Washington ESD unemployment ran out what can i do - need options

Unfortunately there aren't any federal extensions available right now like there were during the pandemic. Your main options are: 1) Apply for SNAP food benefits, 2) Look into local housing assistance programs, 3) Check if you qualify for any state emergency assistance programs, 4) Contact 211 for local resources. Have you checked if you might qualify for any retraining programs?

Same thing happened to me 3 months ago. It's really tough but you need to cast a wider net. I ended up taking a temp job through a staffing agency just to get some income coming in. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs - mine helped me with 2 months rent.

Have you been able to get through to Washington ESD to ask about your options? I know they have job search assistance and might know about programs you haven't heard of. The phone lines are usually swamped but I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent last month. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!! Why do we pay into unemployment insurance if it only lasts 26 weeks? In other states you can get extensions but Washington just leaves you hanging. I'm in the same boat and it's infuriating.

You should also check if you're eligible for any disability benefits if you have any health conditions that are affecting your ability to work. And don't forget about WIC if you have kids, or utility assistance programs. Every little bit helps when you're between jobs.

idk but maybe check with your local food bank too? most of them don't ask too many questions and can help while you're figuring things out

Actually, let me add - you should also check if you can do any gig work while job searching. Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit, etc. It's not ideal but it can bridge the gap. Just make sure to keep detailed records for taxes.

Oh and one more thing - check if your city or county has any workforce development programs. Mine had a program that helped with interview clothes, resume writing, and even had job fairs specifically for people coming off unemployment.

My sister went through this last year and ended up getting into a CNA program that was completely paid for. She's working now and making decent money. Healthcare is always hiring.

I'd definitely still try to reach Washington ESD though. They might have programs or resources you don't know about. If you can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work - I was skeptical at first but it got me through to someone who helped me understand my options.

Also don't forget about your local library - they often have job search resources, free computer access, and sometimes even career counseling services. Plus they might know about local programs you haven't heard of.

I hate that we have to scramble like this when unemployment runs out. The system is broken. But yeah, I've been doing Instacart and it's helping a little bit. At least it's something.

also check craigslist gigs section, sometimes there's decent one-time jobs that pay cash

One more resource - if you're a veteran, make sure to check with the VA about employment assistance programs. They have some really good job placement services.

The most important thing is don't give up. I know it's scary when the benefits end but there are resources out there. It took me about 2 months to find something permanent but the temp work and assistance programs helped me survive until then.

And seriously, if you need to talk to Washington ESD about any potential programs or assistance, don't waste weeks trying to get through on your own. I used Claimyr twice now and both times got connected within a reasonable time. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person who can explain your options.

Good luck with everything! Make sure to apply for SNAP benefits ASAP - that process can take a few weeks and you want to get it started right away.

Yeah this thread has been really helpful. I'm saving it in case I need these resources later.

Remember to document everything you're doing for job search activities. Even though you're not getting unemployment anymore, if you do find training programs or other assistance, they might ask about your job search efforts.

This whole situation sucks but at least there are people here willing to help each other out. Hope things turn around for you soon OP.