What happens when I run out of Washington ESD unemployment benefits - next steps?

Unfortunately once your regular UI benefits exhaust, that's it for now. Washington doesn't have any federal or state extended benefit programs active right now like they did during COVID. You'll need to look into other assistance programs through DSHS or local resources.

Have you checked if you qualify for any state assistance programs? Food assistance, temporary cash assistance, stuff like that? DSHS has programs that might help bridge the gap.

I was in this exact situation last year and it's really tough. The key thing is to make sure you're doing everything possible to contact Washington ESD to verify your benefit status and explore any options. I had trouble getting through their phone lines for weeks until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made a huge difference for me to actually talk to someone instead of just guessing.

Wait I thought there was still some kind of extended benefits? My friend told me she got extra weeks last year when her regular UI ran out.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! They make it impossible to find work that pays enough to live on then cut you off when you need help most. I've been looking for 6 months and everything is either minimum wage or requires experience I don't have.

Have you considered temp agencies? Sometimes that can lead to permanent positions and at least gives you some income while searching.

Check with WorkSource too - they have resources beyond just job search that might help with training programs or other support services while you're between benefits and finding work.

This happened to my brother and he had to move back in with our parents. Really tough situation, I hope you have some kind of support system to help you through this gap.

I'm in week 24 so facing the same thing soon. Have you gotten any kind of notice from Washington ESD about what happens when benefits end or do they just stop paying?

Are you sure you've exhausted all your benefits? Sometimes people think they're out but there might be partial weeks or other factors that give you a little more time.

What field are you in? Maybe some of us can share job search tips or resources specific to your industry.

Just went through this myself 3 months ago. It's scary but you'll figure it out. Look into every assistance program you can find and don't be too proud to ask family for help if you need it.

Don't forget about gig work too - Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit. Not steady income but can help cover some expenses between now and finding regular employment.

Contact your creditors too if you have loans or credit cards. A lot of companies will work with you on payment plans if you explain your situation before you fall behind.

The timing really sucks too because it's harder to find work during winter months in a lot of industries. Spring hiring should pick up though so hopefully won't be too long of a gap.

Check if your county has any emergency assistance programs too. Some have rent assistance or utility help that can bridge you over tough periods.

I used Claimyr when I needed to clarify some stuff about my benefit year end too. Really helpful to actually talk to a Washington ESD person instead of just guessing about the rules.

One more thing - make sure you keep documenting your job search even after benefits end in case you do become eligible for a new claim later. Washington ESD requires that history.

Hang in there. This is one of the hardest parts of being unemployed but you'll get through it. Focus on what you can control and take it one day at a time.