Can you extend unemployment benefits in Washington ESD after regular UI runs out?

So there's literally nothing? That's terrifying. I've been applying to jobs constantly but the market is brutal right now.

You might qualify for a new claim if you worked during your benefit year. Check your quarterly wages on your Washington ESD account.

How do I know if I qualify for a new claim? I did work some part-time jobs while collecting benefits.

You need enough wages in your new base period. Washington ESD will automatically check when your benefit year ends, but you can call them to verify eligibility beforehand.

Good luck getting through to them on the phone though. I've been trying for weeks to get basic info about my claim status.

Is this legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to a live person. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

I used Claimyr too when I had adjudication issues. Way better than the nightmare of trying to call Washington ESD yourself.

I feel you. Lost my job in manufacturing and there's nothing out there that pays even close to what I was making.

Extensions are triggered by unemployment rates. Washington's rate isn't high enough to qualify for federal extended benefits right now.

Well the unemployment rate doesn't capture people who gave up looking or are underemployed. The real situation is way worse.

Yeah I've been doing the 3 job contacts per week. Should I be doing more to improve my chances when I reapply?

The minimum is 3 but doing more shows good faith effort. Document everything in WorkSourceWA too.

My benefit year ends in about 6 weeks. I've used up most of my weekly benefit amount already.

OK so you're legitimately running out. Definitely look into whether you qualify for a new claim based on work during your current benefit year.

Make sure to apply for the new claim right when your current one expires. Don't wait or you might have a gap in payments.

How much less was the new claim? I'm worried it won't be enough to cover my basic expenses.

It was about 60% of my original weekly amount, based on the lower wages from my part-time work during the benefit year.

What kind of training programs? Like through WorkSource?

WIOA programs, Trade Adjustment Assistance if you qualify, or approved training through WorkSource. Some allow you to collect benefits while training.

Exactly. Other countries have much better unemployment systems that actually help people transition between jobs instead of just cutting them off.

The 26-week limit is set by federal law. States can extend during high unemployment periods but we're not there right now statistically.

I've thought about it but worried it might mess up my current benefits somehow.

As long as you report the income correctly it shouldn't be a problem. They'll just reduce your weekly benefit by a portion of what you earn.

I've tried that and still can't get through. The phone system is completely overwhelmed.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Saved me from wasting hours every day trying to call.

I was in retail management but those jobs are getting eliminated everywhere. Trying to pivot to something else.

Customer service and logistics are hiring. Not great pay but might help you qualify for a new UI claim later.

Thanks for the encouragement. Some days it feels impossible but I have to keep trying.

Hang in there. I was unemployed for 8 months but finally found something. It's not my dream job but it pays the bills.

Good point. I've been tracking everything in WorkSourceWA but should probably keep my own backup records too.

Definitely. Screenshots, copies of applications, anything that shows you're actively looking for work.