What happens when i run out of unemployment funds - Washington ESD exhausted benefits

Unfortunately regular UI benefits in Washington max out at 26 weeks and there aren't any automatic extensions right now. Once your benefit year ends, you'll need to file a new claim if you have enough work history to qualify again. If not, you might need to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or TANF.

So there's no federal extension programs anymore? I thought there was always some kind of backup when regular benefits run out.

The federal extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. Now it's just the standard 26 weeks unless your state has high unemployment triggers for Extended Benefits, which Washington doesn't currently.

same boat here, mine ran out last month and had to reapply. problem is i didnt work enough hours in my base period to qualify for a new claim so now im getting nothing

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of. How do they calculate if you have enough work history for a new claim?

They look at your earnings in the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. You need at least 680 hours of work or earnings equal to 680 times the minimum wage.

This is so frustrating! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to get clarification on my benefit year end date but can never get through. The automated system doesn't give me the information I need and when I finally get in the queue, I get disconnected after waiting for hours.

I had the same problem until I discovered Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. They have a system that handles the calling and waiting for you. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Is that legitimate? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point but don't want to get scammed.

It's completely legit. They don't ask for your personal ESD info or anything sketchy. They just handle the calling process so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

WASHINGTON ESD IS A JOKE!!! They make it impossible to get help when you need it most. Six months of benefits isn't enough in this economy especially with rent prices. The whole system is designed to push people off benefits as fast as possible.

I feel your frustration but the 26 week limit is actually pretty standard across most states. Some states only do 12-20 weeks.

That doesn't make it right! People are struggling and they're cutting us off right when we need help the most.

You should check your benefit year end date in your eServices account. If your benefit year is ending, you can file a new claim online starting the Sunday after your benefit year ends. Make sure you have your work history ready including any part-time or temporary work you've done.

I did some gig work during my unemployment. Do I need to report that when filing a new claim?

Yes, absolutely. Report all work including gig work, temporary jobs, and any self-employment. This could actually help you qualify for a new claim if you've earned enough.

been there done that. when my benefits ended i had to get creative with side hustles and gig work while still looking for full time. it sucks but you gotta do what you gotta do

What kind of gig work did you do? I'm trying to figure out backup options.

food delivery, some handyman stuff, sold stuff online. not great money but helped bridge the gap

Also keep in mind that if you do qualify for a new claim, your weekly benefit amount might be different based on your more recent earnings. It could be higher or lower depending on what you earned during your previous benefit year.

How do they calculate the new weekly amount? Is it based on all the work I did or just certain quarters?

It's based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period. They take your highest quarter, divide by 26, then multiply by 0.0385 to get your weekly benefit amount.

Make sure you're documenting all your job search activities properly. If you do get a new claim approved, they're really strict about the job search requirements now. You need 3 job search activities per week and they can audit your job search log at any time.

I've been keeping track but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. What counts as a valid job search activity?

Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, skills training. Each activity needs to be for a specific job or employer, not just general browsing.

Don't forget about WorkSource too. They have resources for job training and placement that might help you get back to work faster. Some programs even provide support while you're in training.

Is WorkSource part of Washington ESD or separate? I've heard mixed things about their programs.

It's connected to Washington ESD but run by different local agencies. Quality varies by location but they do have some good training programs, especially for in-demand industries.

Update: I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to a Washington ESD agent! They were able to explain my benefit year end date and help me understand what I need to do to file a new claim. Worth every penny to avoid the phone hell.

That's awesome! I might have to try that too. How long did it take them to get you connected?

Way faster than trying to call myself. They handled all the waiting and transferred me when an agent was available.

Check if you qualify for any state assistance programs while you're between unemployment claims. Washington has some emergency assistance programs that might help with rent or utilities.

Do you know which programs to look into? I've never applied for assistance before.

Look into DSHS programs like SNAP for food assistance and maybe emergency assistance for housing. Also check with 211 for local resources.

honestly the whole system is set up to fail people. 26 weeks goes by so fast when you're actually looking for decent work not just any minimum wage job

I understand the frustration but unemployment insurance was never meant to be permanent. It's supposed to be temporary assistance while you find new work.

easy to say when you're not the one facing homelessness because you can't find work that pays enough to live on

My sister went through this same thing last year. She had to take a part-time job to get some income while continuing to look for full-time work. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing.

Did she have any issues with taking part-time work while still looking for full-time? I'm worried about how that affects future claims.

As long as you report all your earnings when you file a new claim, it should actually help you qualify. The work history looks good to ESD.

Pro tip: If you're close to your benefit year end, start preparing your new claim application now. Get all your employer information together, W-2s, pay stubs, anything that shows your work history. Don't wait until the last minute.

Good advice. I should probably gather all that stuff this weekend. Better to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute.

Exactly. And if you have any questions about the application process, that's when a service like Claimyr can really help you get answers from an actual agent instead of guessing.

Keep your chin up. I know it's scary but you'll figure it out. Lots of people go through this transition and come out okay on the other side.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. It's been really stressful not knowing what's going to happen.

Totally understandable. Just take it one step at a time and use all the resources available to you.

Also make sure you're not missing any deadlines. If you wait too long after your benefit year ends to file a new claim, you might lose out on benefits you're entitled to.

Is there a specific deadline I need to worry about?

You should file your new claim as soon as possible after your benefit year ends. Don't wait weeks or months because you can't backdate a new claim.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm in a similar situation and didn't know about the option to file a new claim. Going to start gathering my documents this week.

Glad it helped you too! We're all in this together trying to figure out the system.

Definitely. The more information we share, the better we can all navigate this confusing process.

Final thought - even if you don't qualify for a new UI claim, don't give up on getting help. There are other programs and resources available. It's just a matter of finding them and applying.

You're right. I've been so focused on unemployment benefits that I haven't really looked into other options. Time to expand my search.

That's the spirit. Sometimes the solution comes from an unexpected direction. Keep all your options open.