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Kylo Ren

What happens if I run out of Washington ESD unemployment benefits - need advice

I'm getting close to exhausting my regular UI benefits in Washington and I'm honestly pretty scared about what comes next. I've been on unemployment for about 20 weeks now and I think I only have maybe 6 weeks left? The job market in my field is still pretty rough and I haven't found anything yet despite applying constantly. Does anyone know what options exist after your regular unemployment runs out? I heard there might be extensions but I'm not sure if those are still available or how to apply. Really stressed about this situation.

Unfortunately Washington doesn't have any extended benefits programs running right now. Once your regular UI benefits are exhausted (typically 26 weeks), that's it unless the state triggers extended benefits due to high unemployment rates. You should start looking into other assistance programs like SNAP, housing assistance, or temporary assistance for needy families if you qualify.

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That's what I was afraid of hearing. Are there any other state programs that might help bridge the gap while I'm still looking for work?

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Check with DSHS for other assistance programs. Also look into WorkSource Washington - they have training programs that might help you get into a different field faster.

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same boat here, my benefits ran out last month and it's been rough. the job search requirements don't stop just because your benefits end either if you want to be eligible for future claims

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Wait, I still have to do job search activities even after benefits end? I thought that was just while you're receiving payments.

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You don't have to continue job search activities after your benefit year ends unless you're trying to establish a new claim. But it's obviously still a good idea to keep looking for work.

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I was in this exact situation a few months ago and couldn't get through to Washington ESD to ask about my options. Spent weeks trying to call during their busy periods. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually get through to an agent. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Was able to talk to someone within a day and get all my questions answered about what happens after benefits exhaust.

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That sounds helpful but is it legit? I'm always worried about scams when it comes to unemployment stuff.

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Yeah it's legit - they just help you get through the phone system, you're still talking to actual Washington ESD staff. Saved me a lot of frustration.

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I used them too when I had issues with my claim. Much better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

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The system is so broken!!! They make it impossible to get help when you need it most. I've been trying to call for WEEKS about my claim status and can never get through. Meanwhile bills keep coming and they act like we're all just freeloaders.

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I feel your frustration but getting angry won't help solve the problem. Have you tried calling right when they open or during lunch time?

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tried everything, early morning, lunch, different days. the whole system needs an overhaul

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When your regular UI benefits exhaust, you should receive a notice from Washington ESD explaining your options. In most cases, you can file a new claim if you've worked enough hours since your original claim began. The key is having sufficient wages in your new base period. If not, you'll need to wait until you do or look into other assistance programs.

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I haven't worked at all since I was laid off, so I probably don't have enough wages for a new claim. This is really scary.

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That's pretty common. Focus on other support programs and consider taking any temporary work you can find to start building wages for a potential future claim.

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Also check if you qualify for any retraining programs through WorkSource. Some of them provide stipends while you learn new skills.

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wow this is depressing to read. i'm only 8 weeks into my claim and already worried about what happens later

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Don't stress too much about it now - focus on your job search and hopefully you'll find something before your benefits run out.

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Yeah, I wish I had started worrying about this sooner so I could have prepared better.

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I think there might be some federal programs still available? I heard something about emergency assistance but I'm not sure of the details. Has anyone looked into that?

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Most of the federal pandemic programs ended in 2021. There might be some emergency assistance through other agencies but not unemployment-related extensions.

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Thanks for clarifying, I wasn't sure what was still available.

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You might want to start looking into gig work or temporary jobs even if they're not in your ideal field. At least it's some income and you'll be building work history for a potential future unemployment claim if needed.

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I've been thinking about that but worried it might hurt my chances of finding something in my actual field.

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I understand the concern but bills don't stop coming. You can always continue looking for better opportunities while working temporarily.

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plus any work you do now could help you qualify for benefits again later if you need them

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Check with local food banks and community organizations too. A lot of them have emergency assistance programs that can help with utilities, rent, etc. while you're transitioning off unemployment.

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Good idea, I hadn't thought about reaching out to community organizations. Do you know how to find what's available in my area?

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Try calling 211 - they can connect you with local resources and assistance programs in your area.

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This happened to my brother last year and he ended up having to move back in with family temporarily. It's a tough situation but there are ways to get through it. The key is planning ahead as much as possible.

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That might be an option for me too if things get really bad. How long did it take your brother to find work after his benefits ended?

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About 3 months, but he ended up taking a job in a different field than what he was originally looking for.

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make sure you keep track of all your job search activities even after benefits end, you never know when you might need to file again

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Good point, I didn't think about needing those records later on.

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I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone about my benefit calculation and it was super helpful. Much easier than trying to get through the regular phone lines. The agents were able to explain exactly what my options were when my benefits were running low.

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I'm definitely going to look into that, sounds like it could save me a lot of frustration trying to get answers.

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Yeah I've heard good things about them from other people too. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to understand your situation.

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The timing really sucks because it's harder to find work during certain times of year. I hope things work out for you - keep applying and don't give up!

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Thanks for the encouragement. It's been a really stressful time but I'm trying to stay positive.

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hang in there, the job market is slowly getting better in some sectors

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Have you considered freelancing or consulting in your field? Even small projects can help financially and might lead to full-time opportunities.

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I've thought about it but wasn't sure how that would affect my unemployment status. Can you still receive benefits while doing freelance work?

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You can do some work while on unemployment but you have to report all earnings and it may reduce your benefit amount. Check the Washington ESD guidelines for specifics.

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Right, and if your benefits are about to end anyway, freelancing could be a good bridge while you look for permanent work.

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I know this is scary but try to use this time to maybe consider career pivots or additional training. Sometimes being forced into a change leads to better opportunities.

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That's a good way to think about it. I have been wondering if I should consider other fields that might have more opportunities.

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There are some good online certification programs that don't take too long to complete and might open up new job possibilities.

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Don't forget about networking! Reach out to former colleagues, join professional groups, attend virtual meetups. A lot of jobs aren't even posted publicly.

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You're right, I probably haven't been networking as much as I should. I've been so focused on online applications.

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LinkedIn can be really helpful for this too. Don't be afraid to reach out to people - most are willing to help if they can.

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