How to file for extended unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Extended benefits in Washington depend on the state's unemployment rate. Right now there's no extended benefits program active because our unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger it. You'll need to check Washington ESD's website to see current extended benefit status, but most people are just getting their regular 26 weeks unless there's a federal extension program.

I was in the same situation last year. There's no automatic filing - you have to keep checking Washington ESD's website for updates on extended benefits. When federal extensions were available during COVID they usually sent notifications, but state extended benefits are different and depend on unemployment rates in Washington.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about this same question and it's impossible. The phone lines are constantly busy and when you do get through you get disconnected. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to a real person at Washington ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. I was skeptical but it actually connected me to an agent who explained my extended benefits options.

Extended Benefits (EB) in Washington depends on the state's unemployment rate. Right now Washington doesn't qualify for the federal EB program because our unemployment rate isn't high enough. You'll get a notice from Washington ESD if your regular UI is ending and no extensions are available.

wait i thought there were still pandemic benefits?? I'm getting close to running out too and this is freaking me out

The extended benefits program is tied to the state's total unemployment rate and insured unemployment rate. Both have to meet certain thresholds for extended benefits to kick in. Washington's rates haven't triggered extended benefits since early 2022. Even if they do become available, it's usually only 13 additional weeks, not indefinite.

This is so frustrating! I'm at week 24 and still haven't found work. The job market is tough and now I'm facing losing benefits completely. Why doesn't Washington automatically extend benefits when people are still actively looking for work?

I went through this exact situation last year. When you're getting close to benefit exhaustion Washington ESD will send you a letter explaining your options. If EB isn't available (which it usually isn't), that's it for unemployment benefits. The letter will have info about job training programs and other resources though.

I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about this exact thing but couldn't get through after hours of trying. Super frustrating when you need answers about something this important. Actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

This whole system is broken. They make it so hard to get information when people are already struggling. I've been trying to plan for when my benefits end but can't get straight answers from anyone.

I was able to file a new regular claim after my first one exhausted because I had worked some temporary jobs during my benefit year. If you've worked at all while collecting UI, you might qualify for a new claim with lower weekly benefits but it buys you more time.

Check if you qualify for other programs too. WorkSource Washington has some training programs that come with financial support. It's not the same as extended UI but it's something while you're looking for work.

Just to clarify the Extended Benefits program - it gets triggered when either the state unemployment rate hits 6.5% AND is 120% of the rate from the same period in either of the two previous years, OR when it hits 8% regardless. Washington hasn't met these thresholds recently.

The thing that annoys me is that Washington ESD doesn't proactively communicate about extended benefits. You have to constantly check their website or try calling (good luck with that). Other states send notices when programs become available.

I'm in week 22 of regular UI and starting to panic about this too. Has anyone looked into the training programs Washington ESD offers? I heard they might extend benefits if you're in approved training.

The job search requirements are getting harder too. They want 3 job search activities per week now and I'm running out of places to apply in my field.

Does anyone know if there's talk of Congress passing another federal extension? With inflation and job market issues, seems like they should extend benefits nationally.

maybe try temp agencies? I know it's not ideal but might help bridge the gap when UI ends

One more thing - make sure you're documenting all your job search activities properly. If you do find work later and need to reapply for UI, having good records helps avoid issues with Washington ESD.

this is so stressful. why can't they just automatically tell us what happens when benefits end instead of making us guess?

I exhausted my benefits in September and had to start over with a new claim. The weekly benefit amount was lower because my earnings were lower during the new base period, but at least I got more weeks. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing.

The Washington ESD website has a section specifically about extended benefits status. Last time I checked it said 'not currently available' but they update it regularly. That's probably your best source for current information rather than trying to call.

I used Claimyr too when I needed to talk to someone about my benefit calculation. Way easier than the regular phone system. Got answers in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day.

Check your local food banks and churches too. A lot of them have emergency assistance programs that can help with utilities and rent while you're between UI and finding work.

The Training Benefits program might be your best bet for extending benefits. I did a medical coding program through it and got 12 additional weeks of UI while training.

Also look into whether you qualify for a new benefit year if you worked at all during your current claim. Sometimes you can establish a new claim with any wages earned.

Honestly the whole extended benefits thing is confusing. I thought there were federal programs but sounds like they're all gone?

Whatever you do don't just stop filing weekly claims when your benefits end. If any program becomes available you want to maintain your claim status.

The Claimyr thing actually worked for me too. Finally got to talk to someone who could explain what happens when my 26 weeks are up. Worth checking out if you need real answers instead of guessing.

Good luck OP. Keep applying everywhere and document everything. The job market is tough but you'll find something eventually.

Washington's regular UI is already more generous than a lot of states with 26 weeks. Some states only give 12-16 weeks. Extended benefits are meant to be emergency measures, not regular policy.

Been through this twice now. First time I was lucky and federal extensions were available. Second time I had to file a new claim. The key is to keep track of your weeks and start planning before you hit week 26. Don't wait until the last minute.

The unemployment rate would have to go up significantly for Washington to trigger extended benefits. Right now we're below the threshold and trending down, so it's unlikely to happen anytime soon unless there's a major economic downturn.

I used Claimyr recently to get through to Washington ESD about my claim status and they were able to connect me quickly. The agent confirmed that extended benefits aren't available right now and explained my options for filing a new claim. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to understand your situation.

Keep in mind that if you do qualify for a new claim, you'll have to go through the whole process again including job search requirements and waiting periods. It's not just an automatic extension of your current claim.

Bottom line is that extended benefits are rare and only available during high unemployment periods. Your best bet is to either qualify for a new regular claim or look into other assistance programs while you continue job searching. Don't count on extended benefits being available.