Washington ESD unemployment ran out what do i do - need help with next steps

Damn that's what I was afraid of. Are there any job training programs that might help? I've been looking for work in retail but not having much luck.

Yes! WorkSource has job training programs and you might qualify for WIOA funding. Contact your local WorkSource office to see what's available in your area.

It really is. I've applied to like 50 places and only had 3 interviews. What field are you in?

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them on my own. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. It was really helpful when I had adjudication issues.

Interesting, I'll have to check that out. Getting through to ESD is such a nightmare.

I only worked part-time for like 3 months before I got laid off, so I don't think I have enough work history for a new claim. My original claim was from when I lost my full-time job last year.

Yeah, you'd need substantial work history to establish a new benefit year. Sounds like you're stuck waiting for the job market to improve.

Good point, I should probably apply for food stamps at least. Do you know if that affects unemployment eligibility if I find work later?

No, SNAP benefits don't affect your ability to collect unemployment later. They're separate programs.

Yeah I'm starting to think I might have to take anything at this point. Bills don't wait for the perfect job.

exactly. i took a job at target and kept looking for something better. at least it was income coming in

Oh wow I didn't think about that. So if I take a $15/hour job now and get laid off in 6 months, my unemployment would be based on that instead of my previous $25/hour job?

It depends on your base period wages. Washington ESD looks at your highest-earning quarter during the base period, so it's complicated. But yes, lower wages can potentially affect future benefits.

I thought about it but my car is pretty old and I'm worried about wear and tear. Plus gas prices are still high.

Fair point. Maybe something like TaskRabbit or Instacart instead? Less driving involved.

Totally agree. Other countries have much more generous unemployment systems. Here you're basically on your own after 6 months.

Exactly. And don't even get me started on how hard it is to actually GET the benefits you qualify for. The system is designed to make people give up.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's good to hear from someone who made it through. How long did it take you to find something?

About 3 months after my benefits ran out. It was rough but I finally found something in a different field than I was looking in originally.

Good tip, I hadn't thought of that. I'll keep tracking my applications just in case.

How much does something like that cost though? If money's tight it might not be worth it.

I thought it was worth it considering how much time I was wasting trying to call on my own. But yeah, everyone's situation is different.

That's a good idea. I'll look into healthcare certifications or maybe something in tech.

Healthcare is definitely hiring. CNA programs are usually pretty short and there's demand everywhere.

I didn't know about 211, thanks! Every little bit of help makes a difference right now.

Thank you, I really needed to hear that today. Some days it feels hopeless but I know I have to keep trying.

I've actually considered that. Do you know how much they typically pay?

varies by location but usually $50-100 per donation and you can go twice a week

Definitely not going down that road. I've heard horror stories about those places.

Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. It really helps to know I'm not alone in this.