Washington ESD unemployment benefits ending next month - what happens when unemployment runs out?

So I just get cut off completely? That's terrifying. I thought there were extended benefits or something.

Yeah, extended benefits only kick in during high unemployment periods and Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough right now to trigger them.

How did you manage after they stopped? Did you find work or are you getting by on other programs?

still looking for work but yeah had to apply for food assistance and got help with rent through a local program

I've tried calling ESD so many times but can never get through. How does that Claimyr thing work exactly?

It basically calls for you and holds your place in line, then connects you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of trying to get through on my own.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

I did some gig work for about 6 weeks earlier this year but it wasn't much. Maybe $2,000 total. Would that count toward a new claim?

It depends on if it was covered employment. Gig work usually isn't unless you were classified as an employee rather than independent contractor.

$2,000 wouldn't be enough anyway. You need at least $3,850 in the highest quarter of your base period to qualify for minimum benefits.

I mean, at some point you have to take what's available though. Benefits aren't meant to last forever.

Easy to say when you're not the one facing homelessness because you can't find work that pays enough to survive.

I've been applying to everything but either get no response or they want to pay $15/hour for jobs that required $25/hour experience just two years ago.

I registered with WorkSource when I first filed for unemployment but haven't really used their services much. What kind of training programs do they offer?

Depends on your area but I've seen everything from healthcare certifications to truck driving to IT boot camps. The good ones have waiting lists though.

What kind of work did you end up taking? Was it in your field or did you have to switch industries?

Had to switch. I was in marketing but took a customer service job. Pay is lower but at least I'm working again and can keep looking for something better.

This is exactly the problem - forcing people into underemployment instead of giving them time to find appropriate work.

I'm definitely going to try that service. At this point I'll try anything to avoid just being cut off with no income.

Let us know how it goes! I might need to try that too since my benefits are ending in a couple months.

I don't think either of those apply to me. My job was eliminated due to budget cuts, nothing to do with disasters or trade.

Yeah, those are pretty specific programs. Most people don't qualify but I always mention them just in case.

I don't have family to help and my savings are already gone. This is really scary.

Check with local churches and community organizations. Many have emergency assistance programs for people in your situation.

I've been applying to way more than 3 jobs a week and keeping detailed records. That's not the issue.

Good, just wanted to make sure. Some people don't realize they can lose benefits early for not meeting job search requirements.

I've registered with a few temp agencies but they mostly have warehouse and factory work which I physically can't do due to a back injury.

Try looking for office temp work specifically. There are agencies that specialize in administrative and clerical positions.

That sounds like it would be for people who still have jobs though. I was completely laid off.

True, it's for people with reduced hours rather than full layoffs. But good to know all the programs that exist.

How are you surviving without benefits? This is exactly what I'm afraid of.

Food banks, help from friends, sold some stuff, picked up odd jobs here and there. Not gonna lie, it's been really hard.

Have you tried that Claimyr thing others mentioned? Maybe there are programs you don't know about.

My benefit year doesn't end until May, so I don't think I can file a new claim yet. It's just that I'm running out of weeks.

Right, you can't file a new claim until your benefit year ends OR you have enough new wages to qualify. Sounds like neither applies to your situation.

Do you know where I can find information about these programs? I don't even know where to start looking.

Start with 211 - just dial 2-1-1 from any phone and they can connect you with local assistance programs. Also check your county's website for emergency assistance programs.

You're right, I need to stop hoping something will work out and start being more proactive about preparing for when the benefits end.

That's the smartest approach. The people who struggle most are the ones who wait until their last check to start planning.

That's the second time someone has mentioned that service. I'm definitely going to try it tomorrow.

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it actually saved me a lot of frustration. The agent was able to explain some options I didn't know existed.