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

After your regular 26 weeks of UI benefits end, you may qualify for Extended Benefits (EB) if Washington's unemployment rate is high enough. The state automatically files the EB claim for you if you're eligible, but you still need to keep filing your weekly claims. EB can provide up to 13 additional weeks of benefits at the same weekly amount.

I went through this last year. The transition was pretty smooth - Washington ESD sent me a letter about a week before my regular benefits ended explaining that I was being automatically enrolled in Extended Benefits. Just make sure you keep doing your job searches and filing weekly!

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about extended benefits, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me connect with an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Extended Benefits aren't always available though - it depends on the state's unemployment rate. If Washington's rate drops below the trigger level, EB gets turned off and you're out of luck. I'd start looking into other programs like SNAP or housing assistance just in case.

whatever you do dont stop filing your weekly claims even if your regular benefits end! i made that mistake and it screwed up my extended benefits eligibility

I'm in the same boat - on week 24 right now and getting anxious. My industry is still struggling and I've been following all the job search requirements religiously. At least it sounds like there might be some options after regular UI ends.

The Extended Benefits program has been on and off in Washington depending on unemployment rates. When I exhausted my regular benefits in 2023, EB was available and I got the full 13 weeks. The weekly benefit amount stayed the same as my regular UI.

Make sure you're documenting ALL your job search activities properly. I've heard Washington ESD can be really strict about the job search requirements, especially during extended benefits periods.

UGH the whole system is so confusing!!! Why can't Washington ESD just send clear information about what happens after 26 weeks instead of making us guess???

Another option to consider is retraining programs through WorkSource. If you qualify, you might be able to get extended benefits while learning new skills. Worth looking into if your industry is really struggling.

Been there! The anxiety as you approach week 26 is real. Just keep doing everything right - job searches, weekly claims, responding to any requests from Washington ESD. The system will take care of the rest if you're eligible for extensions.

If you do run out of all unemployment benefits, look into other assistance programs right away. Don't wait until you're completely broke. Food stamps, utility assistance, rental help - there are resources available.

I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my extended benefits. Worked great - finally talked to someone who could explain exactly what was happening with my claim. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it works.

The key thing is DON'T PANIC. I know it's easier said than done, but the system is designed to help people who are genuinely looking for work. If Extended Benefits aren't available, there might be other programs. Keep filing, keep job searching, and stay in communication with Washington ESD.

Check your Washington ESD account regularly around week 24-25. That's when they usually post information about what happens next. If you see any notices or letters, read them carefully and respond quickly if action is needed.

One more thing - if you do qualify for Extended Benefits, you'll still need to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment. The requirements don't change just because you're on a different program.

I'm curious - has anyone here actually been denied Extended Benefits even though they were eligible for regular UI? Wondering if there are any gotchas I should watch out for.

Another vote for using Claimyr if you need to talk to Washington ESD about extended benefits. I was so confused about the whole process and finally got answers after using their service. Much better than the endless hold times and disconnections.

Hope this helps everyone! The uncertainty around week 26 is stressful but there are usually options available. Just keep following the rules and staying informed about what programs are active in Washington.

I went through this exact situation last year and wanted to share what worked for me. When I hit week 24, I started preparing by making sure all my job search documentation was up to date and organized. Washington ESD did automatically enroll me in Extended Benefits, but there was about a 10-day gap where I wasn't sure what was happening. The key is to keep filing your weekly claims no matter what - even if you don't get paid for a week or two, it maintains your eligibility. I also recommend calling WorkSource to discuss backup plans like retraining programs, just in case EB isn't available when you need it. The whole process was less scary than I expected once I understood how it worked.