What happens when Washington ESD unemployment benefits run out completely?

That's what I was afraid of. So there's no state extended benefits program either?

Washington state does have an Extended Benefits program but it only triggers when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Right now our state unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger EB.

Have you looked into other assistance programs? DSHS has food assistance and sometimes emergency rent help.

yeah i applied for food stamps already but the waiting list for rent assistance is like 6 months long

I did work a temp job for about 6 weeks during my claim period. Would that count toward a new claim?

Possibly! You need to have earned at least 680 times the state minimum wage in your base period for a new claim. That temp work might help if it was substantial enough.

Getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this is nearly impossible though. I've been trying for weeks to get someone on the phone about my situation. The callback system never works and I get disconnected constantly.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. I was able to speak with someone about my benefit exhaustion within a day.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Have you tried reaching out to local workforce development programs? WorkSource has some training programs that come with stipends.

Yeah I'm enrolled in a program through WorkSource but the stipend is only $400/month which doesn't even cover groceries

That was during the pandemic when there were special federal programs like PEUC. Those ended in 2021. Each state is different for regular extended benefits.

oh dang i had no idea those pandemic programs ended. so washington really doesn't have anything else?

WorkSource can be hit or miss depending on your local office. Some have better connections with employers than others. Make sure you're documenting all your job search activities properly for Washington ESD requirements.

Yeah I've been keeping detailed records. It's just frustrating when you've been looking for 6 months and still nothing.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that program. How do you apply for disaster assistance?

You'd apply through Washington ESD but only if FEMA declared a disaster in your county. The eligibility is pretty strict though.

I completely understand that anxiety. When I was facing benefit exhaustion, I used Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD specialist who explained all my options. Sometimes talking to an actual person makes a huge difference in understanding what's available.

The mental health aspect of long-term unemployment is real. Don't hesitate to reach out for counseling support if you need it.

You can apply for a new claim right away if you have qualifying wages in a new base period. There's no waiting period between benefit years.

Good to know, thanks! I guess the tricky part is having enough work history to qualify.

That's what I'm afraid of - having to take something that barely covers expenses just to have income.

It sucks but at least it gives you some income while you keep looking for something better. Plus any wages might help you qualify for a new unemployment claim later if needed.

What's 211? Is that a phone number?

Yes, dial 2-1-1 and they connect you with local social services and assistance programs. It's free and available 24/7.

Exactly! And then they wonder why people are struggling. 26 weeks isn't realistic in this job market.

The whole system needs an overhaul but good luck getting politicians to extend benefit periods.

What kind of things should I be applying for? Just jobs or other assistance too?

both! food stamps, medicaid, any local assistance programs, plus cast a wider net with jobs even if they're not perfect matches

The state legislature did pass some workforce development funding increases recently, but those are more for training than direct cash assistance.

That's a good strategy if you can find consistent part-time work. Just make sure you report all earnings properly to Washington ESD while you're still collecting.

The gig economy stuff can be tricky with unemployment though. Make sure you understand how 1099 income affects your benefits.

Veterans might qualify for additional federal programs through the VA or special workforce development grants. Check with your local veterans' services office.

If you're a veteran trying to navigate this, definitely use Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. They can explain veteran-specific programs that regular staff might not mention. The phone system is so backed up that getting accurate info is tough otherwise.

Yeah I'm starting to accept that I might need to take whatever I can find soon. Thanks everyone for all the advice and reality checks.

Hang in there! Sometimes taking a less-than-perfect job opens doors to better opportunities. Keep networking even after you find something.

Good luck with everything. This whole experience really shows how inadequate our unemployment system is for long-term job searches in today's economy.