How to apply for extended unemployment benefits through Washington ESD

I looked but it's confusing - it talks about federal extension programs but doesn't say if they're currently active or not.

The federal programs like PEUC ended a while back. Now it's just state-triggered EB which depends on unemployment rates being high enough.

So there's no way to get extended benefits right now? I thought there was always some kind of extension available.

Unfortunately no, regular UI is 26 weeks max unless the state triggers EB which happens when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds.

Oh no, that's not what I wanted to hear. So there's nothing automatic that kicks in when regular benefits end?

Unfortunately no, not right now. Extended benefits only trigger when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds and we're not there currently.

The pandemic programs like PEUC and PUA ended in September 2021. Regular state UI is back to pre-pandemic rules - 26 weeks maximum unless Extended Benefits trigger, which they haven't in Washington.

thats really messed up, so people just get cut off after 26 weeks?

Yes! I've been trying to call for days and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting on hold forever.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It's way easier than trying to call yourself.

So there's nothing available after regular UI runs out? That's really concerning since I'm still looking for work.

Unfortunately no automatic extensions right now. You might qualify for a new benefit year if you worked enough after filing your original claim.

So I just keep filing my weekly claims as normal and they'll let me know if I qualify?

Exactly. If EB is available you'll get a notice in your account or by mail. But honestly I'd call Washington ESD to confirm your specific situation.

I had the same problem trying to reach them. Someone told me about this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I tried it at claimyr.com and actually got connected within 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. Did they charge you a lot?

It was worth it for me since I'd been trying to get through for weeks. The agent confirmed that there's no extended benefits available right now in Washington state.

Extended Benefits only trigger during high unemployment periods. We had them during COVID but not anymore. Check if you can file a new claim instead.

ugh this is so confusing, why doesnt washington esd explain this better on their website

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay to talk to our own unemployment office.

I was frustrated about having to use a service too, but honestly it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing. Check out claimyr.com if you're interested.

Thank you for the specific details. So I should just focus on job searching and maybe look into other assistance programs?

Exactly. You might also want to check if you qualify for SNAP benefits or other local assistance programs while you continue your job search.

That's a common misconception. Extended benefits only exist during high unemployment periods. During the pandemic there were special federal programs like PEUC, but those ended in 2021.

Oh god, I had no idea. I was counting on having something after my regular benefits end.

I agree the website could be clearer. The extended benefits are tied to economic conditions, so they're not always available.

well that's just great for those of us who still can't find work after 6 months of searching

I feel your frustration. Have you looked into other assistance programs? SNAP, housing assistance, etc might help bridge the gap.

Yeah I'm already on SNAP but that barely covers groceries. Housing assistance has a 2 year waiting list here.

This is exactly what I'm worried about. I don't understand why there's no safety net after 26 weeks.

I did work part-time for about 6 months during my claim period. How do I check if I earned enough to qualify for a new claim?

You'll need to look at your quarterly wage statements or contact Washington ESD directly. The problem is getting through to them on the phone...

Getting through to Washington ESD is a nightmare. I tried calling for weeks about my claim status. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected - they have this system that keeps calling until you get through to an actual agent. Saved me hours of redialing. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

I feel this so much. The website is confusing and the phone system hangs up on you constantly.

I understand the frustration but the rules are actually pretty clear if you know where to look. The issue is the communication could be better.

I hear you. The whole system feels designed to make it as hard as possible to get help.

That's why I ended up using Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD. At least I could actually reach an agent to get my questions answered instead of wasting days trying to call.

What unemployment rate would trigger EB? And is there any chance it might happen soon?

The trigger is complex but generally requires a 3-month average unemployment rate of 6.5% or higher, plus it has to be 110% of the same period in either of the two previous years. Washington's current rate is too low.

So basically I'm out of luck unless the unemployment rate goes up significantly?

Unfortunately yes, unless you qualify for a new regular UI claim based on work you've done since your last claim started.

That's a catch-22 situation - if you worked enough to qualify for a new claim, you probably wouldn't need the extended benefits

I'm pretty sure but maybe I should double-check. My account shows I have 2 weeks left.

It's worth verifying. Log into your Washington ESD account and check your benefit year end date and remaining balance.

So there's really no safety net after regular benefits run out?

You might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS, but for unemployment specifically, it's pretty limited right now.

This is really helpful, thank you. How do I check my work history to see if I qualify for a new claim?

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look at your wage records, or you can request them from Washington ESD. You need wages in at least two quarters of your base period.

I tried looking at my wage records online but some of my employers aren't showing up correctly. Really frustrating.

Have you been working with WorkSource? They have additional resources and training programs that might help.

Yeah I'm registered with WorkSource and doing the required job search activities. Still nothing.

Did they give you clear information about extended benefits when you talked to them?

Yes, they confirmed that EB isn't currently available in Washington and explained what I'd need to do to potentially file a new regular claim.

It's been this way for decades. The pandemic programs were temporary expansions. Regular UI has always been limited to 26 weeks in most states.

well it sucks and something needs to change

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Have you looked into other assistance programs while job searching?

yeah trying to figure out what else is available, its overwhelming

How much does something like that cost? I'm obviously tight on money right now.

It's reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Way better than spending entire days trying to get through on your own.

exactly! like we're supposed to just magically find jobs when there aren't enough good ones available

The system was designed during different economic times. It definitely has gaps in coverage for situations like we're seeing now.

Thanks for the update. I guess I'll just have to keep checking and hope something changes before my benefits run out.

Good luck. At least you know now what to look for instead of wondering if you're missing something.

What did you end up doing? I'm trying to prepare for that possibility too.

combination of gig work, food assistance, and help from family until I found something permanent. not fun but doable

My benefit year doesn't end until August, so I'd still be eligible if something changed?

Probably, but I'd verify that with Washington ESD directly since there can be other qualifying requirements.

Good point, I'll make sure to keep filing. I was wondering about that.

Yes, definitely keep filing! And make sure you're meeting all the job search requirements too.

Good idea. I think you can set up notifications in your eServices account.

I'll look into that. Better to know right away than find out weeks later.

How do you know if you qualify for a new claim? I did some part-time work during my unemployment.

You need to have earned enough wages in your new base period. Washington ESD can tell you if you qualify when you try to file a new claim online.

This is correct - if you've worked and earned sufficient wages, you might qualify for a new benefit year rather than needing extended benefits.

That's great news! I'm going to try Claimyr too since I can't get through the normal way.

What exactly did they tell you about qualifying for a new claim? I'm curious about the requirements.

They said I earned enough in my new base period from part-time work I did. The agent was really helpful explaining how the base period works.