How to prepare for the end of unemployment benefits in Washington - need advice

That's what I was afraid of. Are there any retraining programs that might help? I've been in software but the market is brutal right now.

Yes! WorkSource has several training programs including Trade Readjustment Allowance if your job loss was trade-related. They also have career counseling services that might help you pivot your tech skills to other industries.

Good point about the benefit year vs weekly amount. I think my benefit year ends in March but I might run out of weekly payments before then. Does that matter?

Yes it matters! If you exhaust your weekly benefit amount but your benefit year hasn't ended, you might be able to file a new claim if you've worked and earned enough wages since your original claim. But if your benefit year ends, you definitely need to file a new claim to continue.

I've tried calling so many times but always get the busy signal or get disconnected. How does this Claimyr thing work exactly?

It basically helps you get through their phone system more efficiently. You put in your info and it keeps trying to connect you while you do other things. When they get someone on the line, they call you back to connect you. Saved me hours of redialing.

Sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. The Washington ESD phone system is impossible.

I'll look into WIOA. Do you know if they have programs for career changes or just upgrading skills in your current field?

Both! They're pretty flexible about career changes, especially if you can show the new field has better job prospects. WorkSource can help you figure out what programs might work for your situation.

I totally understand the stress. It's scary but you do have options. Start with the basics - apply for SNAP and see if you qualify for emergency assistance through DSHS. Many food banks don't require proof of income anymore either.

Thank you, I hadn't thought about DSHS emergency assistance. I'll look into that this week.

I get the frustration but try to focus on what you can control right now. The system has problems but there are still resources available if you know where to look.

Easy to say but I've been looking and it's all bureaucratic nonsense with waiting lists and complicated applications.

Good advice. I've been avoiding networking because I felt embarrassed about being unemployed for so long, but maybe it's time to swallow my pride.

Don't be embarrassed! With all the layoffs in tech, everyone understands. Most people are willing to help if you approach it right.

This is confusing. How do I check which will happen first in my case?

Log into your eServices account and look at your claim details. It should show your benefit year end date and your remaining benefit balance. Divide your balance by your weekly amount to see how many weeks you have left.

I've thought about gig work but wasn't sure if it would mess up my UI claim. Since benefits are ending anyway, I guess it doesn't matter anymore.

Right, once UI ends you don't have to worry about reporting earnings to them anymore. Just keep track of everything for tax purposes and any other assistance programs.

Good point. I keep putting it off hoping I'll find a job first, but that's probably not realistic at this point.

Exactly. You can always cancel the assistance if you find work, but it's harder to fast-track applications when you're already desperate.

I hadn't thought about going back to school. Are there programs specifically for career changers?

Many community colleges have workforce development programs designed exactly for that. They often partner with local employers too so there are job prospects after completion.

I keep hearing about this Claimyr service. Does it cost a lot to use?

I don't want to get into specific costs but for me it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing about my options. Sometimes you need to talk to a real person.

That's really practical advice. I haven't been keeping good records and I probably should be.

Yeah, when you're dealing with multiple agencies and programs, it's easy to lose track of what you've applied for and when. A simple spreadsheet helps a lot.

Hang in there. Start with the practical steps people have mentioned here and take it one day at a time. You'll get through this.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's hard to stay positive when rejections keep piling up.

I totally get it. The mental health aspect of long-term unemployment is real. Consider looking into counseling services too - many are free or sliding scale.

I didn't know those programs were still running. I'll research what's available in my county.

I've looked at freelance sites but the competition seems intense and rates are low. Maybe I need to adjust my expectations though.

Yeah the rates can be disappointing but even low-paying projects can lead to better opportunities. It's about building momentum again.

Where do I find information about workforce development boards in my area?

Start with your county government website or call WorkSource. They should be able to connect you with the right local board for your area.

Glad it's useful for others too. I wish I had started preparing sooner instead of hoping something would work out at the last minute.

That's exactly why I'm paying attention now. Better to have a plan than scramble when benefits actually end.

I haven't worked at all during my claim so I don't think I'd qualify for a new one. But good to know the process has changed.

Yeah, if you haven't worked you probably wouldn't have enough wages for a new claim. That's why exploring other assistance programs now is so important.

That's a great point about libraries! I completely forgot they offer those services. My local library has been closed for renovations but I should check what's available at other branches nearby. Free career counseling sounds especially valuable right now when I'm trying to figure out if I should pivot to a different field or keep pushing in tech. Thanks for the reminder - sometimes the most obvious resources are the ones we overlook.