What happens when unemployment runs out in Washington - need help with next steps

That's what I was afraid of. Are there any other unemployment programs I might qualify for? I'm really struggling to find work in my field.

There's no federal pandemic programs anymore, but you should definitely contact WorkSource for intensive job search support and potential training programs that might have income support.

How did you find out about all the assistance programs? I feel like I don't even know where to start looking.

211 helpline was super helpful, also the DSHS website has a bunch of programs listed. food banks too if you need help with groceries

Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call for days but keep getting busy signals or disconnected. How much does that Claimyr service cost?

It's worth checking out their site for details, but honestly the value is in actually reaching someone at Washington ESD instead of wasting hours on hold. Saved me so much frustration.

Never heard of that service but if it gets you through to ESD faster that sounds amazing. The phone system is absolutely terrible.

Good point. I should probably start applying for things now even if I still have a few weeks left. Better to be prepared.

Exactly. And keep documenting your job search efforts even after UI ends in case any programs become available later. You want to show you've been actively looking.

Take a deep breath. Start with basic needs - food assistance, housing help if needed. Then focus on expanding your job search to include temporary work, different industries, anything to get income flowing.

I know you're right, I just feel so overwhelmed. I never thought I'd be unemployed this long.

You're not alone in this. Lots of us are struggling with long-term unemployment right now. Take it one day at a time.

Extended Benefits used to trigger automatically when state unemployment hit certain thresholds, but the requirements are much stricter now.

It's ridiculous. People are going to end up homeless because politicians don't want to extend unemployment benefits.

I hadn't thought about retraining programs. What kind of income support do they usually provide?

It varies by program but some provide living allowances or stipends. Worth checking with WorkSource or your local community college to see what's available.

It's so scary not knowing how you're going to pay bills. At least we're not alone in this situation.

yeah that's true. maybe we should start a support group lol

That's probably what I'll have to do too. Did you have any issues with taking temporary work affecting future unemployment claims?

No issues as long as you report any work when you file weekly claims. If you end up unemployed again later, the work can actually help establish a new benefit year.

Thanks, I'll definitely call 211. I never thought about reaching out to churches for help.

Many churches help regardless of whether you're a member. They often have emergency funds for rent, utilities, groceries.

Good point. I'll make sure to keep filing even if I'm not getting paid. Better safe than sorry.

Actually, once your benefit year ends you can't keep filing the same claim. But definitely keep track of your job search in case you need to file a new claim later.

That's the second time someone mentioned that service. Sounds like it might be worth trying if I need to talk to ESD about my situation.

Yeah it was super helpful. The agent was able to look up my exact benefit year dates and explain everything clearly. Much less frustrating than trying to call on my own.

I've been thinking about that. Do you know if gig work affects your ability to get unemployment benefits if you become unemployed again later?

As long as you earn enough to qualify for a new benefit year, it shouldn't be a problem. Just keep track of your earnings for tax purposes.

I have been looking the whole time! The job market is just really competitive right now. It's not like I've been sitting around doing nothing.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply that. You're right that the market is tough. Just meant that people should be prepared for benefits to run out.

That's a good idea. I'll start contacting temp agencies in my area this week.

Yeah, and don't be picky about the assignments at first. Any work experience is better than gaps in your resume.

8 months is so long! How are you staying motivated to keep looking for work?

Some days are harder than others. I try to treat job searching like a part-time job and make sure to do something productive every day, even if it's small.

Okay, I'm definitely going to check that out. Three people have mentioned it now so it must actually work.

Yeah, I was skeptical at first but it really did save me a lot of time and frustration. Worth looking into if you need answers from ESD.

That's true. I should probably take advantage of those services more than I have been.

Definitely. They might also know about job openings that aren't posted publicly. Building those relationships can really help.