Can you apply for Washington ESD unemployment extension after regular benefits run out?

That's what I was afraid of hearing. So basically once my 26 weeks are up, that's it? No other options through Washington ESD?

Correct, unless EB gets triggered by high unemployment rates statewide. You'd need to look into other assistance programs at that point.

It really is tough out there. I've applied to probably 200+ jobs and only gotten a handful of interviews.

Have you tried calling Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation? Sometimes there are programs they don't advertise widely.

Good point about calling them. Though I've tried calling Washington ESD before and it's nearly impossible to get through.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD by phone. Ended up using Claimyr.com to get connected - they have this system that calls for you and gets you through to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth trying if you need to speak with someone about your specific situation.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

I feel you on the frustration. Have you looked into other assistance programs while you still have a week left of benefits? Food assistance, housing help, etc.?

Yeah I've applied for some stuff but everything has waiting lists or complicated requirements. Just feels like the system is designed to make you give up.

What are the specific unemployment rate thresholds that trigger Extended Benefits in Washington?

It's based on a 13-week average unemployment rate that's either 6.5% and 110% of the rate from the same period in either of the two previous years, OR a rate of 8% regardless of previous years. Pretty technical stuff.

If EB gets triggered, Washington ESD would announce it publicly and notify eligible claimants. It would show up in your eServices account automatically.

ok good to know, thanks for explaining that

Thanks for the encouragement. What kind of gig work did you do? I'm trying to think of options that won't interfere with my job search efforts.

I did some freelance writing and delivery driving. Just enough to cover basics while keeping my schedule flexible for interviews.

Just remember if you do gig work while still collecting benefits, you need to report all earnings on your weekly claims or you could face an overpayment later.

That's a good suggestion. I should probably schedule an appointment with a WorkSource counselor before my benefits end.

Definitely do that! WorkSource has way more resources than people realize. And if you need to reach Washington ESD about transitioning off benefits, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier might help you get through faster than trying to call on your own.

They might be confusing it with the pandemic-era programs that ended in 2021, or they could be in a different state. Each state has different UI programs and some still have active extensions.

Ah that makes sense. So much misinformation out there about unemployment benefits.

Yeah, better to plan ahead than be surprised. At least you have more time to prepare than I do.

Use that time wisely! Network like crazy, consider temp work to bridge gaps, and maybe look into retraining programs through WorkSource.

Completely agree. The whole UI system was designed for a different economy where people changed jobs more easily.

That's why we need to vote for representatives who understand these issues and will push for better unemployment insurance programs.

I haven't seen any recent legislative proposals in Washington to extend the base UI duration. Would require significant changes to state law and funding mechanisms.

Worth contacting your state legislators about. If enough people raise the issue, maybe they'll consider it.

Thanks for the update. I might try that service if I can't get through to them the regular way.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it could be expensive when you're already struggling financially.

It's actually pretty reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Way better than spending entire days redialing Washington ESD.

Good point. I'll make sure to do that. Do you know if there's any exit process or do you just stop filing after the final payment?

You just stop filing once you've exhausted all your benefits. The system will show you've reached your maximum benefit amount.

Easy to say but hard to do when wages barely cover rent and groceries. The whole 'just save money' advice ignores economic reality for most people.

True, but even small amounts help. Even $20 a month adds up over time, though I know it's not always possible.

I haven't looked into that. Where would I start to see if I qualify for something like that?

Contact the Washington State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). They have offices throughout the state and can do assessments to see if you qualify.

Agreed, this has been really informative even if the news isn't what I was hoping for.

Knowledge is power, even when it's not the answer we want to hear. Better to plan accordingly than be caught off guard.