Running out of ESD unemployment before benefit year ends - any extensions available?

Unfortunately, once you exhaust your regular UI benefits (the 26 weeks), there are no automatic extensions in Washington state right now. The only extensions that existed were temporary federal programs during the pandemic, but those ended years ago. When your regular benefits run out, that's it until you qualify for a new benefit year by working and earning enough wages in a new base year. You'll need to find some type of work, even part-time, to help bridge the gap until you can find a full restaurant management position again.

i had same problem last yr. tried 2 file again when my $ ran out but got denied. ended up taking a job at amazon warehouse just 2 survive until i found somthing better. not wat i wanted but better than nothing

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program you're thinking of was a temporary federal program that expired years ago. Currently, there are no UI extension programs available in Washington state. What you CAN do is make sure you're fully utilizing WorkSource services while you still have active benefits. They offer free job search assistance, resume help, and sometimes have connections to employers that aren't advertising openly. Also, if you're eligible for other assistance programs like Basic Food (SNAP), apply for those now before your UI runs out. Are you making sure to do and document all 3 required job search activities each week? Keeping those up might help you find something before benefits expire.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They give you just enough to barely survive for a few months then cut you off completely when there's still no jobs! I went through this last year and ended up having to move back with my parents at 43 YEARS OLD because there was NOTHING after my benefits ran out. ESD doesn't care once they've paid the minimum they have to. You'll call and they'll just tell you "sorry, that's all you get" IF you can even get through to talk to anyone!!!

If you have any chance of qualifying for a different type of claim, it's worth trying to speak directly with an ESD specialist. When my regular UI ran out, I was initially told there were no options, but after speaking with an actual ESD agent, they identified that I qualified for a different type of claim based on some federal employment I had. The problem is getting through on the phone lines - I spent weeks getting busy signals or disconnects. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to ESD without waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It might be worth it to at least speak with someone who can review your specific situation and confirm if there are any other programs you might qualify for before your benefits run out.

One more thing to consider - if you take part-time work while still looking for full-time employment in your field, you may be able to receive partial unemployment benefits that will stretch your remaining benefits further. For example, if you work 20 hours at $18/hr ($360 gross), ESD would deduct about 75% of that ($270) from your weekly benefit amount. So instead of getting $785, you'd receive about $515 for that week, but you'd be earning $360 from work too. This essentially extends your benefit period by making your benefits last longer, plus you're building new employment history that could help you qualify for a new claim later.

my sister works for the state (not esd tho) and she said sometimes they have special programs that dont get advertised. you should try calling and specifically ask if theres any extended benefits or training programs you might qualify for. maybe something for restaurant workers specifically?

Ugh been there done that got the t-shirt. Benefits run out WAY TOO QUICK and then you're just left hanging. Start applying for literally everything now, even stuff you think is beneath you. Trust me.

Just to summarize the options when UI benefits exhaust before your benefit year ends: 1. No automatic extensions are currently available 2. Consider part-time work to receive partial benefits (stretches your claim longer) 3. Look into Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) or Training Benefits if you're interested in retraining 4. Utilize WorkSource services fully - job search assistance, workshops, hiring events 5. Apply for other assistance programs (SNAP/Basic Food, housing assistance, etc.) 6. Continue required job search activities consistently 7. If you have unique circumstances, speak directly with an ESD specialist to review your specific situation Keep in mind that even after benefits exhaust, you should continue checking your ESD account and messages periodically, as policy changes sometimes occur that might affect your claim.