Washington ESD unemployment ran out now what - options after benefits end?

Unfortunately Washington doesn't have extended benefits right now since unemployment rates aren't high enough to trigger them. You might want to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or temporary cash assistance through DSHS. Also check if you qualify for any retraining programs through WorkSource.

same boat here, benefits ran out 3 weeks ago and still no job offers despite applying everywhere. the job market is brutal right now especially in my field

I had to call Washington ESD when my benefits ended to make sure there wasn't some mistake or if I qualified for any extensions. Took forever to get through though - if you're having trouble reaching them, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to ESD agents without the usual phone hassles. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Check if you're eligible for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation or other federal programs. Sometimes there are programs available that aren't well publicized.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S NO EXTENDED BENEFITS?? I thought Washington was supposed to automatically extend benefits when people need them! This system is completely broken - how are people supposed to survive?

One thing that helped me was applying for jobs outside my usual geographic area. I ended up finding remote work that I wouldn't have considered before. Also look into gig work temporarily while you keep searching for permanent employment.

you should definitely call ESD to confirm everything about your claim status and ask about any other programs

Also make sure you're not missing any potential income sources when you do find work. If you get part-time employment, you might still be eligible for partial UI benefits depending on how much you earn. Washington has a formula for calculating partial benefits.

have you looked into food banks and other community resources? not ideal but helps stretch whatever money you have left

This happened to my neighbor too. She ended up having to move back in with family because she couldn't find work before her benefits ran out. Really scary situation.

One more suggestion - check with local community colleges about workforce development programs. Some offer short-term certification courses that can help you get into different fields with better job availability. Many are free or low-cost.

I was in this exact situation 6 months ago. What helped me was being way more aggressive about follow-ups on applications and really networking through LinkedIn and local professional groups. Finally landed something after 8 weeks of intense searching.

Check your local 211 system too - dial 2-1-1 and they can connect you with local assistance programs for rent, utilities, food, etc.

Just want to say hang in there. I know it feels hopeless when benefits run out but something will come through. Keep applying and don't give up on the job search requirements - you never know when the right opportunity will appear.

Definitely call Washington ESD first thing Monday morning to make sure you're not missing anything. Sometimes there are programs or eligibility issues that aren't obvious from the website. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was actually pretty helpful for getting through to them quickly.

The whole system is designed to push people off benefits as quickly as possible regardless of whether they've actually found suitable work. 26 weeks isn't nearly enough time in this job market.

You might also qualify for state disability if you have any health conditions that make working difficult. It's a different program entirely from unemployment but could provide some income while you continue job searching.

update on my situation - finally got hired somewhere after 7 weeks of being off benefits. pay is lower than my last job but at least it's something. dont give up!

Just to follow up on calling ESD - definitely worth doing even if it seems like there's nothing they can help with. Sometimes there are local programs or resources they can point you toward that you wouldn't find otherwise. The key is actually getting through to talk to someone, which is where services like Claimyr really help.

Also don't forget to keep documenting your job search activities even though you're not filing weekly claims anymore. If any new programs become available or if you end up eligible for anything else later, having that documentation could be important.