What happens when unemployment runs out - Washington ESD benefits ending next month

So there's no guarantee of extended benefits? That's terrifying. How do I know if I've worked enough for a new claim?

You need to have earned at least $1,000 in covered employment during your benefit year. The temp work you mentioned might count toward this requirement.

I had the same problem! The phone system is impossible. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent when I needed to figure out my benefit year options. They have a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and their site is claimyr.com - it was honestly a lifesaver when I was in the same situation.

Never heard of that but at this point I'd try anything to avoid sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected

This is confusing - how do I tell which situation I'm in? My benefit year started in May 2024.

Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from when you first filed, so yours would end in May 2025. If you're exhausting benefits before then, you might qualify for a new claim if you've earned enough wages from that temp work.

Wait I thought benefit years were calendar years?? This is so confusing

I've been trying to call for two weeks - I either get busy signals or wait on hold for hours before getting disconnected

That Claimyr thing the other poster mentioned actually works. I was skeptical but used it last month when I had issues with my job search requirements. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of wasting my whole day on hold.

That's what I'm afraid of. Did you ever get back on benefits or just had to make it work with part-time?

eventually got a full time job but it took 3 more months. those retail wages helped bridge the gap though

Exactly! And then when you do finally get someone on the phone they act like you should have known all these rules already

The information is available on the Washington ESD website, but I agree it's not presented in the most user-friendly way. The WorkSourceWA offices can also help explain your options in person.

Good point - I have been logging my job searches but wasn't sure if that mattered if benefits were ending anyway

Yeah definitely keep doing it. Also make sure you're registered with WorkSourceWA if you aren't already - that's required for any new claims.

That's a good idea. Do you know where to find information about those programs?

Your local DSHS office would be a good starting point, or 211 can connect you with local resources

Glad I'm not the only one! This whole process is so stressful

Same here - mine end in March. Really wish Washington ESD made this transition process clearer

That makes me feel a bit better. I did work about 8 weeks total at different temp jobs, maybe that's enough?

It depends on how much you earned, but 8 weeks of work could definitely help. You need to have earned wages in at least two quarters during your benefit year to qualify for a new claim.

Good to know - I was wondering about that. So keep filing even if I think benefits are ending?

yeah absolutely. file until you get official notice that your claim is exhausted, then you'll know exactly where you stand

I'll look for that - didn't know they had a calculator. Thanks!

That calculator is helpful but sometimes the real determination is different. Still worth checking though.

That gives me hope! Did you have to provide new documentation or was it pretty straightforward?

Pretty straightforward - they could see my work history in their system so I didn't need to provide additional documentation. The hard part was just getting through to talk to someone who could explain my options.

I hadn't thought about that option. Are those programs competitive to get into?

Some are more competitive than others, but there are usually options available. Worth looking into especially if you're having trouble finding work in your current field.

I'm starting to understand that now - wish someone had explained this to me when I first filed

Right? They should send out information about this stuff automatically when you're getting close to exhausting benefits