How to apply for extended unemployment benefits Washington ESD 2024

So there's nothing available after my 26 weeks are up? That's really concerning.

Unfortunately not through regular UI. You might want to look into other assistance programs or consider temporary work while continuing your job search.

The confusion comes from people mixing up the pandemic programs. Those special extensions (PEUC, PUA) all ended in September 2021. Regular Extended Benefits only trigger when unemployment rates hit specific thresholds.

oh ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

I haven't seen any notifications but I'll check again. So there's literally no way to get extended benefits right now?

There might be some transitional assistance programs. Check with WorkSource Washington too - they sometimes have retraining funds that come with extended support.

How much does that service cost? I'm already broke waiting for my benefits.

It's worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing. They focus on getting you connected quickly rather than making you dial hundreds of times.

I've heard mixed things about services like that. Did they actually help or just take your money?

They got me through to an agent in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. The agent was able to explain everything about extensions and also helped me fix an issue with my job search log.

Have you tried calling Washington ESD directly? Sometimes they know about programs that aren't well publicized online.

I've tried calling so many times but can never get through. The wait times are insane and then I get disconnected.

For what it's worth, I used claimyr.com last month to actually reach someone at Washington ESD about my claim issues. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth trying if you really need to talk to someone about extension options.

Their website is so confusing though. I spent hours looking for clear information about what happens after 26 weeks.

Agreed, the navigation is terrible. The key thing is that regular UI maxes out at 26 weeks unless there's a federal extension program active, which there isn't right now.

What kind of workforce development programs? Do they pay anything while you're in them?

WIOA programs through WorkSource can provide training stipends. Also look into Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job loss was trade-related. Some programs do provide income support during training.

I feel you. The system is designed to push people off benefits whether they've found work or not.

I understand the frustration, but the 26-week limit has been standard for decades. The pandemic extensions were temporary emergency measures.

26 weeks isn't enough time to find a decent job in a specialized field. They expect you to just take anything.

I understand the frustration, but regular UI has always been 26 weeks in Washington. Extended benefits are only available during high unemployment periods.

well they should make exceptions for people who are actually trying to find work. ive been applying everywhere

Have you looked into other assistance programs? SNAP, housing assistance, etc? There are other safety nets beyond just unemployment.

I don't think my situation qualifies for that. I worked in marketing for a local company that downsized.

Yeah TAA is pretty specific. Worth checking though since it's one of the few ways to get benefits beyond 26 weeks.

Did Claimyr actually work? How much did it cost?

Yeah it worked great - I was connected within like 10 minutes instead of waiting hours. They help you get through the phone system efficiently.

Interesting - I might try that too. I've been trying to reach them about my claim for weeks.

I've been avoiding applying for food stamps but I might have to. This is not where I thought I'd be at 35.

There's no shame in using available resources. These programs exist for situations exactly like yours.

The job search requirements are to show you're actively looking. They don't require the jobs to be perfect matches.

Right but it encourages quantity over quality. I'd rather spend time on 1 good application than 3 rushed ones.

You can include networking activities and other job search activities in your log, not just applications. Check the WorkSourceWA website for approved activities.

Yeah all the pandemic programs are long gone. We're basically on our own now unfortunately.

COBRA is so expensive though. Without extended benefits I can't afford $600/month for health insurance.

I'm 52 and got laid off from manufacturing. Would that qualify me for anything special?

Possibly! Manufacturing layoffs sometimes qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance, and being over 50 might qualify you for SCSEP or other older worker programs.

How do I apply for those? Is it through Washington ESD or somewhere else?

Washington hasn't implemented any state-funded extended benefits program as of 2024. The legislature would need to pass something like that and it's unlikely given the current budget situation.

Oregon did something like that last year I think? But yeah Washington hasn't done anything similar.

That's actually a good point. I've been turning down part-time work thinking it would mess up my benefits.

As long as you report your earnings, you can often still get partial UI benefits. It's better than nothing.

I haven't seen any movement on that front in Washington. The state budget is already tight.

Worth keeping an eye on though. Economic conditions can change quickly.

Good point. I'll keep filing even after my benefits end just in case something changes.

Yes definitely keep filing! And keep doing your job search activities too - that's required for any programs you might qualify for later.

Did they help you find any additional benefits or programs?

They helped me understand the partial benefits rules for part-time work, which I didn't know about. Also helped me fix some issues with my weekly claims that I didn't even know were problems.

That's interesting. Do you know what kind of training programs they offer?

It varies but includes things like healthcare, technology, trades. Check the WorkSourceWA website or visit a local office.

I did a medical assistant program through WorkSource in 2022. They covered tuition and I got training benefits the whole time.

The triggers for Extended Benefits are automatic, but they're based on unemployment rates that haven't been met recently.

The thresholds are too high. Unemployment doesn't have to be at Great Depression levels for people to need help.

I've thought about it but wasn't sure how that would affect my benefits. Do I need to report gig income?

Yes, you have to report all income, including gig work. But you might still qualify for partial benefits depending on how much you earn.

Temp work can be a good strategy. Sometimes temp positions turn into permanent ones too.

Exactly what happened to her. Started as a 3-month temp assignment and they hired her permanently after 2 months.

You're right. I need to get more aggressive with my job search instead of hoping for an extension.

That's the spirit. Use every resource available - networking, job fairs, online applications, recruiters, everything.

How quickly were you able to get through to someone?

Much faster than trying to call directly. The regular Washington ESD line was always busy or would hang up on me.

Good point. I'll make sure to keep up with my weekly claims until the very end.

Absolutely correct. Never stop filing unless you're specifically told to by Washington ESD.

At least we're not alone in this. It helps to know others are going through the same thing.

Definitely. I'm going to look into those training programs mentioned earlier. Might be worth exploring.

Same situation here. Started looking at part-time work to supplement whatever benefits I might still get.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I have a much clearer picture now of what my options are.

Good luck with your job search! Don't give up - something will come through.

Have you applied for emergency assistance through DSHS? They might be able to help with rent and utilities while you're job searching.

I didn't know that was an option. I'll look into it, thank you.

Also check with 211 - dial 2-1-1 and they can connect you with local assistance programs.

Pilot programs? That sounds promising. Do you know any details about who would qualify?

The agent was pretty vague about it - just said to keep checking for updates on the Washington ESD website and in my online account.

Thanks for the insider info. Is there any chance the thresholds could change or Washington could create its own program?

Federal thresholds are set by Congress, so that's unlikely to change. State programs would require legislative action and funding, which is possible but not currently being discussed seriously.

So basically we're stuck unless unemployment gets really bad again? That's depressing.

I've thought about it but I'm worried about how that would affect my unemployment claim if something did become available.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report it properly. Just make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claims.

That's actually a really good idea. My local community college has a career center that helps with job placement too.

Some community colleges also have food banks and other assistance for students. Worth checking out all their services.