Washington ESD doesn't count me as unemployed but I can't find work - what is hidden unemployment?

Yes, you're experiencing what economists call 'hidden unemployment' or 'discouraged workers.' Washington ESD only counts people actively receiving UI benefits in their official unemployment statistics. Once your benefits exhaust, you're no longer counted even if you're still job searching. It's a real problem that makes the unemployment rate look better than it actually is.

I went through the same thing last year. After my benefits ended I felt completely invisible to the system. You might want to check if you're eligible for any extended benefits or if there are new programs available. Sometimes Washington ESD adds emergency extensions but doesn't publicize them well. Have you tried calling to see if anything new is available?

Hidden unemployment is a huge issue that affects millions of people nationwide. It includes not just exhausted claimants like yourself, but also people who gave up looking, those working part-time who want full-time work, and people who want to work but aren't actively searching due to personal circumstances. The 'real' unemployment rate is much higher than what gets reported.

been there man, ran out of benefits in january and still no job. its like we dont matter anymore once the money stops coming

You should definitely check with WorkSource Washington to see if they have any retraining programs or other assistance available. They sometimes have resources for long-term unemployed individuals that aren't tied to active UI claims. Also worth checking if you qualify for any state assistance programs.

This whole system is so messed up. They count you when it's convenient for their statistics but abandon you when you actually need help. I've been dealing with this for over a year now and it's mentally exhausting.

Just remembered - there's also something called Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was related to trade/imports. And Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs might be available through WorkSource. These aren't tied to regular unemployment benefits.

The whole unemployment system is designed to push people off the rolls as quickly as possible. They don't care about actually helping people find sustainable employment, just getting them off the government books. Hidden unemployment is a feature, not a bug.

I was in hidden unemployment for almost a year after my benefits ended. What finally helped was getting connected with a job counselor through a local nonprofit. They had resources and connections that the regular system doesn't offer. Don't give up - there are people and organizations that still care even if Washington ESD doesn't.

same boat here, benefits ended 2 months ago and i feel like i fell off the face of the earth. still applying to jobs every day but washington esd acts like i dont exist

You might want to reach out to your state representatives about this issue. Hidden unemployment is a real policy problem and the more people who speak up about it, the more likely something might change. At minimum they should be aware of how many people are falling through the cracks.

I remember reading that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has something called the U-6 unemployment rate that includes discouraged workers and people working part-time who want full-time work. It's always much higher than the regular unemployment rate they report on the news.

Have you considered gig work or temporary employment while you're searching? I know it's not ideal but it might help with income and could potentially lead to permanent opportunities. Plus you'd still be able to continue your job search.

This thread has been really eye-opening. I had no idea hidden unemployment was such a widespread issue. Makes me grateful I'm still within my benefit period but also worried about what happens when it ends.

I actually got back into the Washington ESD system after my benefits had been exhausted for 6 months. Turns out there was a small program I qualified for that I didn't know about. Had to call multiple times to find an agent who knew about it though. Using Claimyr really helped me get through to someone knowledgeable at Washington ESD.

my cousin went through this exact same thing last year. took him almost 6 months after benefits ended to find work and he said those 6 months were the hardest part of the whole unemployment experience

The fact that this thread exists and so many people are relating to it just proves how big of a problem hidden unemployment really is. We need better tracking and support for people who fall through the cracks of the system.

just want to say thanks for posting this, OP. i thought i was going crazy feeling invisible after my benefits ended. nice to know im not alone even though i wouldnt wish this on anyone

I work in workforce development and can confirm that hidden unemployment is a massive issue. Our official statistics significantly undercount the real number of people who want and need work. Keep advocating for yourselves and don't let the system forget you exist.

Update: I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and was actually able to get through to a Washington ESD agent for the first time in months. They told me about a program I didn't know existed that I might qualify for. Still working through the application but at least I feel like I have some options now.