Can I get a new 26-week ESD claim after my benefits expire? Struggling with base year hours at age 60

Unfortunately, you can't just apply for another 26 weeks when your benefit year expires. A benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first applied, and you only get up to 26 weeks of payments within that period. To qualify for a new claim after your benefit year ends, you need to have worked at least 680 hours AFTER you filed your original claim. Regarding base years - ESD uses your base year (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you applied) to determine eligibility. If you don't qualify under the regular base year, they'll automatically check if you qualify under the alternate base year (the last 4 completed quarters). But you can't just pick any time period you want. If you're struggling with age discrimination, I'd recommend connecting with WorkSource - they have special programs for workers over 55 called the Senior Community Service Employment Program that might help.

The system is NOT set up for older workers. I was 58 when I got laid off after 22 yrs at my company & it was BRUTAL. I ran thru my 26 weeks & still no decent job. Just temp work here & there that didn't add up to 680 hrs. Ageism is REAL but they never admit it. They just say "overqualified" which we all know is code for TOO OLD. I had to dip into retirement savings early which KILLED me with penalties. Keep networking with former coworkers - that's how I eventually found something. The online applications are a black hole for us.

One thing to clarify - when they look at the 680 hours for a new claim, they're specifically looking at hours worked after your initial claim was filed. Any work you did before your first claim (even if it was within the new potential base year timeframe) won't count toward qualifying for a new claim. As for your job search, I'd strongly recommend requesting a meeting with an Employment Specialist at WorkSource. They can help you update your resume to address potential age bias and connect you with employers who value experienced workers. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) mentioned above is excellent, and there's also the Economic Security for All (EcSA) initiative that can provide additional support. If you're still struggling to reach someone at ESD about your specific situation, I've had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Helped me get clear answers about my claim situation.

have u tried applying at walmart or costco? they hire older folks and have decent benefits. my uncle got a job at costco at 63 after he got laid off from his office job. not the same pay but better than nothing when ui runs out

Just wanted to add some hope to this thread. I was in your exact shoes two years ago (laid off at 61 after 25+ years). It took me 8 months to find work, which was 5 months after my benefits ran out. It was rough, but I did eventually find a company that valued my experience. My advice? 1) Join LinkedIn if you haven't already and update your profile completely 2) Reach out to EVERY former colleague who might help 3) Consider part-time or contract work to build up those hours 4) Look into whether you qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job went overseas Don't give up! Age discrimination is real but not universal. Some employers actually prefer reliable older workers over younger ones who job-hop.

Wait I'm confused, isn't there extended benefits when regular unemployment runs out? I thought there was a thing called EB or PEUC or something? My cousin said he got like a year of benefits when he was laid off during the pandemic.

Have you looked into training benefits? If you qualify, you can get additional weeks of unemployment benefits while you train for a new career field through the Training Benefits Program. It's designed for dislocated workers. You have to apply within your existing claim period though and get approved for a training program. The WorkSource office can help you figure out if you qualify and how to apply. Might be worth exploring to extend your benefits while gaining marketable skills.

my mom got laid off at 59 and ended up starting her own business with her severance money! now she makes more than she did at her old job lol. maybe instead of looking for someone to hire you, you could be your own boss?

Just an important update regarding what I mentioned earlier - definitely talk to someone at WorkSource about the Commissioner Approved Training/Training Benefits program. If approved, you could get up to 26 ADDITIONAL weeks of benefits while you train for a new occupation, and you wouldn't have to look for work during that period. The Training Benefits program is specifically designed for people in your situation - dislocated workers who need to gain new skills. There are deadlines for applying though, so don't wait too long. You need to submit your application within your current benefit year, ideally well before your regular benefits run out.