Can you file for extension on unemployment benefits in Washington?
My regular UI benefits are running out next month and I'm still looking for work. I keep hearing different things about extensions - some people say there are no more extensions available, others say you might be able to get extra weeks. Does anyone know if Washington ESD still offers extensions on unemployment benefits? I've been on regular unemployment for about 20 weeks now and really need to know what my options are.
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ThunderBolt7
Extensions depend on what type of benefits you're on and when you filed. Regular UI in Washington is typically 26 weeks max, but there used to be federal extensions during the pandemic. Those ended in 2021 though. Have you checked your eServices account to see what it shows for remaining benefit weeks?
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Zoe Papadakis
•Yeah I checked and it shows 6 weeks remaining. Just trying to figure out if there's anything after that runs out.
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ThunderBolt7
•Once regular UI runs out, you'd need to check if you qualify for a new benefit year by filing a new claim. That's really your main option now.
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Jamal Edwards
The federal extensions (PEUC and all that) are long gone unfortunately. I was on those back in 2020-2021 but they don't exist anymore. Your best bet is probably to call Washington ESD directly to ask about your specific situation.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Ugh calling them is such a nightmare though. Takes forever to get through.
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Mei Chen
•Try using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD faster. I used it last month when I couldn't reach them about my adjudication issue. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Never heard of that but might be worth a shot if it actually works.
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Liam O'Sullivan
I think you might be confusing regular state extensions with the federal pandemic stuff. Washington state does have Extended Benefits (EB) but it only kicks in when unemployment rates are really high statewide. We haven't had EB active in years.
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Amara Okonkwo
•This is correct. EB is tied to the state's unemployment rate and it hasn't been triggered recently. Most people exhaust regular UI and that's it unless they qualify for a new benefit year.
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Zoe Papadakis
•So basically I'm out of luck once my 26 weeks are up? That's terrifying.
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Giovanni Marino
Have you looked into retraining programs? Sometimes there are extended benefits available if you're in an approved training program. WorkSource might have information about that.
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Zoe Papadakis
•I hadn't thought about that. Do you know if those programs actually extend your benefits or just give you more time to find work?
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Giovanni Marino
•I think they can extend benefits in some cases but you'd need to get approved for the training first. It's not automatic.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
wait i thought you could get like 99 weeks of unemployment? my friend got that during covid
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Liam O'Sullivan
•That was only during the pandemic with all the federal programs stacked together. Regular UI plus PEUC plus extended PEUC plus state extensions. All that is over now.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•oh that sucks. so now its just back to the regular 26 weeks?
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Liam O'Sullivan
•Exactly. Just regular state UI which is 26 weeks maximum in Washington.
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Mei Chen
OP, if you do need to call Washington ESD about this, I'd definitely recommend Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it really does work. Saved me hours of redialing and actually got me connected to someone who could help with my specific situation.
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Dylan Hughes
•How much does that cost though? Seems like something that would be expensive.
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Mei Chen
•It's way cheaper than losing benefits or having issues drag on for weeks. The time savings alone was worth it for me.
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ThunderBolt7
Just to clarify the training thing - Training Benefits (TB) can extend your benefits but you have to be enrolled in an approved program and get Washington ESD approval before your regular UI runs out. It's not something you can just apply for at the last minute.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Good to know. I should probably look into that soon then since I only have 6 weeks left.
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ThunderBolt7
•Yes, definitely start that process ASAP if you're interested. The approval process can take time.
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Amara Okonkwo
Another option to consider is if you qualify for a new benefit year. If you worked enough after filing your current claim, you might be able to file a new claim when this one expires. That would give you a fresh 26 weeks.
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Zoe Papadakis
•I've been unemployed this whole time though, so I don't think I'd qualify for a new claim.
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Amara Okonkwo
•Right, you'd need qualifying wages from work after your benefit year started. If you haven't worked, then no new claim.
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NightOwl42
This whole system is so confusing. I remember when you could get extensions easier but now it seems like they just cut you off.
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Jamal Edwards
•The pandemic extensions were really unusual. Before COVID, it was pretty much just 26 weeks unless unemployment was really bad statewide.
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NightOwl42
•Makes sense I guess. Just hard when you're still looking for work.
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Liam O'Sullivan
For what it's worth, OP, make sure you're keeping up with your job search requirements and documenting everything. Even if extensions aren't available, you want to make sure you get every week you're entitled to without any issues.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Yeah I've been keeping my job search log updated. Just stressful knowing there might not be anything after this runs out.
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Liam O'Sullivan
•Totally understand. Just keep doing what you're supposed to do and explore the training option if that interests you.
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Sofia Rodriguez
Has anyone actually gotten Extended Benefits in Washington recently? I keep seeing references to it but never met anyone who actually got it.
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ThunderBolt7
•EB hasn't been active in Washington for years. The unemployment rate would need to be much higher statewide for it to trigger.
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Sofia Rodriguez
•That's what I figured. Seems like it's more theoretical than practical at this point.
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Mei Chen
OP, just wanted to mention again that if you do decide to call Washington ESD about your options, Claimyr has been a lifesaver for me. The regular phone lines are impossible but their service actually gets you through to a real person who can give you accurate information about your specific situation.
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Zoe Papadakis
•I might have to try that. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•Second this. Used Claimyr when I had questions about my claim and it was so much better than trying to call on my own.
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Ava Thompson
The job market is still pretty tough out here. 26 weeks goes by fast when you're actually trying to find something decent.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Exactly. It's not like people are just sitting around collecting benefits for fun.
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Ava Thompson
•Right? I've been applying to everything and still nothing solid. It's rough out there.
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Miguel Herrera
Just make sure you understand the difference between state and federal extensions. State extensions (like EB) are tied to unemployment rates. Federal extensions were a pandemic thing that's over now.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Thanks, that helps clarify things. Sounds like I need to focus on the training option or finding work before my benefits run out.
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Miguel Herrera
•Exactly. Those are really your main options at this point.
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Zainab Ali
man this is depressing. remember when you could get like 2 years of benefits? now its back to 26 weeks and good luck
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Amara Okonkwo
•The pandemic extensions were never meant to be permanent. They were emergency measures for an unprecedented situation.
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Zainab Ali
•i get that but it still sucks going back to the old system when finding work is still hard
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Connor Murphy
OP, have you checked with WorkSource about their training programs? Even if it doesn't extend your benefits, they might have job placement services that could help you find work before your UI runs out.
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Zoe Papadakis
•I should probably do that. Haven't really looked into WorkSource much beyond the basic job search stuff.
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Connor Murphy
•They have more services than just job postings. Might be worth a visit to see what's available.
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Yara Nassar
Bottom line is extensions are pretty much not a thing anymore unless you're in approved training or qualify for a new benefit year. The pandemic spoiled us with all those federal programs.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Yeah I'm starting to get that picture. Guess I need to get serious about the training option or really ramp up the job search.
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Yara Nassar
•That's really your best bet. The safety net is much smaller now than it was during COVID.
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StarGazer101
At least you still have 6 weeks left. That's better than finding out when you're already at zero. Use that time to explore all your options.
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Zoe Papadakis
•True. Thanks everyone for the advice. Sounds like I need to get on the phone with Washington ESD and maybe look into training programs ASAP.
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Mei Chen
•Definitely call them, and seriously consider Claimyr if you can't get through the regular way. Having accurate information about your specific situation is crucial.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Will do. This thread has been really helpful in understanding what's actually available vs what people think might be available.
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