How to apply for extended unemployment benefits in Washington - need help understanding process

Extended benefits depend on the state's unemployment rate and aren't always available. Washington ESD will automatically file an extended benefits claim for you if you're eligible - you don't need to do anything special. You'll get a notice if extended benefits become available.

Wait I'm confused - are we talking about extended benefits or extended claim duration? I thought you could only get 26 weeks max in Washington.

I just went through this last month. You have to keep filing your weekly claims even after your regular benefits end. Washington ESD will review your case automatically and if extended benefits are triggered for the state, they'll backpay you for any weeks you filed. Don't stop filing!

The extended benefits program is tied to the state unemployment rate being above certain thresholds. Right now I don't think Washington qualifies but that can change quarterly. You can check the trigger status on the Washington ESD website under extended benefits information.

I've been trying to get information about this from Washington ESD for weeks but can't get through on the phone. The website is confusing and doesn't clearly explain when extended benefits are available or how to know if you qualify.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!! I've been trying to get answers about extended benefits for months. Washington ESD doesn't care about us once our regular benefits run out. They make it impossible to get help!

Update: I found some information buried in the Washington ESD news section. It looks like extended benefits haven't been triggered recently but they review it every quarter. I'm going to keep filing my weekly claims just in case.

So what happens if you exhaust regular benefits and extended benefits aren't available? Are there other programs?

I was on extended benefits back in 2020 during the pandemic but haven't seen them available since then. The unemployment rate has to be pretty high for the state to trigger them.

Update on getting through to Washington ESD - I finally tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked! Got connected to an agent who explained that extended benefits aren't currently available in Washington but they review the triggers quarterly. She confirmed I should keep filing weekly claims to maintain eligibility if the situation changes.

Just want to clarify something - there's a difference between Extended Benefits (EB) which is tied to state unemployment rates, and other extension programs that were available during COVID. EB is the only extension program currently authorized under regular circumstances.

For anyone still confused about the process: 1) Keep filing weekly claims after regular benefits end, 2) Washington ESD will automatically review your eligibility for extended benefits if they're triggered, 3) You'll get a determination notice if you qualify, 4) Payments will resume automatically if approved. No separate application needed.

I'm in a similar situation but my benefits don't run out for another month. Should I start preparing anything now or just wait?

One more thing to remember - even if extended benefits do become available, you still have to meet all the regular requirements like job searching and being able and available for work. The work search requirements don't change.

Has anyone tried contacting their legislator about extended benefits? Maybe if enough people express concern they'd look at changing the trigger thresholds.

Quick question - do extended benefits count against your lifetime benefit amount or is that separate?

Final update: I've been keeping up with my weekly claims and job search activities. Even though extended benefits aren't currently available, I feel better knowing I'm doing everything right in case the situation changes. Thanks everyone for the helpful information!

This whole thread should be pinned somewhere. Way better explanation than anything on the official Washington ESD site.

For what it's worth, I tried that Claimyr service mentioned earlier when I had questions about my claim status and it was really helpful. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get straight answers about these complex programs.

Bottom line: extended benefits aren't available right now in Washington but could be triggered if unemployment rises. Keep filing weekly claims after regular benefits end to maintain eligibility. Washington ESD handles everything automatically if you qualify.