What happens when your Washington ESD unemployment runs out - need advice

First thing - check if you qualify for Extended Benefits (EB). Washington sometimes triggers this program when unemployment rates are high enough. Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and see if there's an option to file for EB. It's not automatic, you have to apply.

ugh same situation here, benefits ran out last month and i'm screwed. applied for food stamps and medicaid at least. have you looked into that?

I went through this exact thing 6 months ago. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD to understand my options. I spent literally hours trying to call them every day for a week. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Ended up finding out I could reopen my claim because I had worked briefly between benefit years.

You might be eligible to file a new initial claim if you've worked since your original claim started. Even part-time or temporary work can count toward establishing a new benefit year. The key is whether you earned enough in your new base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters).

just keep applying for jobs man, thats all you can do now

Also check if you qualify for any retraining programs. WorkSource Washington offers some programs that come with financial assistance while you're learning new skills. The WIOA program can help with tuition and living expenses during approved training.

Been there!! My benefits ran out in October and I was panicking. Turns out I was eligible for a new claim because I had worked during my benefit year. The Washington ESD website is confusing about this - it doesn't clearly explain that working while on benefits can help you qualify for a new claim later.

I hate to be negative but honestly when benefits run out you're pretty much on your own unless you qualify for a new claim. The safety net isn't what people think it is. Food stamps help but won't cover rent.

Check with 211 (dial 2-1-1). They have info on all the assistance programs available in Washington. Saved my butt when my benefits ended.

Whatever you do, don't just assume you're out of options. I thought I was screwed when my UI ended but turns out I could file a new claim. The problem is getting accurate information from Washington ESD. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to actually talk to an agent who explained my options properly.

Also look into temporary assistance programs through DSHS. There's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) if you have kids, or Basic Food and Apple Health regardless.

I'm in week 25 of unemployment and just filed a new claim last week after finding out I could. Had no idea this was possible until someone at WorkSource told me. The Washington ESD website really should make this clearer.

Don't forget about the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation... oh wait, that ended forever ago. Nevermind, ignore that.

Look into gig work if you haven't already. Uber, DoorDash, Instacart. Not ideal but it's something while you keep looking for regular employment.

The system is so confusing! I went through this same thing and had to piece together information from like 5 different sources to understand what I could do when benefits ran out. Should not be this hard to get basic information.

My cousin went through this and ended up qualifying for a new claim because she had worked part-time during her unemployment. The key thing is you have to actively apply for the new claim - it doesn't automatically happen.

Whatever you do, don't wait too long to explore your options. I waited 3 weeks after my benefits ended before looking into a new claim and it just made everything more stressful.