Can I get extended unemployment benefits in Washington ESD after my regular claim expires?

That's disappointing. I was really hoping there would be something available since I've been looking for work this whole time.

The unemployment rate has to hit certain thresholds for extended benefits to kick in. It's all federal rules that determine when states can offer them.

So there's literally nothing else after regular unemployment runs out? That seems pretty harsh for people still looking for work.

You might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP or temporary assistance, but there aren't additional unemployment benefits available currently.

How did you manage financially after your benefits ended? I'm really worried about making ends meet.

I had to take a part-time job while still looking for full-time work. It was tough but at least brought in some income. Also applied for SNAP benefits which helped with groceries.

This is why I've been trying so hard to find work before my benefits run out. The job market is still competitive in some fields.

I used a service called Claimyr recently - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold for hours. Check out claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work? Do they just call for you or something?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you directly to an agent when they get through. I was skeptical too but it actually worked and I got my questions answered same day.

I agree it's frustrating but the extended benefits program was designed to only activate during really high unemployment periods. The idea is that when unemployment is lower, there should be more jobs available.

Tell that to someone who's been looking for months and still can't find anything in their field. Not everyone can just take any minimum wage job.

Good point. I've been keeping track through the WorkSourceWA system but should I be doing anything else?

Keep your own records too - dates you applied, company names, contact info. The system can glitch sometimes and you don't want to lose that information.

That's really discouraging. I wish there was some kind of transition program or something.

Some people do qualify for a new regular claim if they worked enough after their last claim started, but that's not very common.

PEUC was Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation - that ended in September 2021. There's no similar program available now.

oh ok that makes sense. i was confused because i remembered hearing about extended benefits before

I haven't worked much during my current claim period, mostly just some gig work here and there. Probably not enough to qualify for a new claim.

Yeah, you need substantial earnings in your base period to qualify for a new claim. The gig work might not be enough unless it was pretty consistent.

I hadn't thought about that. Are there specific programs through Washington ESD or would I look elsewhere?

WorkSource has information about training opportunities and there might be Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job loss was related to trade/imports. Worth looking into.

Same here! It's so stressful knowing there's a hard deadline with no backup plan.

Have you both been using all the job search resources available? Sometimes casting a wider net helps, even if it means considering jobs outside your preferred field temporarily.

That's probably what I'll have to do too. It's just frustrating to feel like you're going backward in your career.

I totally understand. I felt the same way. But having some income was better than none, and I was able to eventually find something better a few months later.

Do you know what the unemployment rate would need to be for extended benefits to kick in?

It's complicated but generally the state rate needs to be at least 6.5% and 110% of the rate from the same period in either of the two previous years. We're not meeting those criteria currently.

I'm trying to prepare but it's hard when you're already living paycheck to paycheck on unemployment. Any advice for managing the transition?

Start applying for other assistance programs now if you think you might qualify. Food stamps, utility assistance, housing help - don't wait until you're desperate.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

I found it worth the cost compared to the hours I was spending trying to get through on my own. Plus they got me answers I couldn't find anywhere else. Check their website for current pricing.

I understand that's how it's supposed to work, but the reality is that finding work can take longer than the benefit period allows, especially in certain industries.

This is why they always stress the importance of actively job searching from day one of your claim. The benefits aren't meant to be long-term income replacement.

I've been considering that. Do you know if temp work affects your ability to continue claiming unemployment while you're still looking for permanent work?

You can work part-time and still claim benefits, but you have to report all income. There are earnings deductions that affect your weekly benefit amount. Just make sure to report everything accurately.

What field are you in? I'm wondering if certain industries are having a harder time than others right now.

I'm in marketing/communications. Lots of companies seem to be consolidating roles or looking for people with very specific skill combinations. It's been challenging.

I guess I was hoping there might be some state-specific programs or something I didn't know about. Thanks for the reality check though.

Washington does have some good workforce development programs and other assistance options. It's not unemployment benefits, but there might be other help available depending on your situation.

Thanks for the advice. I'll start looking into other assistance programs this week. Better to be prepared than caught off guard.

Exactly. And don't be discouraged - lots of people go through this transition and come out the other side. It's just a matter of being proactive and keeping all your options open.