What happens if my unemployment claim balance runs out - Washington ESD options?

I worked part-time for about 3 months during my claim period but didn't earn much. Would that count toward a new claim?

It depends on how much you earned. You need to have made at least $7,000 in covered wages during your base period for a new claim. The part-time work might help but you'd need to check with Washington ESD.

Tell me about it! I've been trying to call for weeks about my adjudication issue and can never get through.

I actually found something called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. It's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Never heard of that but at this point I'm willing to try anything to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

How do I know if extended benefits are available? Is there somewhere on the Washington ESD website that shows this?

Yes, Washington ESD posts extended benefit availability on their main website. You can also check your eServices account - if you're eligible for an extension, it should show up there automatically.

Really? I thought if the balance was zero there was no point in filing weekly claims.

This is correct advice. You should continue filing weekly claims to maintain eligibility for any extensions or new benefits that might become available.

I know exactly what you mean. The whole system seems designed to confuse people. When I exhausted mine, I had to call like 50 times before getting through to someone who could explain my options.

Did they tell you anything useful when you finally got through?

Yeah, they said I needed to file a new claim because my benefit year was ending. But getting that information took literally weeks of trying to call.

Extended benefits depend on the state's unemployment rate. They're not always available, and when they are, they typically provide 13 additional weeks of benefits at most.

So there's no guarantee I'll get them even if I keep filing weekly claims?

Correct. Extended benefits are triggered automatically when certain unemployment thresholds are met statewide. You can't apply for them directly.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It was worth it for me to get actual answers instead of guessing. Check out their site at claimyr.com - they explain how it works better than I can.

That's what I'm worried about. I only worked part-time during my claim so my wages were much lower.

Yeah, that would likely result in a lower weekly benefit amount if you qualify for a new claim at all.

Have you checked if you're eligible to file a new claim instead of waiting for extended benefits? If your benefit year is ending, that might be a better option.

how do i even know if my benefit year is ending? this stuff is so complicated

Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed your claim. You should be able to see the end date in your eServices account.

It depends on where you are in your benefit year. If your benefit year is ending (52 weeks from your original claim date), you should file a new claim. If you're still within your benefit year but exhausted your balance, you should continue filing weekly claims and wait to see if extended benefits become available.

Ok that makes more sense. I think I'm still within my benefit year so I'll keep filing weekly claims for now.

Did you have to go to WorkSource in person or were you able to get help over the phone?

I went in person because I was so confused by everything. The staff there were actually really helpful in explaining my options.

Don't put it off! I almost lost benefits because I waited too long to figure out my situation. If you can't get through to Washington ESD on your own, definitely consider using something like Claimyr to talk to an actual person who can review your account.

Yeah, I think I need to bite the bullet and get some real answers instead of guessing.

Wait, there's another waiting week for a new claim? I thought that was only for your first claim ever.

Nope, each new benefit year starts with a waiting week. It's frustrating but that's how the system works.

This is really helpful. I think I need to figure out exactly where I am in my benefit year first.

what other assistance programs are there if unemployment runs out completely?

SNAP, temporary assistance, emergency rental assistance, food banks. WorkSource can help connect you with local resources too.

Good point. I'm not collecting anything else but I know some people get confused about what they need to report.

I understand the frustration. The system is complex, but the key is to stay proactive about filing weekly claims and understanding your benefit year timeline.

easier said than done when you cant even get someone on the phone to explain your specific situation

Good luck! If you have trouble getting through the regular way, remember that option I mentioned earlier with Claimyr. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clarity.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I can't get through on my own. Thanks for the tip!

Glad this was helpful! Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions as you figure out your next steps.

Same here - this thread answered a lot of questions I had too. Good luck with everything!