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

Unfortunately, Washington doesn't have any state-funded extension programs right now. The federal extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. Once your regular UI benefits are exhausted, that's typically it unless Congress passes new legislation. You might want to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or local food banks while you continue job searching.

The only way to "extend" would be if you had a new qualifying job and earned enough wages to establish a new claim. You'd need to work and earn at least $1,760 in covered employment in your base period. Otherwise, you're looking at exhausting your current claim.

I was in the same boat last year. Once my benefits ran out, I had to get creative with calling Washington ESD to make sure I wasn't missing anything. The phone system is a nightmare though - I probably spent 40+ hours trying to get through to an actual person. Finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. They confirmed there weren't any extensions but at least I got a definitive answer instead of wondering.

have you checked if you qualify for any training programs? sometimes they have extended benefits if you're in an approved training program but idk if washington has that

This is exactly why I hate the unemployment system! They make it so confusing and then when you really need help, there's nothing. I'm in a similar situation and it's terrifying. At least during the pandemic they had extra help but now we're just left hanging.

Wait, are you sure there's no state extension? I thought I heard something about Washington having their own program...

Just to clarify the Training Benefits option - it's available if you're enrolled in an approved training program through WorkSource. You have to apply for TB before your regular benefits end, and not everyone gets approved. It's worth checking out but don't count on it as a guarantee.

Been there, done that. When my benefits expired last year I tried everything - calling Washington ESD dozens of times, checking online, even went to WorkSource in person. There just aren't any automatic extensions anymore. The only thing that saved me was finding some freelance work that eventually led to a full-time job.

The whole system is set up wrong. In other countries they have much better support for long-term unemployment. Here you get 26 weeks and then good luck!

I'm dealing with something similar but I think I might qualify for a new claim. I worked for about 6 weeks last fall before getting laid off again. Would that be enough to start fresh?

Has anyone tried contacting their state representatives about this? Maybe if enough people complained they'd consider a state extension program.

Just want to add that if you do find work, even part-time, you might be able to keep collecting partial benefits while working. It's not an extension but it can help bridge the gap.

This thread is depressing but helpful. I'm about 3 weeks behind you OP and dreading this situation. Guess I need to start planning now for when my benefits run out.

One more suggestion - check if your county has any emergency assistance programs. It's not unemployment but some places have short-term help for people transitioning off benefits.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I've been through this exact situation. Once regular UI is exhausted in Washington, that's pretty much it unless you qualify for a new claim through recent work. Focus your energy on job searching and applying for other assistance rather than trying to extend benefits that don't exist.

Just curious - are you making sure to log all your job search activities? I know it doesn't help with extending benefits but you want to make sure you're compliant through the end of your claim.

This whole conversation makes me want to try calling Washington ESD one more time to double-check there aren't any programs I missed. But honestly after reading about that Claimyr service earlier, I might just use that instead of wasting my whole day on hold.

The bottom line is Washington State just doesn't have extended benefits right now. During recessions sometimes the federal government activates Extended Benefits (EB) but we're not in that situation currently. Your best bet is honestly job training programs or finding some kind of work to establish a new claim.