Can you apply for an extension on unemployment through Washington ESD?

So there's literally nothing available once my 26 weeks are done? That seems crazy

You might qualify for other programs like SNAP or temporary assistance but unemployment extensions aren't available right now

Have you tried calling them to ask? I can never get through on the phone

tried calling like 50 times, just get busy signals or hung up on

Never heard of that before. Is it legit or one of those scam things?

It's legitimate - claimyr.com. I used it last month when I had issues with my adjudication and got through to an agent in like 10 minutes instead of calling for hours

That actually sounds really helpful. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status

What are those thresholds exactly? Just curious how close we might be

State unemployment rate needs to be 6.5% or higher for 13 weeks, or 20% higher than the same period in the previous two years. We're nowhere near those numbers currently

Most states have the same 26 week limit. The federal extensions during COVID were temporary emergency measures

well they should bring them back because people are still struggling

That's why I was hoping to talk to someone there but getting through is impossible

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you really need to speak with an agent, it's worth using a service that can get you connected quickly

There's no emergency extension program currently available in Washington. You might be thinking of the pandemic-era programs that ended in 2021

oh ok nevermind then, thought i heard something about it

I've been doing way more than 3 per week and keeping detailed records. Still no luck finding anything

That's good - keep those records. You might also want to look into retraining programs through WorkSource if your field is particularly challenging right now

TAA is very specific - your employer has to be certified as trade-affected and you have to be enrolled in approved training. It's not a general extension program

Ah ok, that doesn't apply to my situation then. Thanks for clarifying

I'd still recommend calling Washington ESD to confirm your specific situation. There might be details about your claim that could affect your options

good luck getting through on the phone though, seriously

Again, that's where Claimyr comes in handy. When you absolutely need to speak with an agent, it's worth using a service that can actually get you connected

That's a good idea. I haven't been to WorkSource yet but maybe they have some options I don't know about

They definitely do - emergency assistance programs, food assistance, sometimes even temporary job placement programs

I understand the frustration but the system is designed to be temporary assistance while you look for work, not long-term support

well maybe the design is wrong when people can't find work in 26 weeks

PEUC ended in September 2021. All the pandemic-era unemployment programs have been discontinued

Oh wow, I had no idea. Shows how out of touch I am with this stuff

That's why it's important to treat job searching like a full-time job while you're receiving benefits. The 26 weeks can go by quickly

easier said than done when nobody's hiring or they want experience i don't have

How was that process? Were you able to get approved for other assistance?

Yes, but it took a while and the amounts are much lower than UI. Better than nothing though

At this point I'm willing to try anything. Thanks for the suggestion about Claimyr

Yeah I'm going to check that out too. Need to get some answers about my claim status anyway

Good point, I'll keep filing until Washington ESD tells me I can't anymore

Exactly. Sometimes there are small adjustments or additional payments that can extend things by a week or two

Use these next 6 weeks wisely. Ramp up your job search efforts and start looking into other assistance programs now so you're not scrambling later

Will do. Better to be prepared than surprised when the benefits stop

Same here. At least now I know what to expect and can plan accordingly

Knowledge is power, even when it's disappointing news. Good luck with your job search!

Great idea! Even if extensions aren't available, they might have other suggestions or resources specific to your situation

definitely want to hear how that goes, might try it myself

Please do update us! We're all in similar situations and could use any additional info you get

Same here, really hoping you find out something useful! I'm in a similar situation and could really use some good news about potential options beyond the standard 26 weeks.