What happens if I exhaust my Washington ESD unemployment benefits - any options left?

Thanks for the heads up. I should probably start looking into those other programs now then. Do you know if there's a waiting period between when UI ends and when you can apply for other assistance?

No waiting period for most programs, but they have their own eligibility requirements and processing times. Better to apply early.

It's so stressful isn't it? The job market feels impossible right now. What industry are you in?

retail management, everything seems to want part time only or pays way less than what i was making before

I didn't know about the Extended Benefits program. How do I find out if Washington triggers that? And yes, I've been using WorkSourceWA for the job search logging.

Washington ESD posts EB status on their website. It's based on state unemployment rates compared to previous years. As for contacting ESD directly, good luck getting through on the phone - you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach an agent. They have a system that gets you through the busy signals.

Not anymore. The federal extension programs like PEUC ended in 2021. Those were pandemic-era benefits. Right now it's just regular UI (up to 26 weeks in Washington) and potentially Extended Benefits if the state unemployment rate triggers it.

Oh wow, I had no idea those programs ended. That's really concerning for people in situations like this.

Yeah the whole system feels pretty bare bones now compared to during COVID. Really puts pressure on people to find anything just to survive.

This is really helpful, thank you. I guess I was hoping there would be some kind of unemployment extension I didn't know about, but sounds like I need to pivot to other assistance programs.

Exactly. And don't feel bad about needing help - you paid into these systems. Also check with local churches and community organizations, many have emergency assistance funds.

i mean i get the frustration but what's the alternative? unlimited benefits?

Maybe actually fund job training programs that lead to real careers instead of just pushing people into whatever's available? Other countries do it better.

While I understand the frustration, the current system does provide some transition time. The key is using that time effectively and having backup plans ready.

I hadn't thought about that. Do you know if those programs extend your benefit eligibility while you're in training?

I think some do but I'm not sure of the specifics. You'd have to ask WorkSource directly or call Washington ESD to find out the details.

Yeah I've been thinking about gig work as a backup. Did you have any issues with Washington ESD if you found regular work later? Like do you have to report the gig income?

Once your benefits are exhausted, you don't have to report anything to ESD unless you reopen a claim later. But keep records of everything just in case.

Good point about keeping records. If you do find work after exhausting benefits and then become unemployed again, you may be able to file a new claim depending on your work history and earnings.

No, that's not how it works. Your benefit year has an end date regardless of whether you file weekly claims. If you don't file, you just lose that week's payment. The benefit year still expires on schedule.

oh dang ok thanks for clarifying that

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Did they charge you to make the call?

Yeah there's a fee but honestly it was worth it to actually get answers instead of listening to busy signals for hours. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

I'm skeptical of any service that charges to contact government agencies. Isn't that information supposed to be free?

The information is free, but getting through on the phone isn't exactly accessible when the lines are constantly busy. Different people value their time differently I guess.

DUA is only for people whose unemployment is directly caused by a declared disaster, not for regular job loss situations. But good reminder that these specialized programs exist.

You file for unemployment in the state where you worked, not where you live. If you worked in multiple states, there are interstate claim procedures, but it's more complicated. You'd need to contact the appropriate state agencies to figure out which state should handle your claim.

ok that makes sense, thanks

You're right, I probably should have started planning this earlier. I kept hoping I'd find something before my benefits ran out.

It's not too late if you still have 3 weeks. Start making those calls and applications now. Better to have help lined up and not need it than the other way around.

That's a great idea, I'll look into what King County has available.

Yeah each county is different. Pierce County has some programs that King doesn't and vice versa. Worth checking your specific county's website.

Correct. In Washington, you generally need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment before you can establish a new benefit year. The specifics can be complex though.

Thank you for mentioning that. The stress is definitely getting to me and I hadn't thought about counseling resources.

Washington has a crisis line and there are community mental health centers with sliding scale fees. Taking care of your mental health helps you job search more effectively too.

Hopefully it won't come to that but good to know these programs exist. This whole thread has been really eye-opening about resources I didn't know about.

Good point. I've been keeping my job search log for ESD but I should probably be more detailed about other things too.

Exactly. Future employers or assistance programs might ask for proof of your job search efforts or timeline of events.

Good luck! Having a plan definitely helps reduce the stress. Keep us updated on how things go.

You've got this! The transition period is tough but having multiple supports in place makes it manageable.