Reached my final week of ESD benefits - do I stop filing or is there something else I need to do?

You should file your final weekly claim for the last week you're eligible, but after that, you stop filing claims. Your eServices account will remain active, so you can still log in to view past claim information or apply again in the future if needed. There's no special closeout process. As for extensions, unfortunately regular UI extensions aren't available currently in 2025 unless there's a new emergency program enacted. But I'd recommend looking into these three options: 1. Apply for WorkSource career services right away - they can help with your job search and sometimes have programs for people who've exhausted benefits 2. Check if you qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS (food benefits, etc.) 3. If your situation changes (like you get work and then lose it again), you may be able to file a new claim after the benefit year ends

when I ran out last yr I just stopped. ESD didn't care anymore lol. No exit interview or anything 😂

Just to add to what others have said - once your benefits exhaust, you're no longer required to complete job search activities or file weekly claims. Your ESD account stays open indefinitely, and you can actually start a new claim after your benefit year ends IF you've worked and earned enough qualifying wages since your original claim. One thing to be aware of: if you do find work soon and then lose that job within a few months, the wages from that short period may not be enough to qualify for a new claim. So make sure you're tracking any work and wages carefully. Also, even though your UI benefits are ending, you can still access WorkSource services for up to a year - they offer great resources for job seekers including resume help, interview practice, and sometimes training programs.

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING IN JANUARY!!! It's so stressful hitting that $0 balance. Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask about extensions? I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through on their phone lines and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. The system is completely broken and they don't care about helping people who run out of benefits. They should at least tell you what to do next instead of just cutting you off!

you might qualify for other benefit programs besides ui now. i think its worth checking with dshs for snap benefits at least, especially if your job search is taking longer than expected. when my benefits ran out i was eligible for food benefits even tho i never thought i would be.

To answer your follow-up question about WorkSource - most locations offer both walk-in services and scheduled appointments. For your first visit, I'd recommend calling ahead or checking their website to schedule an appointment so you can get a full orientation to their services. They can be really busy sometimes. As for job search logs - once your UI benefits end, you're no longer required to maintain the official job search log for ESD. However, it's still a good practice to continue tracking your applications and contacts since it helps with your job search organization and you'll have that information ready if you need to file for benefits again in the future.

The thing about exhausting benefits that nobody mentions is how abruptly everything ends. I've gone through this twice now, and even though you're doing everything right - filing claims, looking for work, following all their rules - it just suddenly stops. It's frustrating because I feel like ESD could at least provide some kind of transition guidance rather than just cutting people off. One thing that actually helped me was connecting with my local community action agency. They sometimes have emergency assistance programs for people who've exhausted unemployment benefits, including help with utilities, rent, etc. Might be worth looking into while you're still job searching.