What happens after your unemployment runs out - Washington ESD options?

Once your regular UI benefits exhaust, you might be eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) if the state unemployment rate is high enough. Washington ESD automatically files the EB claim for you if you qualify. You don't need to do anything special - just keep filing your weekly claims.

been there, it's scary when you're getting close to exhausting benefits. I ran out last year and had to figure out what to do next. the system doesn't always make it clear what your options are

The best thing you can do is call Washington ESD directly to discuss your options. They can tell you exactly what programs you might qualify for based on your claim history. I know their phone lines are always busy, but I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

You should also look into other assistance programs while you're waiting. WorkSource has job training programs that might help, and there are food assistance programs too. Don't forget about the job search requirement - you still need to be actively looking and documenting your searches.

HONESTLY THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS. They don't tell you anything about what happens when benefits run out until you're almost there. I had to figure everything out myself when my benefits exhausted.

Check your online account regularly - Washington ESD will post any new claim information there. If Extended Benefits become available, you'll see it in your account. Also make sure you're still filing weekly claims even if you're not getting paid - it keeps your claim active.

also want to mention that when i was dealing with this last year, i used that claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. it actually worked to get me through to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my options. saved me hours of redialing

Don't forget about SNAP (food stamps) and other assistance programs if you're struggling financially. You can apply for those even while you're still receiving unemployment.

One thing to keep in mind - if you do get Extended Benefits, the weekly amount is usually the same as your regular UI, but the total number of weeks depends on the state's unemployment rate. It's not guaranteed to be available.

whatever you do, don't stop looking for work. the job search requirements don't change just because you're worried about benefits running out

Also worth mentioning - if you find work but it's part-time or low-paying, you might still be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. Don't assume you have to choose between work and benefits.

Make sure you understand the difference between benefit year ending and benefit exhaustion. Those are two different things with different implications for your claim.

honestly the whole process is confusing. i recommend calling Washington ESD to get the specifics of your situation. like i said before, claimyr helped me actually get through to someone who could explain everything clearly

The key thing is not to panic. There are often options available even after regular benefits exhaust. Washington ESD has various programs and extensions that might apply to your situation. Getting accurate information about your specific case is the most important step.

also start looking into job training programs now if you're interested. some of them have waiting lists and it's better to get on the list before you actually need it

Remember that even if Extended Benefits aren't available, you still have other safety net programs. Don't feel like unemployment is your only option for assistance.

just keep filing those weekly claims no matter what. i made the mistake of stopping when my benefits ran out and it caused problems later when additional weeks became available

One last tip - if you do qualify for Extended Benefits, they'll appear automatically in your account. You don't need to file a new claim or do anything special. Just keep following your regular routine of filing weekly claims and job searching.

Good luck with everything! The uncertainty is definitely stressful, but you're asking the right questions and getting good information. That puts you in a much better position than most people facing benefit exhaustion.

yeah this was a good discussion. lots of useful info about what happens when benefits run out. hope everything works out for you!