ESD regular benefits exhausted - any alternatives after UI runs out in 2025?

Unfortunately, you're right that the pandemic-era extensions like PEUC no longer exist. Once you exhaust your regular UI benefits, there are a few options to consider: 1. If there's high unemployment in Washington (which currently there isn't), Extended Benefits (EB) might become available, but that's not active right now 2. Apply for WorkFirst/TANF if you have dependent children 3. Look into other assistance programs like Basic Food (SNAP), Housing Essential Needs (HEN), or the Washington Utility Assistance Program 4. Connect with your local WorkSource office - they can help with job search resources and might know about industry-specific programs The most important thing is to keep filing your weekly claims even after benefits exhaust, just in case any extensions become available later. This keeps your claim active.

check ur monetary determination letter. it should show ur weekly benefit amount and the total u can get. sometimes people think theyre out when they still have benefits left. just saying maybe double check how much you got left

I went thru this last year. When my regular UI ran out it was TERRIFYING. Have you tried reaching ESD directly to ask about options? I spent 3 days trying to get thru on the phone with no luck, always got the "high call volume" message and disconnected. So frustrating!! Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it got me connected to an actual ESD agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I talked to explained all my options after UI exhaustion. Turns out there were some resources I didn't know about. Totally worth getting actual info instead of panicking based on what I found online!

Here's what I recommend based on my experience as someone who exhausted benefits last year: 1. Connect with WorkSource IMMEDIATELY - don't wait until benefits exhaust. They offer specialized job search assistance including skills assessments, resume help, and sometimes direct connections to employers. You might qualify for retraining programs even before your UI runs out. 2. If you have any type of disability (even temporary), apply for HEN (Housing Essential Needs). It's designed specifically for people who cannot work due to physical/mental health issues. 3. Apply for Basic Food benefits before your UI exhausts - you might qualify for partial benefits now, and full benefits once UI ends. 4. Update your resume to focus on transferable skills rather than just healthcare admin. With the right resume approach, you can pivot to adjacent industries. 5. If you have consistent work history, consider applying for state jobs - they often prioritize experienced admins from other sectors. Most importantly: don't wait until the last week of benefits to explore these options. Start now.

omg i feel ur pain!!! i ran out of ui last summer and it was like falling off a cliff. worst part is how ESD doesn't even tell u clearly what happens next. there are NO EXTENSIONS anymore, thats true. i ended up having to move in with my parents which SUCKED at 42 yrs old but beats being homeless i guess lol

You should look into Washington's Worker Retraining Program. If you're eligible, they can help pay for additional education/training while you transition to a new career, plus they sometimes have benefits that extend beyond regular UI. I took advantage of this when I hit my maximum benefit amount last year - got certified in project management which opened up a lot more opportunities. The program is run through community colleges but WorkSource can help you get connected.

To directly answer your question about other assistance programs: you don't need to wait until your UI benefits are completely exhausted before applying for SNAP, HEN, or utility assistance. In fact, you should apply now so there's no gap in support. Regarding Extended Benefits (EB): if they get triggered later due to rising state unemployment, and you've continued filing weekly claims, you would likely be eligible. But this requires state unemployment to hit specific thresholds, and that hasn't happened recently in Washington. One more suggestion: check if you're eligible for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. This is for workers who lost jobs due to foreign trade impacts and offers extended income support beyond regular UI, plus training opportunities. It's specific to certain industries and situations, but worth investigating if your healthcare admin job was outsourced or affected by international trade.

Has anyone mentioned Disaster Unemployment Assistance? If there's been any declared disaster in your area (like those floods east of Seattle earlier this year), you might qualify for DUA after regular benefits end. Worth checking if your county has had any disaster declarations in 2025.

What I did when my benefits ran out was pick up gig work while still job hunting in my field. It wasn't ideal but DoorDash, Instacart etc let me make *something* while I kept looking for permanent work. At least it helped with gas money and some bills. The key is to stay flexible - a lot of these gigs let you work whenever you want so you can still go to interviews for real jobs.

One final note - make sure to download and save all your ESD documents before your benefit year ends. This includes your monetary determination, all weekly claim confirmations, and any determination letters. If you need to reference anything for future assistance programs or tax purposes, these won't be easily accessible once your benefit year closes out.