Does Washington ESD unemployment give extensions beyond 26 weeks?

So there's no automatic extension after 26 weeks? What happens when my benefits run out?

Nope, no automatic extension. You'd need to look into other programs like WorkFirst if you qualify, or see if you can get training benefits through WorkSource.

Extended Benefits (EB) kicks in when the state's unemployment rate hits certain thresholds. Washington hasn't triggered EB in a while since our unemployment rate has been relatively stable.

What about training extensions? I heard you can get more weeks if you're in an approved training program?

I actually found something that helped with calling Washington ESD - there's a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that handles the calling for you. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of redialing.

Really? How does that work exactly? Do they actually get you through to a real person?

Yeah, they basically keep calling until they get through and then patch you in when there's an agent available. Way better than sitting there hitting redial all day.

What about the training benefits? How do you get approved for those and how many extra weeks do you get?

Training benefits can extend your claim while you're in an approved training program. You need to get approval from WorkSource first and the training has to be for a high-demand occupation.

I hear you but that's just how the system works. The 26 weeks is set by state law and federal programs only kick in during major recessions.

So basically once my 26 weeks are up, I'm on my own unless I qualify for one of those special programs?

Pretty much, yeah. You should definitely look into the training programs though if you're open to learning new skills.

Is that different from the regular training benefits through Washington ESD?

Yes, WIOA is federally funded and administered through WorkSource. It's separate from ESD training benefits but can provide similar support.

That's not really fair. The job market is still tough and 26 weeks goes by fast when you're trying to find something decent.

Have to agree with this. Finding work that pays enough to actually live on takes time, especially if you're trying to avoid taking just any minimum wage job.

How does that work with partial benefits? Do they reduce your weekly amount?

Yeah, they subtract your earnings from your weekly benefit amount but you can still collect something as long as you earn less than your full benefit plus $5.

Good point. It's always easier to maintain an active claim than to try to reopen one later.

Try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. I used it last week and actually got through to discuss my adjudication issue. Worth checking out their demo video to see if it might help with your extension question too.

Thanks, I'll look into that. At this point I'm willing to try anything to actually talk to someone at ESD.

No problem! Glad I'm not the only one confused about this stuff.

This is the most accurate summary. Don't count on extensions - use your 26 weeks wisely and have a backup plan.

Thanks everyone for the reality check. I guess I better start looking into those training programs and maybe consider part-time work too.