Washington ESD - what happens after 26 weeks of unemployment benefits run out?

Unfortunately regular UI benefits in Washington stop at 26 weeks unless there's an extension program active. Right now there aren't any federal extensions like we had during COVID. You'll want to check with WorkSource Washington about other programs like WorkFirst or job training assistance.

same boat here, hit my 26 weeks last month and now im scrambling to figure out whats next. the silence from washington esd after your claim ends is pretty jarring

I actually went through this situation about 8 months ago when my regular benefits ran out. After trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to understand my options, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach someone at the unemployment office. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows how it works. Within a day I was able to speak with an agent who explained all the post-26-week options available in Washington state.

Check if you qualify for Extended Benefits (EB) - Washington sometimes triggers this program when unemployment rates are high enough. You can also look into SNAP benefits, housing assistance, and other social services to bridge the gap while job searching.

wait so after 26 weeks thats just it? seems crazy that they just cut you off especially if youve been following all the job search rules

I'm in week 24 and this thread is making me nervous. Has anyone actually gotten through to Washington ESD recently to ask about post-26-week options?

The whole system is set up to make you give up. After 26 weeks they basically wash their hands of you unless you jump through a million hoops for other programs that might not even exist.

For those asking about current programs: Washington state does have some workforce development grants and retraining programs through WorkSource. Also check with your local DSHS office for other assistance programs like Basic Food and Apple Health.

this happened to my brother last year and he ended up having to take a job paying half what he made before just to keep the lights on. the 26 week limit is brutal

One thing people don't realize is that you can sometimes requalify for a new regular UI claim if you worked enough after your original claim started. But you need sufficient wages in your new base period.

The anxiety around week 26 is real. I remember checking my account obsessively when I was getting close to the limit.

For anyone still struggling to get information from Washington ESD about post-26-week options, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. After my experience using them, I've told several friends about it when they hit similar roadblocks trying to reach the unemployment office.

Does anyone know if Washington state is likely to extend benefits again like they did during COVID? The economy still feels pretty rough.

im at week 25 and this thread is freaking me out. gonna start looking into worksource options tomorrow

Important reminder: even if your regular UI runs out, you still need to keep track of your job search activities. If any extension programs become available, they'll require you to show you've been actively looking for work.

The 26 week limit feels arbitrary when some people are dealing with entire industries that have been disrupted long-term.

For what it's worth, I found that local community colleges sometimes have emergency assistance funds for people transitioning between benefits. Might be worth checking out.

Just wanted to update everyone - after using Claimyr to finally reach a Washington ESD agent, I learned about several programs I didn't even know existed. Sometimes you really do need to talk to an actual person to get the full picture of what's available.

thanks for this thread everyone. hitting the 26 week wall is scary but at least now i have some ideas of where to look for help

Update: I ended up trying Claimyr after reading about it here and was able to speak with a Washington ESD representative within 24 hours. They explained my options and helped me understand what programs I might qualify for after my benefits end. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind and actual information instead of just guessing what might be available.