What happens when you run out of unemployment benefits - Washington ESD guidance needed

So basically I'm just cut off after 26 weeks? That seems really harsh especially with how the job market is right now.

Yeah it's tough. The extended benefits program only kicks in when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds statewide.

I've been doing my job searches through WorkSourceWA but hadn't looked into the training programs. Are those free?

Most of the training programs are free or low cost. Check with your local WorkSource office about WIOA funding for career training.

The training programs can be really good but they take time to complete. Might not help with immediate income needs.

I've tried calling so many times but can never get through. The lines are always busy. What exactly is claimyr?

It's a service that keeps calling Washington ESD for you until they get an agent on the line. Then they conference you in. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about complex benefit questions.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it could get expensive.

It's worth checking out their site for current info. For me it was way better than spending entire days trying to get through on my own.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Did you eventually find work or other assistance?

took me 3 more months to find something decent. had to take a temporary job at way lower pay just to survive

Same situation here. The gap between when benefits end and finding decent work is really brutal.

I haven't worked at all since I was laid off so I don't think I'd qualify for a new claim. All my wages are from over a year ago now.

Yeah if you haven't worked during your benefit year you probably won't qualify for a new claim. The base period requirements are pretty strict.

Good point. I should probably start researching those options now rather than waiting until I'm completely broke.

211 is a good resource for finding local assistance programs. Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone.

totally agree. its like they expect you to just magically find a job in 6 months no matter what the economy is doing

Extended benefits used to trigger automatically when unemployment was high but the rules changed years ago. Now it's much harder to qualify.

I've been trying to track it myself but you're right, I should get official confirmation. The website interface isn't super clear about exact remaining benefits.

This is another good reason to use something like Claimyr to actually talk to an agent. They can give you exact numbers and explain any options.

I've been hesitant to take temp work because I'm worried it might mess up my benefits somehow. How does partial unemployment work?

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report the hours and earnings. Washington ESD has specific calculations for how much they reduce your weekly benefit amount.

Just make sure you understand the reporting requirements. Any unreported income can cause serious problems with overpayments later.

I got a small severance when I was laid off but that's long gone. COBRA is way too expensive on unemployment income.

Yeah COBRA is brutal expensive. Check if you qualify for subsidized health insurance through the state exchange when your benefits end.

I know you're right but it's frustrating to think about taking a big step backward career-wise just to pay bills.

Sometimes you have to take what's available and keep looking for something better. At least having some income makes the job search less desperate.

exactly. i had to swallow my pride and take retail work but it kept me housed while i looked for something in my field

At this point I'm willing to try anything to get actual answers instead of just guessing based on the website. I'll check out that service.

Let us know how it goes if you do try it. I might need something like that for my own benefit questions.

Good reminder. I'll keep filing until I get official notice that my benefits are completely exhausted.

And keep doing your job search activities even after benefits end if you think there's any chance of extended benefits becoming available.

It's one of those policy gaps that really hurts people during economic downturns. The safety net has too many holes.

yeah the system basically assumes everyone can find work in 6 months which is totally unrealistic

Extended benefits haven't triggered in Washington for several years. The unemployment rate would need to hit specific thresholds and stay there.

The federal extended benefits program still exists but it's tied to state unemployment rates. Right now Washington doesn't qualify.

That's really good advice. I should probably start keeping better track of all my applications and contacts.

Yes, and keep records of any communication with Washington ESD about your benefits ending. You never know when you might need proof of what you were told.