ESD benefits running out at 26 weeks - any extensions available? Also question about substitute teaching impact

Unfortunately, the federal extended benefits programs ended in 2021. Washington currently doesn't offer any automatic extensions beyond the standard 26 weeks of regular UI. Once your regular benefits are exhausted, that's it unless there's a new federal program (which hasn't happened). Regarding substituting: You need to report ANY earnings when you file your weekly claim. ESD doesn't cancel your entire benefit for working one day, but they reduce your weekly benefit amount. They subtract 75% of what you earn from your weekly benefit amount. So if you earned $150 subbing for one day, they'd reduce your benefit by about $112. Honestly, taking the sub work is probably worth it for networking and keeping your skills fresh, even with the partial reduction.

ive been on ui twice and they WILL pay u for weeks u work part time but they take away some $ depending on how much u make. ur supposed to report any money u make on ur weekly claim and they calculate it. pretty sure its not all or nothing

I was in your EXACT situation last year!! My benefits were running out and I was FREAKING OUT. Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask about your options? GOOD LUCK with that!!! I spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through to them about an extension and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours!!! The substitute teaching thing is tricky. They DO reduce your benefits rather than cutting you off completely, but sometimes the calculations seem RANDOM and I got confused every time I tried to figure it out myself.

To directly address your questions: 1) Extensions: Currently there are no UI benefit extensions in Washington state. The standard is 26 weeks, and after that ends, you would need to qualify for a new claim (which requires working enough hours in a new base year). 2) Substitute teaching: When you work part-time while claiming benefits, you must report your gross earnings for the week. ESD applies this formula: - Your weekly benefit amount MINUS (75% of your gross earnings) - If the result is greater than zero, you receive that amount - If the result is zero or negative, you receive no benefits that week Example: If your weekly benefit is $400 and you earn $200 substituting, ESD would deduct $150 (75% of $200), leaving you with $250 in benefits plus your $200 in earnings. I strongly recommend taking the substitute work even if it reduces your weekly benefit. It extends your claim period since you're using fewer benefit dollars each week, plus it builds your work history.

Does anybody know if training benefits are still a thing? I thought Washington had some program where you could get unemployment extended if you were in approved training for a new career? Or did that end too?

I'd like to add some clarification about working while on unemployment: 1) You must report all hours and earnings, even for one day of work 2) The formula is: Weekly benefit - (gross earnings × 0.75) = adjusted benefit 3) You must still be available for full-time work to qualify for benefits 4) Substitute teaching hours are compatible with UI as long as you remain available for full-time permanent work 5) If working as a substitute, make sure you're reporting your hours correctly - count prep time if required A common mistake is not reporting small amounts of work, which can lead to overpayment notices later. Always report everything, even if it's just a few hours.

What about applying for TANF or other assistance programs once unemployment runs out?? Has anyone done that? Does one automatically qualify if UI benefits are exhausted??