How do I qualify for extended unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

So there's no automatic extension? What happens if EB isn't available when my regular benefits end?

If EB isn't available, your benefits just end when you exhaust your regular claim. You'd need to look for other assistance programs or requalify for a new benefit year if you have enough work history.

That's reassuring! Did you end up getting extended benefits or were they not available?

They weren't available when my regular claim ended. Had to find work pretty quickly after that.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without the endless hold times. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? How does that even work? I'm desperate at this point.

They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of frustration.

What exactly is a High Unemployment Period? Is there a specific percentage the state has to hit?

Yes, Washington's insured unemployment rate has to be at least 5% and 120% of the average for the same period in the two previous years. It's pretty technical but basically unemployment has to be significantly elevated.

No, all the pandemic programs like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. We're back to just regular UI and extended benefits when they're triggered.

oh man that sucks. i was counting on those extra weeks

Exactly! And if you're in a specialized field it can take months to find something appropriate. What industry are you in?

Software development, but all the companies want someone with the exact tech stack they use. It's like they don't want to train anyone anymore.

I haven't worked at all since I was laid off, so I don't think I'd have enough earnings for a new claim.

That's correct - you need wages in at least two quarters of your base period to establish a new claim. If you haven't worked, you wouldn't qualify for a new benefit year.

Seriously! I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and found out my claim had an issue I didn't even know about.

How much did that cost you? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency that owes us money.

It was worth it for me since I was about to lose weeks of benefits over something that took 5 minutes to fix once I got an agent on the phone.

Is there anywhere to check the current unemployment rates to see how close we are to triggering EB?

Washington ESD publishes the rates on their website, usually in their labor market reports. The Employment Security Department also sends out press releases when EB status changes.

The job search requirements remain the same - 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Extended benefits don't change the weekly claim requirements.

Ok good, I was worried they'd make me apply to like 10 jobs a week or something.

Good luck! Start preparing your backup plan now just in case. Look into other assistance programs too - food stamps, utility assistance, etc.

Yeah I'm already looking into those options. It's crazy how one layoff can turn your whole life upside down.

Working part-time doesn't affect your eligibility for extended benefits, but your weekly benefit amount may be reduced depending on how much you earn. You still need to report all earnings on your weekly claims.

ok cool, at least i can try to bring in some income while still looking for full time work

Same here. December and January are the worst months to be job hunting in most industries.

Exactly! And all the seasonal retail jobs pay like half of what unemployment gives me.

That's helpful to know! Did they say anything about how much notice they give before benefits end?

They send a notice 4 weeks before your benefit year ends letting you know if EB is available. If not, they'll also include information about reapplying or other resources.

Correct - extended benefits are temporary even when available. You can get up to 13 weeks of EB (or 20 weeks in very high unemployment periods), but that's it. There's no indefinite extension.

ok so max would be like 46 weeks total? that seems more reasonable

Agreed. And good luck trying to get any human help from Washington ESD when you need it. The whole thing is set up to discourage people from even trying.

Exactly. They make the process as difficult as possible and then wonder why people give up on looking for work.

WorkSource Washington offers training programs and sometimes Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job loss was due to foreign trade. Those might provide extended benefits while you retrain for new careers.

I'll look into that. Might be time to learn some new skills anyway since my industry seems to be shrinking.

Good find! I bookmarked that page when I was going through this. They're pretty good about updating it regularly.

Yeah I set a calendar reminder to check it monthly. Better to know ahead of time than be surprised when benefits end.

Glad it helped! It's frustrating that we need a third-party service just to contact our own state agency, but at least there's a solution that works.

Extended benefits ARE more available when the economy is bad - that's exactly when unemployment rates are high enough to trigger them. The current relatively low unemployment rate is why EB isn't available right now.

Oh that makes more sense. I had it backwards in my head. So if unemployment gets worse, more people would qualify for extended benefits.