What to do if my unemployment benefits run out in Washington ESD

When your regular unemployment benefits exhaust, you may be eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) if Washington state triggers them based on unemployment rates. You should also check if you qualify for any federal extension programs. Keep filing your weekly claims even after your benefits end - sometimes there are delays in processing extensions.

ugh this is my biggest fear right now, I'm at week 20 and getting worried. The job market is brutal

I went through this last year and it was a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD to figure out my options. Spent hours on hold every day. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an agent quickly. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Might be worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching someone.

Check if you qualify for SNAP benefits or other assistance programs while you're looking for work. Also look into workforce development programs through WorkSource - they sometimes have training programs that come with income support.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been dealing with this for months and Washington ESD just gives you the runaround. They tell you one thing on the phone and then your claim shows something completely different online. It's like they want people to give up and stop filing.

Are you sure you've exhausted all your benefits? Sometimes there are calculation errors. You should double-check your benefit year and total amount awarded.

I was in the same boat last year and ended up having to take a part-time job while still looking for full-time work. You can still collect partial unemployment if you're working reduced hours. Just make sure to report all your earnings on your weekly claims.

Also consider looking into Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was due to foreign trade or competition. It provides extended benefits and retraining opportunities beyond regular unemployment.

this whole thread is giving me anxiety, I need to start preparing for this too

Don't forget about the American Job Centers - they have resources for extended unemployment situations and can help with career counseling. Some locations also have emergency assistance programs.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I used them again recently when I had questions about my benefit calculation and it saved me so much time and stress. Being able to actually talk to a real person at Washington ESD made all the difference in getting my issues resolved quickly.

Make sure you understand the difference between benefit year ending vs benefits exhausted. Sometimes people think their benefits are over when really they just need to file a new claim.

Check your local food banks and community resources too. A lot of places have specific programs for people whose unemployment is ending.

If you do end up taking temporary work, keep track of your job search activities. You never know when you might need to go back on unemployment if the temp work doesn't lead to permanent employment.

Whatever you do, DON'T let them intimidate you into stopping your claim. I almost gave up but kept fighting and eventually got my issues resolved. The system is designed to wear you down but you have to persist.

One more thing - if you're not already, start networking actively and consider informational interviews in your field. Sometimes the best opportunities come through connections rather than traditional job postings.

Look into whether your state has any emergency rental assistance or utility help programs. These can help bridge the gap while you're transitioning between unemployment and work.

Thanks for posting this question, I learned a lot from all the responses. Definitely saving this thread for reference.

Final tip - document everything. Keep screenshots of your claim status, save all correspondence with Washington ESD, and maintain records of your job search activities. You'll need this documentation if any issues come up.

Hope this all works out for you! Having gone through the stress of unemployment benefit issues myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel. Just remember there are options and resources available, even if they're not always easy to find or access.