Washington ESD unemployment benefits exhausted - what options do I have now?

Unfortunately, the regular UI program is 26 weeks max in Washington state. Once that's exhausted, there aren't really any extensions available anymore like there were during COVID. You might want to look into SNAP benefits for food assistance and see if you qualify for any local rental assistance programs.

Once your regular unemployment benefits are exhausted, you might be eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) if Washington state has triggered them due to high unemployment rates. You'd need to check with Washington ESD to see if EB is currently available. You can also look into state assistance programs and food benefits.

I was afraid of that. Do you know if there's a waiting period before I can file a new claim if I do find temporary work?

You'd need to work and earn enough wages to establish a new benefit year. I think it's something like $3,000 in covered wages but you should verify that with Washington ESD.

same boat here, ran out 3 weeks ago. the job search requirement was stressing me out even more when I knew benefits were ending soon. tried calling esd to ask about options but could never get through

I was in the same boat 6 months ago. Unfortunately there's no automatic extension anymore like during COVID. You'll need to apply for other state programs like Basic Food (SNAP) and maybe temporary cash assistance if you qualify. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it when I was having trouble getting through to Washington ESD about my adjudication issue. They actually get you connected to a real agent - there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

never heard of that, does it actually work? seems too good to be true

Have you tried calling Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation? I know their phone lines are always busy but sometimes they have information about programs that aren't widely advertised. I had to call them about 50 times before getting through though.

The hard truth is that Washington state doesn't have any automatic extensions beyond the standard 26 weeks of regular UI unless Extended Benefits are triggered statewide. You'll need to pivot to other support systems - DSHS for food assistance, local food banks, utility assistance programs, and maybe gig work while you continue job searching.

It worked for me. I was skeptical too but I was desperate to talk to someone about my claim. Check out claimyr.com if you want to see for yourself.

You should definitely apply for other assistance programs while you continue job searching. WorkSource has some training programs that might help you transition to a new field if hospitality isn't working out. Also check with 211 for local resources.

Good idea about WorkSource. I hadn't thought about retraining but maybe that's what I need to do.

Check if you're eligible for retraining programs through WorkSource. Sometimes they have funding for people whose benefits have expired to learn new skills. Also look into community college workforce development programs - some have emergency financial aid.

WorkSource training programs can be really good. A friend of mine did their medical assistant program and got hired right after finishing.

same thing happened to me in october. no extensions available. had to move back in with family and take a part time retail job just to have some income coming in. the whole system is a joke

Make sure you're documenting all your job search activities even though your benefits ended. If Extended Benefits do get triggered later, you'll need to show you've been actively looking for work the whole time. Keep that job search log updated!

Have you looked into temp agencies? A lot of them are hiring for contract positions that could turn permanent. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing while you keep looking for something permanent.

This system is so broken! 26 weeks isn't enough when the job market is still recovering. Other states have better programs but Washington just leaves people hanging.

I understand the frustration, but Washington ESD follows federal guidelines for regular UI. The 26 weeks is actually pretty standard across most states.

Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for information about local assistance programs. They have databases of everything available in your area - food banks, utility assistance, emergency rent help, etc. It's free and they're really helpful.

If you really need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your options, I had success using Claimyr to get through their phone system. The regular calling was impossible but this service helped me connect with an actual person who could explain my situation.

Don't forget to apply for Medicaid if you haven't already. Losing income makes you eligible and you don't want to be without health insurance on top of everything else.

Check with your local churches and community organizations too. A lot of them have emergency assistance funds that can help with rent or utilities while you get back on your feet. You don't usually have to be a member.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! 26 weeks is nothing when employers are taking months to even respond to applications. We need to demand better from our representatives. This is affecting thousands of people!

Look into whether your previous employer offers any kind of severance or outplacement services. Some companies have programs they don't advertise but will provide if you ask.

I'm in the exact same situation. Benefits ended 2 weeks ago and I'm panicking. Following this thread for ideas. Thank you for posting this question!

Consider freelancing or consulting in your field while looking for permanent work. Even small projects can help bridge the gap financially.

When I needed to talk to Washington ESD about my options after benefits ended, I used Claimyr because I couldn't get through on my own. They were able to connect me with someone who explained all the programs I might qualify for that I didn't even know existed. Worth the cost when you really need answers.

Update your LinkedIn profile to show you're actively seeking opportunities. Sometimes recruiters reach out directly. Also make sure your resume is posted on Indeed and other job sites.

Look into your local workforce development board. They often have grants and programs for people whose unemployment has expired. Every county has one and they're usually connected to WorkSource.

Don't give up hope. I know it's scary but there are resources out there. Start with the basics - food assistance, utility help, and keep applying for jobs. Something will come through.

Well it's not enough! People are struggling and the state just says tough luck after 6 months.

Have you looked into gig work to bridge the gap? Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit - anything to bring in some income while you keep looking for full-time work. Just make sure you report any earnings if you do manage to file a new claim later.

I've been thinking about that. Do you know if gig work earnings count toward establishing a new benefit year?

As long as it's W-2 or properly reported 1099 income, it should count toward your wage credits for a new claim.

wow this is exactly what i'm worried about. my benefits don't run out for another month but i'm already panicking about what happens next. the whole thing gives me so much anxiety

Start planning now - look into other assistance programs, update your resume, maybe consider expanding your job search to related fields.

yeah you're right. i just keep hoping i'll find something before then but better to be prepared

For what it's worth, when I was dealing with my claim issues and couldn't get through to Washington ESD, Claimyr was a lifesaver. If you need to talk to someone about your options or have questions about establishing a new claim, it's worth checking out. The agents were actually helpful.

How much does something like that cost? I'm obviously trying to save every penny right now.

I don't want to get into specifics about pricing, but for me it was worth it to actually talk to someone who could answer my questions instead of being stuck in phone tree hell.

Check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs. A lot of them got funding during COVID and some still have money available. Also food banks obviously for groceries.

That's a really good point. I'll look into what's available in my county.

update - i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned and actually got through to a washington esd agent. they confirmed there's no extension programs but explained how the new benefit year thing works. at least now i know what i need to do

Glad it worked for you too! Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to understand your options.

ok now i'm definitely going to try this when my benefits are about to run out

Don't forget about healthcare too. If you were getting insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, you might qualify for a special enrollment period when your income drops.

Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about that. Thanks for the reminder!

One more thing - if you do find part-time or temporary work, you might be able to file for partial unemployment benefits if your hours are reduced or wages are low enough. Just something to keep in mind.

Good to know. This whole situation is so stressful but at least there are some options to explore.

I went through this same thing about 8 months ago. It's scary but you'll figure it out. Apply for everything you can, take any reasonable work opportunity, and keep networking. Something will come through.

Thanks for the encouragement. It helps to hear from someone who made it through.

The system really needs to be reformed. 26 weeks made sense decades ago but the job market is completely different now. People need more time to find quality employment that matches their skills.

That's a policy discussion for another thread. Right now the OP needs practical advice for their current situation.

have you tried reaching out to temp agencies? sometimes they have longer-term assignments that could help bridge the gap until you find something permanent

That's actually a great idea. I used to think temp work was beneath me but I need to swallow my pride at this point.

Also don't forget to keep doing your job search activities even though you're not getting benefits anymore. If you do qualify for a new claim later, they might ask about your job search history.

Good point. I'll keep tracking everything just in case.

This thread is making me realize I need to start preparing better before my benefits run out too. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice.

That's smart. The earlier you start planning and exploring options, the better off you'll be.

Just wanted to mention one more time that if anyone needs to actually speak with a Washington ESD agent about their specific situation, Claimyr really does work. Sometimes you need personalized advice that you can't get from forums or websites.

I'm definitely bookmarking this for when I need it. Thanks for sharing the resource!

Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. I have a much better idea of what my options are now. Time to start making some calls and applications!

You've got this! Keep us updated on how things go.

Good luck! Remember that this is temporary - you will get through it.

Same situation here but I found out my county has an emergency assistance program that can help with one month of rent. Might be worth looking into for anyone else in this boat.

That's really helpful! I'll definitely check what's available in my area.

Don't give up on the job search! I know it's discouraging but something will come through. Maybe consider expanding your search to related fields or different geographical areas if possible.

You're right. I've been pretty narrow in my search so far. Time to cast a wider net.