ESD benefits running out - any extensions available within same benefit year?
I've been on unemployment for about 4 months now after the tech company I worked for had massive layoffs. My ESD account shows I've got maybe 3 weeks of benefits left, but I'm still actively job hunting with no solid offers yet. Does anyone know if WA state allows any kind of extension once regular UI benefits run out? I'm still within my benefit year (ends in November 2025) and I'm doing all the required job search activities. I'm getting really worried about what happens when my benefits hit zero. Are extensions still a thing or did those end with the pandemic programs?
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LongPeri
unfortunately theres no extensions anymore. the pandemic ones like PEUC are gone completely. once ur regular UI runs out thats it until u qualify for a new claim with new work hours. its brutal out there right now especially in tech. it took me 7 months to find something after my UI ran out.
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Freya Collins
•Thanks for the reality check. That's what I was afraid of. Did you have any luck with the WorkSource resources for job hunting? I'm wondering if I should be spending more time there.
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Oscar O'Neil
The previous commenter is correct that the pandemic extensions are gone, but you might have other options to explore. Even within your benefit year, once your regular UI benefits are exhausted, you won't get an automatic extension. However, you should check if you qualify for Training Benefits (TB) through ESD if you're interested in retraining for a different career. They can extend your benefits while you're in approved training programs. Also, make sure you're taking full advantage of WorkSource - they have specialized resources for tech workers facing layoffs.
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Freya Collins
•Thanks! I hadn't thought about Training Benefits. I'll definitely look into that. I'm not sure I want to completely switch careers yet, but it's good to know that option exists. I'll make an appointment with WorkSource this week.
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Sara Hellquiem
I was in your exact situation last year!!! My benefits were about to run out and I was FREAKING OUT. The Training Benefits program mentioned above saved me. I got approved for a 6-month coding bootcamp and my benefits were extended. YOU HAVE TO APPLY EARLY THOUGH!!! Don't wait until your benefits are almost gone because the approval process takes forever!
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Charlee Coleman
•Which coding bootcamp did you do? Was it worth it? I'm in tech too but thinking about switching to a different specialty.
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Sara Hellquiem
•I did Code Fellows in Seattle. It was INTENSE but totally worth it. Got a job 2 months after finishing. The Training Benefits covered most of my living expenses while I was in the program. Best decision I ever made!!
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Liv Park
Did u try contacting ESD directly to ask about this? I called them when I had questions about my claim and they were actually helpful (shocking I know lol). But seriously it took me literally DAYS to get through to someone. The phone lines are always jammed.
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Leeann Blackstein
•If you're struggling to get through to ESD on the phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to an ESD agent much faster than calling directly. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I was skeptical at first, but after spending 3 days trying to get through about my adjudication issue, I tried it and got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly what my options were regarding benefit extensions and training programs.
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Ryder Greene
The system is DESIGNED to cut you off when you need help the most!!! I ran out of benefits last year while still in my benefit year and ESD basically told me "tough luck" - their exact words were "your benefit entitlement has been exhausted" like I was some kind of FREELOADER. Meanwhile corporations get BILLIONS in handouts!!! The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.
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Oscar O'Neil
•While I understand your frustration, it's important to note that unemployment insurance isn't designed to be a long-term solution. It's based on the amount of wages you earned during your base year, which determines your maximum benefit amount. Once that's exhausted, you need to have new work to qualify for a new claim. The Training Benefits program is one of the few exceptions that can extend benefits within the same benefit year, but it requires enrollment in approved training.
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Freya Collins
Thanks everyone for the advice! I've scheduled an appointment with WorkSource to discuss Training Benefits, and I'm going to try Claimyr to get through to ESD to ask about my specific situation. It sounds like regular extensions aren't available anymore, but at least there might be some options with the training route if I decide to go that way. I'll update this thread once I learn more in case it helps someone else.
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LongPeri
•good luck! the job market is slowly getting better i think. took me forever to find something but my roommate just got 3 offers in the same week after being unemployed for 2 months. totally random
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Charlee Coleman
Just wanted to add that if you're in tech, check out the TechPM program through WorkSource. My cousin did it when his UI was running out and it helped him transition from developer to product management. Not sure if it's still running but worth asking about!
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