Washington ESD benefits exhausted - if my unemployment is exhausted what do i do next?
My regular UI benefits just ran out last week after 26 weeks and I'm still unemployed. I've been looking for work but the job market is tough in my field (IT support). Washington ESD website doesn't really explain what happens next or if there are any other programs I can apply for. Has anyone been through this situation? What are my options now that my unemployment is exhausted? I'm getting really worried about making rent next month.
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Yuki Tanaka
Unfortunately when your regular unemployment benefits are exhausted in Washington, that's it for UI unless there's an active federal extension program (which there isn't right now). You might want to look into other assistance programs through DSHS like Basic Food or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families if you qualify.
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NeonNova
•Thanks, I'll check out DSHS. Do I need to do anything with Washington ESD to officially close my claim or does it just end automatically?
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Yuki Tanaka
•It ends automatically but you should keep your job search records just in case you need them later. Also if you find work and get laid off again, you might be able to start a new claim depending on your work history.
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Carmen Diaz
Been there man, it sucks. Make sure you're registered with WorkSource and using all their job search tools. Sometimes they have training programs that can help too.
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NeonNova
•I am registered but haven't used their training programs. Are those free?
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Carmen Diaz
•Yeah most of them are free through WorkSource, especially if you're unemployed. Worth checking out for IT certifications or other skills.
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Andre Laurent
This is why I always tell people to start preparing before their benefits run out. You should have been applying for other assistance programs weeks ago. Also consider gig work or temporary jobs to bridge the gap.
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NeonNova
•I was hoping to find something in my field before benefits ran out. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.
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Emily Jackson
•Not helpful dude, they're asking for advice now not criticism about what they should have done.
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Liam Mendez
When I exhausted my benefits last year I had to call Washington ESD multiple times to get clear answers about what happens next. The wait times were insane - sometimes 2+ hours on hold. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an agent faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.
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NeonNova
•What did Washington ESD tell you when you finally got through? Anything beyond the basic 'benefits are exhausted' message?
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Liam Mendez
•They confirmed there were no extensions available and gave me info about reapplying if I worked enough after my claim started. Also mentioned WorkSource programs I hadn't heard about.
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Sophia Nguyen
•Never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit or one of those scammy services?
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Jacob Smithson
Check if you qualify for emergency rental assistance or utility help through your county. Many have programs specifically for people whose unemployment just ended.
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NeonNova
•Good idea, I'll call my county office tomorrow. Do you know if they have income limits for those programs?
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Jacob Smithson
•Usually yes but since you just lost unemployment income you'll probably qualify. Each county is different though.
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Isabella Brown
this happened to me 6 months ago and it was terrifying. ended up having to move back with my parents until i found work. the system really leaves you hanging once those 26 weeks are up
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NeonNova
•That's my worst fear right now. How long did it take you to find something?
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Isabella Brown
•about 3 more months but i had to take something outside my field just to get income coming in
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Yuki Tanaka
One thing people don't realize is that you might be able to file a new claim if you worked enough after your original claim started, even part-time or temporary work. The earnings requirement is pretty specific though.
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NeonNova
•I did some contract work during my claim period but only made about $800 total. Would that be enough?
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Yuki Tanaka
•Probably not, you need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in new wages. But you should check with Washington ESD to be sure.
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Maya Patel
•Wait really? I didn't know you could file a new claim like that. My benefits ended 2 months ago but I did some temp work.
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Aiden Rodríguez
Food banks are your friend right now. Don't be too proud to use them - that's what they're there for. Also check 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources.
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NeonNova
•Thanks, I never thought about calling 211. What kind of stuff do they help with?
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Aiden Rodríguez
•Everything - food, housing assistance, utility help, job programs, mental health resources. It's like a master directory of local services.
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Emma Garcia
THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! 26 weeks isn't enough when employers are being so picky. I've been looking for 8 months and still nothing good enough to take.
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Carmen Diaz
•I get the frustration but at some point you gotta take what's available and keep looking for better while working.
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Emma Garcia
•Easy to say when you're not the one facing homelessness because jobs don't pay enough to live on!
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Ava Kim
Look into whether your state has any emergency extension programs. Sometimes they activate them during high unemployment periods even without federal extensions.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Washington doesn't have any state extension programs currently active. They only kick in during really severe economic downturns.
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NeonNova
•Damn, was hoping there might be something I missed on the Washington ESD website.
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Ethan Anderson
I used Claimyr too when my benefits were running out and I needed to ask about appeal options. Super easy to use and way better than sitting on hold forever. Definitely worth it if you need to talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation.
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Layla Mendes
•How much does it cost though? If you're broke because benefits ended, paying for a calling service seems counterproductive.
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Ethan Anderson
•It's way cheaper than losing a day of job searching to sit on hold. Plus if there's something you missed about extending benefits, it pays for itself.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
Don't forget about the Earned Income Tax Credit if you end up taking lower-paying work. Can be a nice boost at tax time.
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NeonNova
•Good point, I'll keep that in mind when filing next year.
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Aria Park
same boat here, benefits ended 3 weeks ago and im applying everywhere. even mcdonalds hasnt called me back yet lol
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NeonNova
•The job market is so weird right now. Hang in there!
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Noah Ali
•Try grocery stores and retail, they're usually hiring for the holidays.
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Chloe Boulanger
Make sure you keep doing job searches even after benefits end. If you get offered a job interview for something you applied for while on UI, Washington ESD needs to know you're still available for work.
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NeonNova
•Wait, why would Washington ESD care once my claim is closed?
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Chloe Boulanger
•If there's ever a question about whether you were truly looking for work during your claim period, they might audit your job search. Better safe than sorry.
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James Martinez
Consider freelancing or consulting in IT while you look for permanent work. Even small projects can help bridge the gap financially.
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NeonNova
•I've thought about it but wasn't sure how that affects things if I do find full-time work later.
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James Martinez
•Shouldn't affect anything negatively. Just keep good records of any self-employment income for taxes.
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Olivia Harris
Update your LinkedIn and make sure it shows you're actively seeking employment. Recruiters search for people in your situation.
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NeonNova
•Good reminder, I should probably make my profile more visible to recruiters.
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Alexander Zeus
If you're really desperate, plasma donation can give you some quick cash while you look for work. It's not much but it's something.
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NeonNova
•Honestly hadn't thought of that but you're right, every little bit helps right now.
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Alicia Stern
•Just make sure you're healthy enough for it and follow all their guidelines.
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Gabriel Graham
My cousin went through this and ended up getting into a coding bootcamp that had income share agreements. Might be worth looking into for IT skills upgrade.
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NeonNova
•That's interesting, I'll research what's available in my area. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Liam Mendez
Just want to follow up on the Claimyr thing - it really did help me get answers faster when I was in your situation. Sometimes Washington ESD has programs or options that aren't obvious on their website, so talking to an actual person can uncover things you might have missed.
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NeonNova
•I think I'm going to try calling them one more time to make absolutely sure there's nothing I can do. If I can't get through I'll check out that service you mentioned.
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Drake
•Let us know what you find out. I'm in a similar situation and could use the info too.
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NeonNova
Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. This thread has given me a lot of leads to follow up on. Going to start with calling 211 and checking out WorkSource training programs, then look into county assistance programs. Really appreciate you all taking the time to help!
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Yuki Tanaka
•Good luck! Keep us posted on how things work out.
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Carmen Diaz
•You got this! The period right after benefits end is the hardest but you'll get through it.
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