ESD benefits extension options for deaf/disabled worker after regular UI expired?

I went through something similar with my brother (he has a different disability). There are a few options: 1. Training Benefits Program - This is best if she's willing to learn new skills or get certified in something. It can extend benefits up to 26 additional weeks while she's in approved training. She'll need to apply separately for this through her ESD account. 2. If she has worked AT ALL since her initial claim, even part-time, she might qualify for a new claim year. The earnings need to be at least $300 in a quarter, I think. 3. She should also immediately connect with DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) - they specifically help people with disabilities find employment and might have funding/programs your aunt qualifies for. The Training Benefits application is under the 'more services' section on her ESD dashboard. She'll need to submit it BEFORE her benefits fully exhaust (though sometimes they give a short grace period).

DONT WASTE TIME with training benefits if she hasn't already started a program!!!! My benefits ran out and I tried to get training benefits but they require you to ALREADY BE ENROLLED in a approved program and have all this paperwork from the school. By the time i figured this out it was 2 WEEKS after my benefits ended and they denied me!!! total nightmare. Better to apply for a hardship with DSHS right away.

I work with differently-abled clients frequently. Your aunt definitely needs to contact DVR immediately - 800-637-5627. Given her hearing/speech disabilities, she qualifies for specialized services through them including job coaching, adaptive technology for interviews, and other supports. As for unemployment specifically - one option nobody mentioned is that if she continues her job search and has some significant barrier to employment (which her disability could qualify as), she might be eligible for an extension through the "Commissioner Approved Training" program, which is different from regular Training Benefits. Also, has she been working with WorkSource? They have disability employment specialists who can help her connect with employers who specifically hire people with hearing impairments. Sometimes these positions aren't even advertised publicly.

when my benefits ran out i was so stressed trying to get through to esd bc the website kept glitching when i tried to submit questions!!! i finally used this service called claimyr from claimyr.com and it got me connected to an actual agent in like 20 min instead of spending DAYS trying to get through. they have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 the agent told me about a special extension program i qualified for that wasnt showing up on my online account for some reason. not saying thats your aunts situation but sometimes u need to actually TALK to someone to get the real answers.

it worked for me! they dont answer questions themselves they just get you through to an actual esd agent. the website explains everything.

my cousins deaf and he got help thru DVR but it took like 2 months to get started so apply right away, they helped him get job where they dont care about the hearing thing

One thing I forgot to mention - if your aunt's separation from work was at all related to her disability (like if the employer failed to provide reasonable accommodations before letting her go), she might want to speak with the Northwest Justice Project. They provide free legal help and might be able to identify if she has an employment discrimination case, which could affect her benefits situation.

I'm an employment specialist who works with the deaf community. Here's what your aunt should do immediately: 1. Apply for the Economic Security for All (ECSA) program through WorkSource. This is designed for people who have exhausted UI benefits and have barriers to employment. She'll need to ask specifically for this program as not all WorkSource staff know about it. 2. Request a meeting with a WorkSource Disability Employment Specialist by name - don't just take whoever is available. You can email the office ahead of time to ensure you get someone trained in deaf services. 3. Contact the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center in Seattle (if you're in Western WA) or Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf (if in Eastern WA). They have employment programs specifically for deaf job seekers. 4. While Training Benefits would be ideal, the application deadline is typically within 30 days of her regular UI ending, so time is critical. There's expedited approval for people with disabilities, but she must have a specific training program identified. If she's struggling with the ESD website due to accessibility issues, that's actually a compliance problem the agency should address. Request accommodations in writing.

just wondering, has ur aunt applied for SSDI? my mom has hearing loss (not completely deaf) and she got approved after her unemployment ran out. takes forever though

The system is RIGGED against disabled people. I'm partially deaf and was denied extensions TWICE even with documentation. They don't care. Your aunt should skip the ESD runaround and go straight to DSHS for emergency assistance while figuring out something more permanent. The ESD people will just waste her time with their ableist policies!!!