ESD no longer offering unemployment extensions in 2025? Only 2 weeks left on my claim!

Your friends are thinking of the pandemic emergency extensions (PEUC, PUA, etc) which ended years ago. Regular UI has always been limited to your benefit year with a maximum number of weeks (typically 26 in Washington). Unfortunately, extensions only exist during special economic circumstances when approved by Congress or when state unemployment rates trigger certain programs. Currently in 2025, there are no extension programs available in Washington state. At your age, have you considered applying for Social Security retirement benefits as a backup plan? Even if it's not what you planned, it might be necessary while you continue job searching. Also, WorkSource offers special programs for seniors through their Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) - might be worth looking into.

SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!!! Im 65 and nobody wants to hire me either!!! Ive been on like 15 interviews and they always hire someone younger. Its ILLEGAL AGE DISCRIMINATION but try proving it!!! The unemployment system is BROKEN!!! They expect us to just magically find jobs when nobody will hire us?? What are we supposed to do after benefits run out?? And dont tell me go work at mcdonalds - I have arthritis and cant stand for 8 hours!

I'm going through something similar, though I'm a bit younger at 58. Have you tried connecting with a claims specialist at ESD directly? I was having terrible luck getting through on the phone lines (constant busy signals or disconnects) until I used Claimyr to get through to someone (claimyr.com). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 When I finally spoke with someone, they explained that while extensions aren't available, I might qualify for different types of assistance or programs. They helped review my situation and suggested several options I hadn't considered. It's worth speaking to someone directly about your specific circumstances rather than just relying on the general information online.

Unfortunately, there are no unemployment extensions available in Washington right now. This is because extensions are only triggered by high unemployment rates or special federal legislation (like during the pandemic). Our state's unemployment rate is currently below the threshold that would trigger the Extended Benefits (EB) program. What you CAN do: 1. Contact your local WorkSource office and ask specifically about their 55+ programs 2. Apply for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) 3. File for partial unemployment if you can find part-time work 4. Look into other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or housing assistance 5. Contact your state representatives and share your story - they need to hear about situations like yours Don't give up on your job search! Many employers value experienced workers, and there are certain fields more receptive to hiring older workers. Have you considered office manager positions with non-profits or educational institutions? They often appreciate seasoned professionals.

hey have u tried temping? thats what my mom did when she was in her 60s and couldnt find permanent work. she did office manager / admin assistant type roles through agencies like robert half. sometimes the temp jobs turned into perm offers. might be worth checking out while ur looking for something permanent.

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it's actually a good thing we don't have extensions right now. It means the job market is considered healthy by economic standards. High unemployment extensions only kick in when things are really bad, like during the pandemic or 2008 recession. My sister works in HR and says a lot of companies are actually creating positions specifically for experienced workers because young people job hop too much these days. Maybe try highlighting your loyalty and long-term experience as a selling point?

One other thought - have you applied for Washington's Senior Citizen Jobs Program? It's separate from regular unemployment and specifically designed for workers 55+ who are struggling to find employment. It provides subsidized part-time work (usually 20-25 hours/week) with non-profits and government agencies. It won't replace your full income but might help bridge the gap until you find something permanent. You can apply through DSHS or your local WorkSource office.

my grandma had the same problem last year and what she did was started doing administrative work from home as an independent contractor. she found a bunch of small businesses who needed someone to do their scheduling and emails but couldnt afford a full-time person. now she has like 4 different clients and makes decent money working from her apartment. might be worth looking into since you have office manager experience?