My ESD benefits expire in 7 weeks - do I need to reapply for unemployment?

You're approaching what's called your "benefit year end." A regular UI claim in Washington gives you 26 weeks of benefits within a 52-week period. After your benefits run out, you can't file a new claim until your current benefit year actually ends, which would be next January for you. There are no federal extensions available right now like there were during COVID. The only option would be if you had worked enough hours in a different state during your base year - then you might qualify for a combined wage claim across states.

Just to add to what was said, if you find part-time work before your benefits run out, you can still claim partial unemployment as long as you report your hours and earnings accurately. You just need to make less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5 to qualify for at least some partial payment. But once you exhaust your 26 weeks, that's it until your benefit year ends, unless you have a special situation like working in multiple states. Make sure you're fulfilling your 3 job search activities each week and documenting them correctly!

this happened 2 me last yr. the 26 weeks went by SO FAST! wish someone had warned me about training benefits earlier bc by the time i found out it was 2 late to apply. definitely check out that option NOW if ur interested.

Training Benefits is a good option IF you qualify and can start soon. But heads up - the approval process takes time and there's specific criteria about what programs qualify. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Call ESD ASAP to see if you're eligible for Training Benefits. You need to apply for this BEFORE your regular benefits run out. 2. Start working on your Plan 2 (the training application) immediately if interested. 3. If Training Benefits isn't an option, focus 100% on your job search. Make sure you're getting QUALITY job search activities - reaching out directly to hiring managers is more effective than just applying online. 4. Consider taking ANY job before benefits run out, even if it's not ideal. You can keep looking for something better while employed.

I've been through this exact situation! ESD is impossible to reach by phone these days. After trying for WEEKS, I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Totally worth it because I got my Training Benefits approved just in time. Don't wait until the last minute though - the Training Benefits application has several steps.

Everyone keeps talking about Training Benefits but NOBODY mentions the Commissioner Approved Training program which is different!!! CAT doesn't extend your benefits but it DOES waive the job search requirement while you're in school/training. Training Benefits actually gives you additional weeks. ESD doesn't make this clear AT ALL and their own workers sometimes confuse the two programs!!

One last thing I want to mention - if your benefits do run out and you still haven't found work, make sure you connect with your local WorkSource office. They offer free employment services, resume help, interview practice, and sometimes have connections with employers that aren't advertising positions publicly. Also check if you qualify for other assistance programs like Basic Food (SNAP) or other support while continuing your job search. Better to research these options now rather than waiting until you're in a financial emergency.