Running out of ESD benefits in 2 weeks - can I reapply for unemployment?
I've been on unemployment since November and I just checked my ESD account and saw I only have 2 more payments left! My benefit year isn't over yet (ends in October) but my benefit balance is almost gone. I'm still applying for jobs every week and doing all my job search activities but the market in my field (administrative assistant) is brutal right now. Nobody's calling me back even though I've sent out like 30 applications. Do I just reapply when my benefits run out? Is there some extension I can get? I'm seriously freaking out because my rent just went up $200/month and I have no savings left. Has anyone dealt with this before? What happens when your benefit balance hits zero but your benefit year isn't over??
15 comments


Liv Park
Unfortunately, once your UI benefit balance is exhausted, that's it for your current benefit year. You can't reapply until your current benefit year ends in October. Washington State doesn't have any extension programs right now like they did during COVID.
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Charlee Coleman
•Omg are you serious??? What am I supposed to do for the next 5 months with no income??? This is a nightmare...
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Leeann Blackstein
What the previous commenter said is mostly right, but there are some nuances. Once your regular UI benefits are exhausted, you cannot file a new unemployment claim until your benefit year expires. However, you should check if you qualify for any of these alternatives: 1. Training Benefits Program - If you enroll in approved training/education 2. WorkSource intensive services - They can help with more targeted job placement 3. Other assistance programs like SNAP (food benefits) or rental assistance through DSHS I'd recommend speaking directly with an ESD agent to review all your options as they can see your specific claim details and guide you appropriately.
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Charlee Coleman
•Thank you! I didn't know about the Training Benefits thing. Do you know if that pays the same amount I'm getting now? And how long does the approval process take?
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Ryder Greene
went through this last year... once ur $$ runs out thats IT til ur benefit year ends. ESD doesnt care if u cant pay rent. apply for DSHS emergency assistance and food stamps ASAP. the training benefit thing takes forever to get approved and u have to already be in a program usually.
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Charlee Coleman
•That's so depressing. Did you try calling ESD to explain your situation at all?
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Carmella Fromis
When I ran out of benefits last year, I tried calling ESD about 50 times over 3 days and couldn't get through. Then I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent confirmed I couldn't get an extension but helped me apply for the Training Benefits program since I was considering going back to school. It didn't work out for me because I couldn't afford the program I wanted, but at least I got clear answers instead of stressing about the unknown.
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Theodore Nelson
•+1 for just calling and asking directly. My friend used that Claimyr thing too when her account got locked. Said it was worth it to not spend all day hitting redial.
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AaliyahAli
I'm a former WorkSource employment specialist, and I want to add some important information: 1. You CANNOT file a new UI claim until your benefit year ends (your case in October). There are no extensions currently available in Washington state. 2. Training Benefits Program requires enrollment in an approved training program AND approval from ESD. It can take 4-6 weeks for approval. 3. What you CAN do now: - Schedule an appointment with WorkSource immediately (do this today) - Ask about Rapid Response services and Dislocated Worker programs - Request targeted job search assistance for administrative positions - Apply for emergency assistance through DSHS - Consider temporary staffing agencies while continuing your search The key is to be proactive NOW, not when your benefits run out. WorkSource can be incredibly helpful, but you need to be specific about what assistance you need.
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Charlee Coleman
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I just made an appointment with WorkSource for next Tuesday. Do you know if I should bring anything specific to the appointment? And should I mention the Dislocated Worker program specifically or will they know what that is?
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AaliyahAli
Bring your resume, work history for the past 18 months, and a list of places you've applied. Yes, definitely mention the Dislocated Worker program - while they should know about it, being specific helps ensure you get the right services. Also ask about any hiring events specifically for administrative assistants in your area. They often have connections with employers that aren't advertising publicly.
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Ellie Simpson
•this is why i love this forum! ACTUAL HELPFUL INFO instead of just "sorry ur screwed" like most places online lol. im saving this post cuz im gonna be in the same boat next month probably
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Charlee Coleman
UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their help! I went to WorkSource and got connected with their Dislocated Worker program. They're helping me enhance my resume and connected me with some temp agencies that work specifically with admin assistants. I also applied for food benefits and energy assistance. I also managed to get through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. The agent was super helpful and confirmed I can't get an extension but said I should continue filing weekly claims even after my benefits run out (something about keeping my claim active for tax purposes and in case any emergency extensions get approved later). Still stressed about money but at least I have a plan now. Thanks again everyone!
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Leeann Blackstein
•That's great news about the Dislocated Worker program! And yes, continuing to file weekly claims is smart - it maintains your claim status and proves ongoing eligibility should any extensions become available. Good luck with your job search!
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Theodore Nelson
My cousin works at a staffing place and says the admin market is picking up for summer when people take vacations. Dont give up!!
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