Can you extend your unemployment benefits in Washington - need help understanding options
My regular UI benefits are about to run out in 2 weeks and I'm still looking for work. I've been unemployed for about 5 months now and really need to know if there are any ways to extend unemployment benefits in Washington state. I heard there might be some extended benefit programs but I can't find clear information on the Washington ESD website. Has anyone successfully extended their benefits recently? What are the requirements and how do you apply?
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Khalid Howes
Extended benefits in Washington depend on the state's unemployment rate. Right now there's no automatic extension program running like there was during COVID. Your regular UI maxes out at 26 weeks unless the state triggers extended benefits, which happens when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds.
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Rita Jacobs
•So there's literally nothing available right now? That's terrifying, I still haven't found anything and my savings are almost gone.
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Khalid Howes
•You might qualify for other programs like SNAP or temporary assistance. Also check if you're eligible for any retraining programs through WorkSource.
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Ben Cooper
same boat here, my benefits ended last month and I'm scrambling. tried calling Washington ESD to ask about extensions but couldn't get through to anyone
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Naila Gordon
•Have you tried using Claimyr? I found it on claimyr.com and it actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.
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Ben Cooper
•Never heard of that, is it legit? I'm willing to try anything at this point.
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Naila Gordon
•Yeah it's real, just helps you get through the phone queue. The agent I talked to explained that extended benefits aren't available right now but gave me info about other resources.
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Cynthia Love
Extended Benefits (EB) in Washington are triggered when the state's unemployment rate exceeds specific federal thresholds. Currently, Washington's rate doesn't meet those triggers. The last time EB was available was during the pandemic. Your options now are limited to the standard 26 weeks of regular UI unless you qualify for training programs that might extend eligibility.
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Rita Jacobs
•What kind of training programs? I'm desperate at this point and willing to learn new skills if it means keeping some income.
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Cynthia Love
•Look into Training Benefits (TB) through WorkSource. If you're enrolled in approved training, you might be able to extend your claim. You'll need to meet with a WorkSource counselor to see if you qualify.
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Darren Brooks
•I did the training benefits thing two years ago, it's pretty strict about what programs qualify but it does work if you get approved.
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Rosie Harper
This whole system is BROKEN! They make it impossible to find work that pays decent wages then cut you off after 6 months. Meanwhile rent keeps going up and groceries cost a fortune. How is anyone supposed to survive?
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Elliott luviBorBatman
•I feel this so hard. Been applying everywhere and either get no response or offers that pay less than unemployment did.
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Demi Hall
•Same here, it's like they expect us to take any minimum wage job even if it doesn't cover basic expenses.
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Mateusius Townsend
Check if Washington has any state-funded extension programs. Some states have their own programs separate from federal extended benefits. Also look into disaster unemployment assistance if you were affected by any recent emergencies.
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Rita Jacobs
•I'll look into that, thanks. Haven't heard of disaster assistance but worth checking.
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Mateusius Townsend
•DUA is only for specific declared disasters, but Washington sometimes has other emergency programs during economic downturns.
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Kara Yoshida
wait i thought you could just keep filing weekly claims forever? my cousin said he was on unemployment for like a year
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Cynthia Love
•No, regular UI has a maximum of 26 weeks in Washington. Your cousin might have been on extended benefits during COVID or qualified for training benefits.
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Kara Yoshida
•oh that makes sense, this was during 2021 so probably the covid stuff
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Philip Cowan
I'm in week 24 of my claim and getting really anxious about this too. Has anyone tried contacting their state representatives about extending the program? Seems like with inflation and housing costs they should be doing more.
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Caesar Grant
•That's actually not a bad idea. State reps sometimes know about programs that aren't well publicized.
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Rosie Harper
•Good luck with that, politicians only care during election years.
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Lena Schultz
Try contacting WorkSource directly about their training programs. I know someone who got into a healthcare training program that extended their benefits for almost a year while they completed certification.
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Rita Jacobs
•Did they have to pay for the training or was it covered? I can't afford expensive programs right now.
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Lena Schultz
•I think the training was mostly covered through grants and stuff, but you'd have to check with them directly about costs.
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Gemma Andrews
Honestly the best thing you can do is get through to an actual Washington ESD agent to discuss your specific situation. I used Claimyr recently and they were able to tell me about some options I didn't know existed.
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Pedro Sawyer
•How much does that service cost? I'm already broke and can't afford to pay for help.
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Gemma Andrews
•It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com - they focus on getting you connected rather than charging huge fees. Much better than spending days trying to call yourself.
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Mae Bennett
My benefits ran out 3 weeks ago and I'm starting to panic. Applied for food stamps and Medicaid but everything takes forever to process. This is so stressful.
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Beatrice Marshall
•Hang in there, I know it's scary. Look into local food banks and utility assistance programs while you're waiting for other benefits to kick in.
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Melina Haruko
•211 is a good resource for finding local assistance programs. Just dial 2-1-1 and they can help you find resources in your area.
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Christopher Morgan
I'm in a similar situation and just went through this process. Unfortunately, Washington state doesn't currently have extended benefits available - they're only triggered when unemployment rates hit specific federal thresholds, which we haven't reached. However, I did find a few options that might help: 1) Training Benefits through WorkSource if you qualify for approved retraining programs, 2) checking with local community colleges for workforce development programs that might come with financial assistance, and 3) looking into emergency assistance programs through DSHS. The key is getting connected with an actual WorkSource counselor who can assess your specific situation. Don't give up - there are resources available even if they're not obvious at first glance.
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