How to request unemployment extension when regular benefits run out - Washington ESD

Washington ESD should automatically file an Extended Benefits (EB) claim for you if you're eligible, but it depends on the state's unemployment rate. You don't usually need to do anything special - just keep filing your weekly claims.

been there, it's super confusing when you're running out of benefits. i had to call washington esd like 15 times before i got through to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim

Actually used Claimyr recently to get through to Washington ESD about my benefit extension question. Was way easier than trying to call myself - they have this system that gets you connected faster. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Extended Benefits (EB) are triggered when Washington's unemployment rate meets specific federal requirements. Currently, Washington ESD will automatically file an EB claim for eligible claimants when their regular UI benefits are exhausted. You must continue to meet all regular UI requirements including job search activities.

WAIT A MINUTE - are we even in an EB period right now?? I thought those ended when unemployment went down. Someone needs to check the actual Washington ESD website because I don't think extensions are available anymore!

Just went through this exact situation last month. Turns out Washington wasn't in an EB period when my benefits ran out, so I had to look into other options like retraining programs or just tough it out while job hunting.

this is exactly why the unemployment system is so messed up. they make it impossible to get straight answers about something as basic as whether extensions are available or not

Actually, I should clarify my earlier comment. Extended Benefits are only available when specific economic conditions are met, and Washington hasn't triggered EB in quite a while. You might want to look into other programs instead.

This is exactly the kind of question where calling Washington ESD directly makes sense. When I used Claimyr for my benefit questions, the agent was able to tell me immediately what programs were currently available and what I qualified for.

Can confirm Washington is NOT currently in an Extended Benefits period. Found this info buried in their weekly economic reports. You'll need to explore other options unfortunately.

ugh same boat here, benefits ending soon and job market is still tough. this whole thread is making me realize i need to start planning for no extension

For those whose regular UI benefits are exhausting: check if you're eligible for any Washington State training programs through WorkSource. Some provide financial support while you gain new skills. Also consider filing for other assistance programs before your UI ends.

One thing to watch out for - even if Extended Benefits become available later, there might be gaps between when your regular benefits end and when EB kicks in. Plan accordingly.

The whole EB system is reactive instead of proactive. By the time unemployment gets high enough to trigger extensions, people have already been struggling for months without support!

Just want to add that when I called Washington ESD through Claimyr about benefit extensions, they also told me about some state programs I didn't know existed. Sometimes talking to an actual person reveals options that aren't obvious on the website.

Final tip - if you do end up needing to call Washington ESD about any of this, early morning (like 8 AM sharp) tends to be the best time to get through, though it's still hit or miss.

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for all the info and reality check about extensions not being available. I'm going to look into WorkSource programs and other assistance while continuing my job search. At least now I know what to expect instead of hoping for extensions that don't exist.

thanks for asking this question, really helped me understand my situation too. gonna start looking into those workSource programs as backup

at least this thread shows how confusing the whole system is. even the people trying to help had different information at first. washington esd really needs to make this stuff clearer

For future reference, Washington ESD posts Extended Benefits status updates on their website under 'Extended Benefits Information.' They're required to announce when EB periods begin and end, though the info can be hard to locate.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I've been job searching for 4 months now. Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful, especially learning that Washington isn't currently in an EB period. Does anyone know if there are income requirements for those WorkSource training programs that Natasha mentioned? I'm wondering if having a spouse who's still working would disqualify me from getting financial support during retraining.