ESD benefits exhausted - Any way to get an extension in 2025 after applying to hundreds of jobs?
I've officially hit the end of my regular UI benefits as of last week (received the official notice from ESD yesterday). I'm absolutely desperate at this point. Over the past 4 months, I've applied to literally 350+ jobs in healthcare administration (my field for 7 years before layoff) and have only gotten 3 interviews that went nowhere. I've been doing all the required job search activities and more - networking events, WorkSource workshops, everything they suggest. My lease is up for renewal next month and rent is increasing by $275. I've heard rumors that there might be some kind of extension program for people who've exhausted benefits but are actively searching? Does this actually exist in WA state right now? Has anyone successfully gotten more weeks of benefits after exhausting their regular claim? I'm down to my last $680 in savings and honestly don't know what I'll do if something doesn't change soon.
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Sean Matthews
ya there's something called EB (extended benefits) but pretty sure its only available during high unemployment periods, don't think we qualify for it now. someone correct me if im wrong
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Mikayla Brown
•Do you know if there's a way to check if EB is currently available? The ESD website is so confusing to navigate.
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Ali Anderson
Unfortunately, Extended Benefits (EB) are not currently available in Washington. EB only activates when the state unemployment rate reaches certain thresholds, which we haven't hit in 2025. Your options at this point are: 1. Training Benefits Program - If you qualify for approved training, you might get additional weeks while in school/training 2. Trade Adjustment Assistance - If your job loss was related to foreign trade impacts 3. Apply for other assistance programs like SNAP (food benefits) or HEN (Housing & Essential Needs) I'd recommend immediately connecting with your local WorkSource office and asking about the Training Benefits Program. It's not an automatic extension, but it could give you more time if you're willing to enter a training program. Also check with DSHS for emergency assistance options.
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Mikayla Brown
•Thank you for this detailed information. I hadn't heard about the Training Benefits Program. I'll definitely look into that. Do you know roughly how long the approval process takes if I apply for that?
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Zadie Patel
THIS SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!! I went through the exact same thing last year - exhausted benefits, applied to 500+ jobs, and ESD just cuts you off with zero support. They expect us to magically find jobs in oversaturated markets while corporations are posting fake jobs to look like they're hiring. The whole "3 job search activities" requirement is a JOKE when there aren't actual jobs available!!
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A Man D Mortal
•While I understand your frustration, there are actually resources that can help. The job market isn't great but it's not as hopeless as you're describing. WorkSource offers career counseling and job matching services that have helped many people find employment. The system has flaws but it's designed to be temporary support, not indefinite.
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Declan Ramirez
I was in the same boat last fall and what worked for me was applying to different industries completely. Had to take a pay cut but at least getting something now. Have you tried looking outside your normal field? Also the WorkSource in Lynnwood has a good counselor named Mark who helped me revamp my resume completely, might be worth checking out.
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Mikayla Brown
•That's a good suggestion. I've been so focused on staying in my field that I haven't seriously considered switching industries. Did you have to get any additional training or certifications for your new job?
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Emma Morales
When I exhausted my benefits last year, I couldn't get through to anyone at ESD for weeks to ask about extensions. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 30 minutes. They helped explain all my options about training benefits which I didn't even know existed. Worth checking out their site claimyr.com - they have a video explaining how it works https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. At least you'll get definitive answers about what's available directly from ESD instead of guessing.
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Sean Matthews
•does that actually work? seems weird to use a third party just to talk to esd
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Mikayla Brown
Update: I went to WorkSource yesterday and met with a career counselor. They confirmed there's no automatic extension right now, but suggested I might qualify for the Training Benefits Program. They helped me find a 3-month healthcare data analytics certificate program that starts next month and would potentially extend my benefits while I'm in training. Filling out the application today. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
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Ali Anderson
•That's great news! The Training Benefits Program can be very helpful in your situation. Make sure you complete the Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) application thoroughly and submit it ASAP. While in the program, you'll be exempt from job search requirements since your approved training becomes your job search activity. The healthcare data analytics certificate is smart - it builds on your existing healthcare admin experience but adds the data skills that are in high demand right now. Good luck!
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Katherine Hunter
Does anyone know if you need to keep filing weekly claims even after benefits are exhausted? I'm confused about whether I should keep doing this or if it's pointless?? The ESD website has conflicting info.
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A Man D Mortal
•Yes, you should continue filing weekly claims even after exhausting benefits if you're still unemployed. This serves two purposes: 1) It maintains your claim as active in case any extensions become available later, and 2) It provides accurate unemployment data that could potentially trigger extended benefits if enough people are reporting continued unemployment. The system won't pay you during this time, but keeping your claim active is important.
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Declan Ramirez
Just out of curiosity have you tried looking at remote work in other states? I know someone who couldn't find anything locally but got hired by a company in Colorado for remote healthcare admin work. Might be worth expanding your search geographically since so many places are remote now?
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Mikayla Brown
•That's a really good point. I've mostly been focusing on jobs within WA state. I'll definitely expand my search to include remote positions nationwide. Thanks for the suggestion!
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