Can I get my unemployment extended through Washington ESD?

That's what I was afraid of. Are there any other options or should I just start preparing for benefits to end?

Check if you have any wages from a different base period that might qualify you for a new claim. Sometimes people can file a new claim if they worked enough after their original claim started.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but can never get through. The phone just rings busy or hangs up on me.

Yeah the phone system is awful. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way easier than spending hours trying to call yourself.

I'm approaching 26 weeks total, so I think I'm exhausting my benefits. My benefit year doesn't end until next month.

OK so you're exhausting benefits not reaching your benefit year end. That means no regular extension available right now in Washington. You'd need to see if you qualify for a new claim with wages from after your original claim started.

This is confusing. What's the difference between exhausting benefits and benefit year ending?

I don't think my job loss was trade-related. I worked in marketing for a local company that just had layoffs.

Worth checking anyway. Sometimes companies are affected by trade in ways that aren't obvious. You can ask Washington ESD when you call them.

The pandemic programs were federal emergency programs that ended in 2021. Regular state UI has always been 26 weeks max in Washington.

i know but still seems unfair that some people got way more help

I did some freelance work a few months ago but only made about $1,200. Don't think that's enough.

Probably not enough for a new claim but you should still report that income if you haven't already. Washington ESD can be picky about unreported wages.

Oh no, I did report it when I earned it. I'm not trying to hide anything from Washington ESD.

That's a good idea. Do you know if they have programs for career changes or just specific trades?

They have all kinds of programs. Business, healthcare, IT, trades. Depends on what's in demand in your area. Worth checking out for sure.

Regular UI is your standard 26 weeks in Washington. Extended Benefits (EB) only activate when unemployment rates hit certain levels statewide. Emergency programs are federal like the pandemic benefits but those ended years ago.

So right now we only have regular UI available?

Correct. Just the standard 26 weeks unless you qualify for specialized programs like Trade Adjustment Assistance.

I've thought about it. Do I need to report gig work income to Washington ESD if I'm still claiming benefits?

Yes absolutely. Any income has to be reported during your weekly claims. They'll reduce your benefits based on how much you earn.

And be careful because gig work can be tricky to report correctly. Definitely worth calling Washington ESD to ask about the rules. That's another reason why Claimyr is helpful for getting through to agents who can explain the specifics.

I know, it's so stressful. Have you looked into other assistance programs?

I applied for Basic Food and energy assistance. Also checking food banks in my area. It's not much but every bit helps.

Also look into community action agencies in your area. They often have emergency rent assistance and other programs.

Not a veteran but thanks for the suggestion. Good to know for others who might be reading this.

8 months?? That's awful. What field are you in?

Tech. Lots of layoffs and everyone's competing for fewer jobs. It's brutal out there.

I will definitely try calling again. The busy signals are so frustrating though.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. Sometimes you can get through easier then.

Or honestly just use that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I tried it last month when I had an adjudication issue and got through to an agent in like 10 minutes. Way better than spending all day redialing.

Thanks, trying to stay positive. Just scared about paying bills without the unemployment income.

I've been keeping a spreadsheet of all my applications and networking contacts. Good reminder to keep that updated.

Smart. Also keep screenshots of job postings you applied to in case they get taken down.

I hadn't thought of county programs. I'll look into that, thanks!

Sorry if this thread is stressing you out too. But yeah, better to know ahead of time so you can plan.

Definitely start looking into other assistance programs before your benefits end. Don't wait until the last minute.

My job loss wasn't disaster-related but good to know that program exists.

Yeah it's pretty specific but sometimes people don't realize they qualify.

I appreciate the straight answer even if it's not what I wanted to hear. At least now I can plan accordingly.

Same here. Better to know the reality than keep hoping for something that doesn't exist.

Very true. I've been a bit picky but might need to lower my standards temporarily. Thanks for the reality check.

Exactly. Sometimes a stepping stone job leads to something better anyway. Stay flexible.