weeks, you generally can limit your search to jobs paying 100% of your previous wage.\n\nHowever, if you've been on unemployment for longer periods, this percentage decreases further. It's important to note that if you refuse what ESD considers 'suitable work,' it could potentially affect your benefits. Each case is evaluated individually based on your skills, experience, and local job market conditions.\n\nI'd recommend discussing this with an ESD representative to understand how this applies to your specific situation.

That's really helpful information, thank you. I wasn't aware of the 90% threshold after 13 weeks. I'll need to keep that in mind as I continue my search.

hey has anyone tried that claimyr thing? i might try it tomorrw, spent all day on hold AGAIN and then got disconnected!!

I used it a couple months ago when I had an adjudication issue. It worked as advertised - got me through to an actual person in about 20-25 minutes instead of trying for days. Definitely worth it if you have urgent questions or issues with your claim.

In response to your question about extensions - ESD doesn't automatically extend benefits. Regular UI benefits typically last for 26 weeks. Additional weeks might be available during periods of high unemployment through programs like Extended Benefits (EB) or other federal extensions when authorized, but these aren't always available.\n\nCurrently, I believe we're only in a standard benefit period in Washington, so planning for the 26-week timeframe is wise. This makes your job search strategy even more important. Given what you've shared, I'd recommend:\n\n1. Diversifying your search to include contract/consulting roles as suggested\n2. Utilizing WorkSource services specifically for older workers\n3. Leveraging any professional networks you've built over your career\n4. Considering adjacent industries where your experience transfers\n\nAnd document EVERYTHING for your weekly claims - even networking conversations can count as job search activities if properly recorded.

Great advice. I'd add that temporary staffing agencies can also be a good option. They often place experienced professionals in short-term roles that can lead to permanent positions. Some agencies even specialize in placing retired or semi-retired professionals who want to work but not necessarily full-time.

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses and suggestions. I'm going to implement many of these ideas - updating my resume further, looking into WorkSource workshops, expanding my search to include contract roles and different sectors, and networking more actively with former colleagues. It's somewhat comforting (though also disheartening) to know I'm not alone in experiencing these challenges. I'll continue with my ESD requirements while broadening my approach to the job search. If I need to speak with ESD directly about my situation, I'll definitely try the Claimyr service mentioned. I appreciate all your support and practical advice!

One final tip: when you're documenting your job search activities for ESD, make sure you're using their official job search log and being very detailed. Include the exact job title, company name, contact method, and follow-up actions. The more thorough your documentation, the less likely you'll have issues if your claim gets selected for review. Best of luck with your search!