What happens if my unemployment runs out and I still don't have a job - Washington ESD options?

Unfortunately Washington doesn't have extended benefits right now since unemployment rates aren't high enough to trigger them. Your regular UI benefits just end when you exhaust them.

Check if you qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was related to foreign trade or company relocation. It's a federal program that can provide extended benefits and retraining funding.

I was in the same boat last year. Had to get really creative with contacting Washington ESD to make sure I understood all my options. The phone system is brutal but I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone about your specific situation.

Have you looked into WorkSource? They have job placement services and sometimes funding for retraining programs. It's not income replacement but could help you find something faster.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! You pay into unemployment insurance for years and then when you actually need it long-term they just cut you off. Meanwhile people in other states get way more weeks than we do.

You might want to start applying for jobs outside your field too. I know it's not ideal but having some income is better than none while you keep looking for accounting positions.

Contact your local Community Action Agency. They often have emergency assistance programs for people transitioning off unemployment. Won't replace your full benefits but might help with rent or utilities.

same thing happened to my brother in law last year, he ended up doing gig work through apps while still job hunting

One thing I learned is that you need to really understand your exact benefit year dates and whether you have any remaining balance. Sometimes people think they're out of benefits when they're not. I used that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier to get through and verify my actual status.

Have you considered temp work? A lot of accounting firms hire temporary help during busy seasons and it could lead to permanent positions.

Don't forget about SNAP benefits (food stamps) if you haven't applied already. It's not income but reduces your expenses which helps stretch whatever money you have.

Also check if your mortgage company or landlord has any hardship programs. Many lenders have temporary payment reduction options for people between jobs.

The whole system is designed to push people off benefits as fast as possible. Make sure you're documenting all your job search efforts in case you need to prove you were actively looking.

Look into whether you qualify for Medicaid too. Losing unemployment means losing income which might qualify you for health coverage.

my cousin went through this and ended up getting a part time job that let her keep looking for full time work, worked out better than expected

Whatever you decide, make sure you have a clear understanding of your benefit status and any options you might have missed. Getting accurate information from Washington ESD directly is really important for planning your next steps.

Consider expanding your job search geographically too. Remote work or longer commutes might open up more opportunities.

Don't give up hope. Three weeks is still time to find something. Use every resource available - networking, professional associations, alumni networks if you have them.

The most important thing is having a plan for when benefits end. Even if it's not ideal, knowing your next steps reduces the stress and helps you make better decisions.

Final advice: document everything, apply for all assistance programs you qualify for, and don't be too proud to take temporary work. Your next permanent job will come, but you need to bridge the gap financially until it does.

Have you checked if you might qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if there were any declared disasters in your area during your unemployment period? It's a long shot but worth looking into. Also, some credit unions offer emergency loans or hardship programs for members - if you belong to one, give them a call. The interest rates are usually much better than credit cards or payday loans if you need to bridge the gap.

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago. Here's what I wish I had known earlier: 1) Apply for SNAP and any local assistance programs NOW, not when your benefits end - there's often a processing delay. 2) Reach out to your state representative's office - they sometimes have emergency assistance funds or can connect you with resources you didn't know existed. 3) Check with local churches and nonprofits even if you're not religious - many have emergency assistance programs with no strings attached. 4) Look into plasma donation if you're eligible - it's not much but can provide some regular income while job hunting. The transition off unemployment is scary but you'll get through it. Start applying these backup plans now so they're in place when you need them.