My unemployment ran out now what - Washington ESD options?

I checked my account but don't see any new applications available. Does that mean there are no extensions right now?

Unfortunately yes, if nothing shows up in your account then there probably aren't any active extension programs. You can still call Washington ESD to confirm though.

It's so frustrating! I've been applying everywhere but either get no response or they want someone with different experience.

Have you tried reaching out to WorkSource? They might have job training programs or other resources that could help while you're looking.

I did some part-time work during my claim but probably didn't make $1,000 total. Is there a way to check exactly how much I earned?

Yes, you can see your wage history in your Washington ESD account under 'Wage and Benefit Information' or on your quarterly wage statements.

How does that work? Do they just help you get through the phone lines?

Yeah basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they reach an agent. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

Good point, I hadn't thought about applying for food stamps. Do you know if there are income limits for that?

Yes there are income limits but they're based on household size. You can apply online through the Washington state DSHS website.

Totally agree. 6 months sounds like a lot but it goes by so fast when you're actually looking for work.

At least we had the extra weeks during COVID, but now we're back to the regular 26 weeks max.

I've been keeping track of my applications in a spreadsheet. Should I still be logging into WorkSourceWA?

Yes, keep using WorkSourceWA and maintaining your job search log. It's better to have too much documentation than not enough.

I didn't know that was an option! How does that work exactly?

If you work part-time and earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you might still get partial unemployment. You have to report all earnings though.

Just remember this only works if you still have benefit weeks remaining. If you've exhausted all 26 weeks, partial benefits aren't available either.

Are the local offices still open for walk-ins? I thought everything was appointment only now.

Most are still appointment only but you can call to schedule. Some have limited walk-in hours for quick questions.

Yeah start thinking about it now. I wish I had planned better for when mine ended.

Definitely start researching other programs and assistance options before your benefits end. It's much less stressful that way.

That's interesting. Do you know what kind of training programs they offer?

It varies but I've seen healthcare, technology, and trade programs. You have to qualify and there's usually a waiting list.

Same here. I wonder if my resume is the problem or if there just aren't enough jobs.

WorkSource offers free resume help and interview prep. Might be worth checking out if you haven't already.

That's really helpful! I keep seeing people mention Claimyr. Did it actually work for getting through to someone?

Yeah it worked great. I was dreading calling Washington ESD myself because I never get through. With Claimyr I got connected to an agent within a few hours.

My benefits already ended though, so this wouldn't apply to me right now?

Right, this is only if you still have benefit weeks remaining. But good to know for future reference.

Good advice. I need to swallow my pride and look into food assistance. This is harder than I expected.

There's no shame in getting help when you need it. That's what these programs are for.

I'm not quite 50 yet but that's good to know. I hadn't thought about contacting my representatives.

They often have staff who specialize in helping constituents navigate government programs. Worth a try.

Can you explain the difference? I'm not sure I understand.

Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed. Exhausting benefits means you've used all 26 weeks of payments. If your benefit year ends but you haven't used all 26 weeks, you might still be able to collect the remaining weeks.

That's correct. And if you've exhausted benefits but your benefit year hasn't ended, you can't file a new claim until the year is over.

Agreed! I had to piece together information from multiple sources just to understand my situation.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. I needed to talk to someone who could give me clear answers about my specific situation instead of trying to figure it out from the website.

You're probably right. I've been so focused on online applications that I haven't been networking much.

LinkedIn, professional associations, even friends and family. Let people know you're looking - you never know what might come up.