Are unemployment benefits extensions available in Washington 2025? ESD guidance needed

I'm getting close to exhausting my regular UI benefits (maybe about 3 weeks left) and starting to panic a bit. With the construction industry still being slow this winter, I doubt I'll find work before my benefits run out. Does anyone know if Washington ESD is offering any unemployment extensions right now? The ESD website is confusing me - I see old info about emergency extensions from years ago, but nothing current. Has anyone successfully qualified for extended benefits recently? If so, do I need to file a separate application or does it happen automatically? Really appreciate any help - trying to figure out if I need to drastically cut expenses or if there's still hope for some income.

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15 comments

Andre Dupont

•14d

Unfortunately, there are currently no unemployment benefit extensions available in Washington state in 2025. The extension programs like EB (Extended Benefits) and PEUC that existed during economic downturns are not active right now. Regular UI benefits in Washington last for 26 weeks maximum, and once those are exhausted, there are no additional weeks available. I'd recommend focusing on these options: 1. Make sure you're meeting your 3 required job search activities every week 2. Connect with your local WorkSource office for employment assistance 3. Look into other assistance programs like SNAP (food benefits) or housing assistance if needed Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's better to know now so you can plan accordingly.

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Mei Lin

•14d

Have you tried calling the ESD directly? I couldn't get through for weeks when trying to resolve an issue with my claim. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent - they got me through to ESD in about 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days. They have a video of how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent confirmed there are no standard extensions currently, but they were able to tell me about some industry-specific retraining benefits I qualified for as a seasonal worker. Might be worth asking if there's anything specific to construction or your situation that could help.

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GalacticGuru

•14d

The Training Benefits Program is definitely still active! It provides up to 26 additional weeks of benefits while you train for a new career, but you need to get the training plan approved by ESD before your regular benefits end. There's specific criteria and paperwork required. For construction workers, there are several approved training paths including various trades certifications, energy efficiency specialists, and project management programs. Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) is another option that provides shorter-term benefits while in training. Here's the process: 1. Find an approved training program 2. Submit the Training Benefits application before your regular UI runs out 3. Get approval from ESD 4. Enroll and start training while continuing to file weekly claims The key is to start the process now rather than waiting until your benefits are about to expire.

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AstroAdventurer

•14d

Update for anyone who finds this thread later: I called ESD using the Claimyr service mentioned below (which did work to get me through quickly) and confirmed there are currently no general extensions available in Washington. However, I learned I might qualify for the Training Benefits program since I'm willing to retrain. I'm now looking at a 12-week certification program for energy-efficient construction techniques that would give me some additional weeks of benefits while I gain new skills. The ESD agent was really helpful in explaining the application process. Fingers crossed I get approved!

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