Washington ESD - when unemployment runs out can i reapply for new benefits?

So if I haven't worked at all during my unemployment, I can't get a new claim? That seems like a catch-22 situation.

Exactly. The system is designed for people who return to work for a period and then become unemployed again. If you haven't worked since your original claim started, you won't qualify for a new benefit year.

The phone situation is ridiculous! I've been trying to get through for weeks about my adjudication issue.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was way easier than spending all day hitting redial.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that before. Did they charge you a lot for it?

They focus more on the value of actually reaching someone rather than the cost. For me it was worth it to get my questions answered directly instead of guessing.

I hadn't thought about training programs. Do you know if those provide any income support or just the training itself?

Some programs do provide financial assistance while you're in training, but the requirements and availability vary. You'd need to speak with a WorkSource counselor to see what you might qualify for.

The unemployment system isn't meant to be indefinite support. It's designed as temporary assistance while you search for new employment. After your benefit year ends, you're expected to have returned to work at some point.

but what if there just aren't any jobs in your field? seems like the system doesn't account for that

That's exactly the problem with this whole system. They expect everyone to just magically find work within 26 weeks regardless of the job market or economic conditions.

What field are you in? I'm in marketing and it's been really competitive out there.

I'm in hospitality management. A lot of places are still operating with reduced staff or have been really selective about hiring. It's frustrating because I've been actively looking the whole time.

Do they notify you before your benefits are about to end? I want to make sure I understand the timeline.

Yes, you should receive notifications as your benefit year approaches its end. But don't wait for that - you can check your remaining balance and benefit year end date in your SecureAccess Washington account anytime.

While I understand the frustration, there have to be some limits on benefits or the system becomes unsustainable. The key is making sure people have access to other support services and job training opportunities.

I get that, but when someone has been paying into the system through their payroll taxes for years, it seems reasonable that they should get adequate support during tough job markets.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - I was spending entire days trying to get through and getting nowhere. At least with their service I could get connected to an actual person who could explain my options.

I might have to look into that. This is too important to just guess about.

The pandemic-era extended benefits programs like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. Currently, extended benefits are only triggered when unemployment rates reach certain thresholds, and Washington hasn't qualified for those recently.

Oh right, I forgot those programs ended. Thanks for clarifying that.

That's really helpful to know. Did you find any other programs that were useful during the transition?

DSHS has some programs that might help with basic needs, and some counties have their own assistance programs. It's not ideal but it's something while you keep looking for work.

I'll definitely look into those options. Thanks for sharing your experience.

You still need to certify because Washington ESD needs to document your continued job search efforts and availability for work. Plus, if there are any issues with your claim, you want that documented properly.

I guess that makes sense from an administrative standpoint, just feels pointless when you know there's no money left.

Start planning now rather than waiting until the last minute. Look into training programs, other assistance options, and make sure you understand exactly when your benefit year ends.

Good advice. I should probably try to get through to Washington ESD to ask about my specific situation sooner rather than later.

If you decide to call, seriously consider using something like Claimyr to actually get through. I wasted so much time on hold before I found that option.

Actually, working while on unemployment could help you qualify for a new claim if you earn enough wages. You just need to report all earnings when you certify. The wages you earn now could count toward a future base period.

That's good to know! So working part-time might actually improve my situation long-term?

Potentially, yes. You'd need to earn enough over time to meet the minimum requirements for a new claim, but any covered wages help.

Because they don't want to make it easy to understand. The more confused people are, the fewer people will actually claim benefits they're entitled to.

I think it's more that the rules are genuinely complex and there are a lot of different situations. But I agree the communication could be much clearer.

That's encouraging to hear. Were the staffing agencies pretty responsive in your experience?

Some were better than others, but it's worth registering with several and being flexible about what kind of work you'll consider. It helped me get back on my feet.

Exactly! This is insurance that we all paid for through our paychecks. It shouldn't be treated like welfare.

That's true, but like any insurance, there are limits and conditions on the benefits. The system has to balance supporting people with maintaining long-term sustainability.

You can't appeal the end of your benefit year - that's determined by law, not by Washington ESD's discretion. You could potentially appeal if you think you were incorrectly denied a new claim, but only if you actually have qualifying wages.

Ah, I see. So it's really just a matter of whether you've worked enough to qualify for a new claim period.

Yeah, that's what I'm gathering from all these responses. I wish I had understood this better when I first filed.

It's definitely something they should explain more clearly during the initial claim process. People need to understand both the benefits and the limitations of the system.

Good luck with your job search! And remember, if you need to get specific information about your situation, don't waste time trying to call Washington ESD directly - use a service like Claimyr to actually get through to someone who can help.

Thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind. This thread has been way more informative than anything I could find on the Washington ESD website.