ESD benefits exhausted with 6 months left on claim year - any extension options?

Unfortunately once ur regular UI benefits are exhausted thats pretty much it unless theres a federal extension program running (which there isnt right now in 2025). The benefit year is just how long you COULD claim benefits IF you had enough in your account, but doesn't guarantee you'll have benefits that whole time. Most ppl only get 26 weeks max. I ran into this same wall last year and its brutal!!! You should look into: - WorkSource job assistance programs - Apply for SNAP benefits if u haven't already - Check with DSHS about emergency assistance programs - some counties have rental assistance programs too

What you're experiencing is completely normal, though definitely stressful. The benefit year is just the eligibility window, while your maximum benefit amount (MBA) determines how many weeks you can actually receive benefits. In Washington, most people qualify for 26 weeks maximum of regular UI benefits. To address your questions: 1. No, you don't need to continue filing weekly claims once your benefits are exhausted unless you're instructed to do so by ESD. 2. Currently, there are no UI extension programs available in Washington state. Federal extensions like PEUC existed during COVID but have ended. 3. You should immediately apply for other assistance programs: - SNAP (food benefits) - Housing assistance through your county - WorkSource for intensive job search assistance - Consider temporary work while continuing to search in your field Your claim will remain open until the benefit year ends, so if you work enough hours and then become unemployed again within that year, you may qualify for a new claim or additional benefits on your existing claim.

i hit this same wall about 3 months ago... totally sucks!!! my neighbor told me about this thing called Training Benefits where u can get MORE benefits if u go back to school for retraining. might be worth checking out? not sure if it works for everyone tho

Since your benefits are exhausted but you still have time left in your benefit year, here are your options: 1. **Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT)** - If you qualify for retraining in a high-demand field, you might be eligible for additional benefits. Contact WorkSource immediately to evaluate this option. 2. **Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)** - If your job loss was related to foreign trade impacts, you might qualify for this program which provides additional benefits and training opportunities. 3. **Work enough hours to qualify for a new claim** - If you can find temporary work and earn enough hours (typically 680+ hours), you might qualify for a new claim even within your current benefit year. 4. **Shared-Work Program** - If you can find part-time employment, this program might help supplement your income. Regarding reaching ESD for personalized advice - I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent when I couldn't get through. They have a service that helps you bypass the hold times and got me connected to an ESD agent who explained my options. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Good luck with your situation!

I used Claimyr last month when I was dealing with an adjudication issue and it DID work - got through to an actual person in about 25 minutes instead of spending days trying. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through. Regarding the original question - when my benefits ran out last year I ended up having to piece together gig work until I found a new full-time job. It's not ideal but services like Instacart, DoorDash, etc. at least brought in some cash during the gap. The WorkSource office in Everett actually helped me find a temp position that eventually turned permanent.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CUT YOU OFF BEFORE YOU FIND WORK!!! I went through EXACT same thing in January. 26 weeks and DONE even though my "benefit year" had 7 more months. ESD doesn't care if you're homeless. I called them 47 TIMES one day and never got through. The "great economy" they keep talking about on the news is a JOKE. I had to move in with my sister after 15 years of paying taxes in this state!!!!!

To answer your follow-up question about temporary work: Yes, working temporarily can potentially help you in two ways: 1. If you work enough hours (680+ in your base year), you could qualify for a new UI claim with a new MBA. 2. Even if you don't work enough for a whole new claim, any work you do might help you qualify for additional benefits through what's called a "requalification" if you work enough hours in a short period. Keep in mind that any temporary work needs to be reported to ESD if you're still filing weekly claims. I'd recommend speaking directly with an ESD representative to understand exactly how much work would be needed in your specific situation to qualify for additional benefits. The job market is tough right now in certain sectors, but construction management skills are often transferable to adjacent fields like project management in other industries. WorkSource can help identify those opportunities.

dont forget to check if you qualify for pandemic benefits those are still happening i think

Hey just checking in - did u have any luck with WorkSource or finding some temp work? The construction industry usually picks up in spring so maybe things will get better soon???