Claim ending with only 2 payments left - Any extensions or transition programs available in 2025?
I'm seriously stressing out right now. My regular UI benefits are almost gone - just 2 payments remaining before my claim is completely exhausted. Despite applying for literally 100+ jobs over the past few months (including some really entry-level positions I'm overqualified for), I've only managed to land a handful of interviews and zero job offers. The job market in my field (accounting) seems completely dead right now. I keep hearing vague mentions about possible extensions or transition programs that might be available after your regular benefits run out. Does anyone know if there are any extensions available in 2025? Or maybe some workforce training programs through WorkSource that would provide income support? My rent just went up again and I'm starting to panic about what happens when these last two payments are gone. Any advice from someone who's been in this situation recently would be really appreciated!
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Dylan Evans
Yes, there are a few options you can look into, but it depends on your specific situation. First, check if you might qualify for Training Benefits (TB) through ESD. This program allows you to receive unemployment benefits while attending approved training to increase your employability. You need to apply for this before your regular UI runs out. Another option is the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program if your job loss was due to foreign trade impact. The application process for either can be complicated, but worth exploring. I'd highly recommend connecting with your local WorkSource office ASAP. They can help evaluate which programs you might qualify for, and they offer career counseling services that might help with your job search strategies.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Thank you so much! I hadn't heard about the Training Benefits option. My job loss wasn't trade-related, so TAA probably won't apply for me. Do you know if the TB program extends your benefits for a specific time period or dollar amount? And do they have a list of approved training programs somewhere? I'll definitely contact WorkSource first thing Monday morning.
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Sofia Gomez
DONT BOTHER with ESD!!! I tried for WEEKS to get info about extensions when my claim was ending last month and you cant even get anyone on the phone!!!! I called 47 TIMES in one day and either got the busy signal or got disconnected after waiting forever!!!! Total waste of time and meanwhile your benefits are running out!!! The system is DELIBERATELY designed to frustrate you into giving up!!!!!
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StormChaser
•I had the same problem trying to reach ESD about my adjudication issue. Kept calling and calling with no luck. Then someone on here told me about a service called Claimyr that actually works. You pay them (not expensive) and they connect you directly to an ESD agent, no waiting. I was skeptical but tried it and got through in like 20 minutes. You can watch how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Saved me so much frustration!
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Sofia Gomez
•thx for the tip, might try that if i have issues again. wish the government system wasnt so broken that we need to pay extra just to talk to someone!!
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Dmitry Petrov
im in the same boat, lost my warehouse job back in december and benefits running out next week. its crazy how they give us such limited time when theres barely any jobs out there! i went to worksoure and they helped with my resume but nothing else really. anyone actually get an extention recently?? or is that just a myth?
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Ava Williams
•I got an extension last year, but it was through the TB program the first commenter mentioned. It's not automatic - you have to apply and be approved for a specific training program. In my case, I enrolled in a 6-month IT certification program at the community college. They extended my benefits for the duration of the training. The key is you have to apply BEFORE your regular benefits run out, and you need to show how the training will lead to employment in a high-demand field.
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Miguel Castro
One thing I'd highly recommend - make sure you're maximizing your current job search efforts while still receiving benefits. Here's what helped me after 3 months of unsuccessful applications: 1. Have WorkSource review your resume specifically for ATS compatibility (many companies use automated screening that might be filtering you out) 2. Check if your field qualifies for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) which can allow you to receive benefits while getting retrained 3. Looking at the Healthcare and IT sectors - they're still actively hiring in Washington compared to some other industries 4. Sign up for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) services through WorkSource - they specifically help with career transitions Don't wait until your benefits are completely exhausted. The TB application process can take 2-3 weeks for approval, so start now if you're interested in that path.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•This is incredibly helpful info, thank you! I didn't know about the ATS compatibility issue - that might explain why I'm not even getting calls for positions I'm qualified for. And I've never heard of WIOA before. I'll definitely look into both the TB and WIOA options. Accounting jobs seem to be drying up with all the AI and automation happening, so maybe retraining is the way to go anyway.
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Zainab Ibrahim
when i finished my benefits last summer i just filed a new claim after waiting a week. they denied it but then I appealed and eventually got approved for a new claim period. worth a try maybe?
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Dylan Evans
•I should point out that this approach only works if you've had some W-2 employment during your benefit year that you haven't already claimed against. To qualify for a new UI claim after exhausting benefits, you need to have earned qualifying wages in at least 680 hours of work since your previous claim began. If you haven't worked during your benefit year, filing a new claim won't help and could potentially cause confusion in the system.
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Ava Williams
Have you considered applying for other types of assistance while you're job searching? Since your UI is almost exhausted, you might qualify for: - SNAP benefits (food assistance) - Housing assistance through Washington State Department of Commerce - Reduced utility rates through various programs - Assistance with healthcare costs through Apple Health None of these replace your UI income, but they can help reduce expenses while you're between jobs. WorkSource can help connect you with these resources too.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Thank you - that's a good reminder. I've been hesitant to apply for assistance programs, but at this point I need to be practical. I'll look into SNAP and the utility assistance programs right away. Every bit helps!
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Dmitry Petrov
not sure if this helps but my cousin told me some temp agencies are really hiring right now especially if u have accounting background. might be worth checking out while u look for permanent stuff?
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•That's actually a great suggestion I hadn't considered. Do you know which temp agencies your cousin was referring to? I've been focused on permanent positions but at this point I'd definitely take contract work. And it would help build my network potentially.
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Dmitry Petrov
•he mentioned robert half and accountemps i think? said they have lots of short term bookkeeping stuff that can turn permanent sometimes
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Dylan Evans
Just following up - did you contact WorkSource about the Training Benefits program? I'm curious if you found any good options. The application deadline is important since you only have two payments left, so hopefully you were able to get some guidance.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Yes! I went to WorkSource yesterday and they were incredibly helpful. I'm eligible for the Training Benefits program and am looking at a data analytics certificate program that would complement my accounting background. They're helping me with the application process now. They also connected me with Robert Half for possible temp work while I'm in training. Thanks to everyone for the helpful advice - feeling much less panicked now!
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