How to qualify for extended unemployment benefits - Washington ESD eligibility requirements?

Thanks, I'll check the ESD site. So there's no automatic extension after regular benefits end?

Correct, no automatic extension. EB has to be triggered by unemployment rates and it's not active right now in WA.

I haven't looked into training programs yet. Do you know which ones qualify for benefit extensions?

Training Benefit (TB) can extend your claim if you're in an approved program. Contact Washington ESD about TB eligibility - it has to be pre-approved before you start training.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Finally got answers about my claim status.

Never heard of that but willing to try anything at this point. Thanks for the tip!

Wait, I thought regular UI was only 20 weeks in Washington?

No, regular UI is up to 26 weeks in Washington state. The duration depends on your earnings during your base period.

What about Trade Adjustment Assistance? How do you know if your job loss qualifies?

TAA is for workers whose jobs were lost due to foreign trade. Your employer or union typically files a petition. It's pretty specific - not for general economic layoffs.

I feel you. The job market is tough right now even with supposedly low unemployment.

Remember you're only required to search for suitable work. You don't have to take jobs that pay significantly less than your previous wage, at least initially.

You can potentially reopen a previous claim if it hasn't expired (claims are valid for one year). But if it's expired, you'd need to file a new claim based on recent earnings.

My previous claim was from 2023, so probably expired. Would need to check my benefit year end date.

I tried calling ESD again this morning - still can't get through. How does Claimyr work exactly?

They basically handle getting you connected to ESD agents. Much better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

Smart move. Just make sure to get TB approved BEFORE you start any training program. They won't approve it retroactively.

Which training programs are you looking at? I'm curious about this option too.

good point, hadn't thought about other programs. where do you apply for those?

DSHS for food and cash assistance, local housing authorities for housing help, and utility companies often have low-income programs.

That's great! What did they say about the Training Benefits option?

They said I'd need to apply for TB before starting any program, and it has to be at an approved school for an approved field. They can email you the list of qualifying programs.

Good advice. Is there a specific page on their site that shows EB status?

Yes, look for 'Extended Benefits' or 'EB' in their unemployment insurance section. They're required to post current status there.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. This thread has been really informative.

agreed, learned a lot here that i couldn't find anywhere else