Can you get a car loan on unemployment from Washington ESD?

Thanks! I do have decent credit around 680. How do I get a benefit determination letter? Is that something I can print from my SecureAccess Washington account?

Yes, you can download it from your SAW account under 'Benefit Information' or 'Documents'. Make sure it shows your weekly benefit amount and duration of benefits.

How much of a down payment did you need? I only have about $1500 saved up right now.

I put down $3000 on a $12000 car. The more you can put down the better your chances. Maybe look at cheaper cars or see if family can help with the down payment?

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. How much does it cost?

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at ESD instead of sitting on hold for hours. They helped me get all the right documents for my loan application.

Wait, you have to PAY to talk to ESD? That seems wrong. They should be answering their phones for free.

I get that concern but I literally can't get to job interviews without a car. Public transit here is terrible and rideshare adds up fast.

This is exactly why the job search requirements are so frustrating. They expect you to actively look for work but don't consider transportation barriers.

I thought about that but heard the interest rates can be like 20-30%. That seems predatory.

Yeah avoid those places if possible. Try credit unions first - they often have programs for people in tough situations.

That's actually not a bad idea. My dad might be willing to help if I explain the situation.

Just make sure to get any family loan in writing to avoid problems later.

Exactly! It's like everything hits at once when you're already struggling.

Have you looked into any assistance programs? Some areas have transportation assistance for job seekers.

Good point. So with $620 weekly that would be about $500 monthly maximum payment?

Actually that's weekly, so monthly would be around $2480. 20% of that is about $500, but I'd aim even lower to be safe.

Yeah I've been keeping my job search log updated weekly. Do they actually audit those things?

They can and do spot check them. Better to be thorough than risk getting disqualified.

Which credit union if you don't mind me asking? Was it in Washington?

It was a smaller one in Spokane. I'd recommend calling around to local credit unions in your area.

Ugh I didn't even think about that. I've been without a car for 2 weeks so my insurance lapsed.

You can usually get coverage reinstated quickly, but there might be a penalty for the gap.

Good to hear another positive review. Might be worth it just to get the right paperwork sorted out.

I'm still skeptical about paying for something that should be free, but if it works...

Wouldn't the interest rate be higher on a personal loan though?

Possibly, but you'd own the car outright and only need liability insurance. Plus no risk of repossession.

That's what keeps me up at night. I have 18 weeks left on my claim and haven't gotten any solid leads yet.

18 weeks is actually pretty decent time if you're actively searching. Don't panic but do have backup plans.

I've been doing that anyway for my weekly claims, so at least I have documentation.

Perfect, that shows responsibility and forward thinking to lenders.