Running out of ESD benefits in 2 weeks - extension options or reopening approved claim?

u cant get extensions anymore like during covid. once ur regular UI runs out thats it unless u qualify 4 a new claim with different work history. reopening isnt the same as filing new, it only works if ur still in same benefit year but stopped claiming for a while

To clarify what the previous commenter said - ESD doesn't offer standard extensions anymore now that the pandemic-era programs have ended. Your options are: 1. If you've worked since filing your original claim and earned enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim after your benefit year ends 2. Look into Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was related to foreign trade impact - but this requires a certified petition for your company/industry 3. Extended Benefits occasionally become available during periods of high unemployment, but WA state currently doesn't have this triggered Reopening a claim only applies if you're still within your benefit year but stopped filing weekly claims for a period. This is different from starting a new claim or getting an extension. I recommend speaking directly with an ESD representative to review your specific situation and options.

when my benefits ran out last year i was FREAKING OUT too!!! ended up finding a job at the last minute through WorkSource - have you checked with them? they have workshops and stuff for job searching! might be worth a try before your benefits end completely

Make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even when your benefits are about to run out. This creates a record in the system of your continued unemployment. As for reopening vs. new claim - these are two completely different processes: - Reopening: When you've stopped filing weekly claims for a while but are still within your benefit year - New claim: When your benefit year ends or you have new employment that qualifies you Having a previously approved claim doesn't automatically make a new claim approval easier. Each claim is evaluated based on your recent work history and earnings. You must have worked and earned enough qualifying wages in your base year to establish a new claim. If you're worried about the gap between benefits ending and potentially starting a new claim (which can take time to process), I'd recommend calling ESD directly to discuss your specific situation.

I was in your exact situation about 6 months ago and couldn't get through to ESD for weeks. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 30 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent was able to review my file and explain exactly what options I had after my benefits ran out. In my case, I didn't qualify for a new claim yet but they helped me understand exactly how much more I needed to work to qualify in the future. Definitely worth talking to an actual agent about your specific situation instead of stressing with no information.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They WANT your benefits to run out so they don't have to pay you anymore!!! I had the EXACT same thing happen and when I finally got someone on the phone they just told me I was out of luck. No extensions, no help, NOTHING! And the job search requirements are a JOKE - I applied to 50+ places and not ONE called me back. This state doesn't care about working people AT ALL!!!

One important thing to check: Look at your monetary determination letter from when you first filed. It shows your base year (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed) and how much you earned during that period. To qualify for a new claim after your current one ends, you'll need to have enough wages in a new base year. This would include any work you've done since filing your original claim. I also recommend checking if you qualify for other assistance programs while you're job searching: 1. SNAP (food benefits) 2. Housing assistance through your county 3. WorkFirst if you have dependent children ESD's website has a benefits quiz that can help identify programs you might qualify for: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/benefits-quiz

btw make sure when ur looking 4 work ur logging EVERYTHING correctly in ur job search log. they get super picky about that and if u mess it up they could deny u if u do qualify for a new claim later

Just to follow up on all the advice here - it sounds like your best immediate steps are: 1. Continue filing weekly claims until your benefits run out 2. Get in touch with ESD directly to discuss your specific situation 3. Visit a WorkSource center for job search assistance 4. Check if you qualify for other assistance programs 5. Review your work history since filing your original claim to see if you might qualify for a new claim While extensions aren't available currently, understanding exactly where you stand will help you plan for what comes next. Best of luck with your job search!