Can I apply for unemployment after it runs out in Washington ESD?

So there's no extension or anything? I thought maybe there was some kind of program for people who are still actively looking for work.

There used to be extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but those aren't currently available in Washington. Your best bet is to check with WorkSource for job placement assistance and other support programs.

You'd need to establish a new base period with qualifying wages. Generally this means working several months and earning enough to meet Washington ESD's minimum requirements for a new claim.

Six months? That seems like a really long time. Did you have any other options for assistance during that period?

I looked into food assistance and housing help through DSHS. There are other safety net programs, just not unemployment compensation.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. I was able to talk to someone within a day about my benefit extension questions.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It basically handles the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours or keep getting disconnected. They connect you directly with an ESD agent when one becomes available.

That's what I was afraid of. How are you managing without the unemployment income?

its been really hard tbh. picked up some gig work to get by but its not nearly enough. really wish they still had those pandemic extensions

Do you know what the minimum wage thresholds are? I want to make sure I understand exactly what I need to earn.

The specifics can vary, but you typically need wages in at least two quarters of your base period and your total wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. Washington ESD's website has the exact calculations.

I feel you on this. Been looking for work in my field for 8 months now and nothing. The whole 'just get any job' advice doesn't help when you have specialized skills and experience.

Exactly! And taking a minimum wage job just to qualify for benefits again doesn't make financial sense when you have years of professional experience.

That's a good point. I hadn't thought about looking into other assistance programs. Do you know if there's a central place to apply for multiple programs?

You can apply for most benefits through Washington Connection (washingtonconnection.org). It covers SNAP, medical, and some other programs all in one application.

Standby is for people who are temporarily laid off but expect to return to their job within a specific timeframe. It's not something you can just switch to when regular benefits end - you have to qualify based on your employer's situation.

Oh okay, that doesn't apply to my situation then. I was permanently laid off, not temporarily.

I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took about a day but I was able to speak with an actual ESD representative who explained my options. Way better than trying to call directly.

Did they charge you for that? Sounds like it might be worth it if I can actually get answers.

Yeah there's a fee but honestly it was worth it to finally talk to someone and get clear information about my situation. The uncertainty was killing me.

Good advice. I've been keeping a job search log anyway for my weekly claims, so I'll continue that.

PUA and PEUC were federal pandemic programs that ended in 2021. If you were on those programs, you'd still need to meet the regular state requirements to establish a new regular UI claim - meaning you need qualifying wages from covered employment.

Seriously! And the website isn't much better. Half the information is outdated or written in confusing bureaucratic language.

exactly. like why cant they just have a simple FAQ that says 'your benefits end, here's what you need to do next' instead of making people guess

Can you explain the difference? I'm considering taking some temporary work while I continue looking.

If you're still within your benefit year and have weeks left, you can work part-time and potentially still collect partial benefits. But once your claim expires, any work you do goes toward establishing eligibility for a completely new claim.

That's a great idea. I'll look up my local WorkSource office and see what services they offer.

They also help with resume review, interview prep, and job placement services. Even if you can't get extended unemployment, they might help you find work faster.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. It's not what I wanted to hear but at least now I know what to expect and can plan accordingly.