Can I file for an extension on my Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

So there's absolutely no way to get more benefits after 26 weeks? What about state-specific programs?

The only possibility is if Washington's unemployment rate triggers the EB program, but we're nowhere near those thresholds right now. You'd need to look into other assistance programs.

Good point, I should double-check that. How do I find the benefit summary in my account?

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and go to the UI Online section. Your benefit summary should show total weeks available vs weeks claimed.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. You just go to claimyr.com and they handle the calling for you. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work for getting answers about benefit extensions?

Yeah, I used it to clarify my benefit balance and they were able to connect me with an agent who explained my options. Much better than sitting on hold all day.

Those are completely different programs with different eligibility requirements. You can't just switch from UI to disability unless you actually have a qualifying medical condition.

whatever works, the system is broken anyway

That's really detailed info, thanks! So basically I need to hope the economy gets worse for me to get more benefits? That seems backwards.

Unfortunately that's how the system is designed. EB is meant as a safety net during severe economic downturns, not for individual hardship cases.

Have you looked into WorkSourceWA's other services? They have job training programs and sometimes emergency assistance. Also check with local food banks and utility assistance programs.

I've been working with WorkSourceWA but their job training waitlists are months long. I need help now, not in 6 months.

Same here, I'm getting really worried about how I'll pay rent if there's no extension available.

You can only file a new claim if you've earned enough wages in covered employment since your original claim started. Just working part-time while collecting UI usually doesn't generate enough wages to qualify for a new claim.

Oh that makes sense. I thought any work would reset the clock but I guess it's more complicated than that.

I feel your frustration but that's not how unemployment insurance is designed to work. It's temporary income replacement, not indefinite support.

Well maybe the design is the problem when people can't find work through no fault of their own but still lose their benefits.

I've applied to retail, fast food, warehouse jobs - everything. It's not about being picky, a lot of places just aren't actually hiring despite the signs.

This is so tone deaf. You think we're just sitting around being picky while facing homelessness? The job market is terrible right now.

I'm just saying, in my day people took any job they could get instead of expecting handouts.

That's actually really helpful to know. I might try that service since I can't get through on my own.

Yeah I'm definitely going to check out Claimyr too. I need to know exactly where I stand with my benefits.

This is excellent advice. Always keep filing until you get an official notice that your benefit year has ended.

Good to know, I'll make sure to keep filing my weeklies even after I think I'm at 26 weeks.

That's disappointing but good to know definitively. I'll start looking into other assistance programs now instead of waiting.

Also check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local assistance programs. They have databases of everything available in your area.

How do I check if I'm eligible for a new claim? Do I just try to file one online?

You can call Washington ESD or use one of those calling services to ask them to review your wage history. They'll tell you if you have enough qualifying wages for a new claim.

Exactly! They extended benefits for years during COVID but now that it's not making headlines anymore, they don't care that people are still struggling.

Federal extensions require specific economic triggers or congressional action. The current unemployment rates don't meet the criteria for automatic extensions.

Start researching and applying now. Some programs have waiting periods or long processing times. Better to have backup plans in place.

Good point. I'll start looking into SNAP and other programs this week.

Thanks for the honest answer. It's not what I wanted to hear but at least now I know what I'm dealing with.

What did you end up doing for income after your benefits ran out?

Combination of gig work, food assistance, and help from family until I finally found a permanent job 3 months later. It was rough but I made it through.

I think I'm definitely going to try that service. Seems like several people here have had good experiences with it.

Same here, I'm tired of playing phone tag with Washington ESD. If there's a service that can actually get me through to someone, I'm all for it.