What to do when unemployment benefits are exhausted - Washington ESD options?

I did work part-time for about 3 months during my claim but not sure if I earned enough. How do I check if I can file a new claim?

You can check your earnings on your Washington ESD account or call them to verify. If you qualify, you'd file a new initial claim, not just continue the old one.

Thanks, I'll look into DSHS programs. Do you know if there's any way to get more UI benefits if I find part-time work?

Yes, if you work part-time you might be able to restart your claim if you earn enough wages. You'd need to work and earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount.

I haven't looked into SNAP yet. Do you know if there's any way to get the Washington ESD to review my case or if they offer any other programs?

Washington ESD only administers regular UI and some federal programs when they're active. No state-level extensions right now.

Thanks for the info. Do I need to file a new application for Extended Benefits or does it happen automatically?

Extended Benefits usually trigger automatically if you're eligible, but you should still file your weekly claim to maintain eligibility. Check your Washington ESD account online to see if EB is available.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about WorkSource having emergency funds. Do you know if I need to be enrolled in a training program to get those or can they help with basic needs while job searching?

It varies by location but many offices have discretionary funds for transportation, interview clothing, even some temporary assistance. You have to be actively working with a counselor though.

Six weeks?? That's crazy. Did you have to do anything special to speed it up or just wait it out?

Just had to wait unfortunately. I tried calling but couldn't get through to anyone at DSHS either. At least with Washington ESD you can sometimes reach someone if you use that Claimyr service - they helped me get through to sort out some final paperwork on my claim.

What's Claimyr? Never heard of that before.

It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD phone lines. You go to claimyr.com and they basically call for you and connect you when they reach an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helpful when you can't get through the regular way.

It really is. How long were you collecting benefits?

full 26 weeks, was laid off back in june from my warehouse job

That's what I was afraid of. Do I need to keep filing weekly claims even though my benefits are exhausted?

No, once your benefit year ends and you've exhausted all benefits, you don't file weekly claims anymore. But keep documenting your job search activities just in case.

That's what I was afraid of. Do you know what the unemployment rate threshold is for EB to kick in?

It's 6.5% for 13 weeks or 8% for any period. Washington's been below that for a while now.

I did some part-time work during my claim period but reported it all. Would that count toward a new claim?

Yes! If you earned enough during your benefit year, that could establish a new claim. You'd need to call Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation.

Good luck getting through to them though. I've been trying to call for weeks about my own issues and can never get connected.

Yeah I've been putting off applying for other assistance but guess it's time to swallow my pride.

Nothing wrong with getting help when you need it! These programs exist for exactly this situation.

I haven't tried WorkSource yet, good idea. What exactly does Claimyr do? Is it expensive?

Claimyr basically calls ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person instead of you having to keep calling and getting busy signals. They focus on getting you through rather than cost - definitely worth checking out their site for the details.

I've heard mixed things about services like that. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah it worked great. I was trying to get through for days about an adjudication issue and they got me connected within a few hours.

Wait, there's actually a way to get through to them without calling 200 times? How does that work?

Yeah it handles the calling and waiting for you, then connects you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

That might be worth trying - I've been dreading calling because I know how impossible it is to get through.

That's interesting - do you know what the income support amounts are like? And do you have to pay back the training costs if you don't finish the program?

The support varies but can be similar to what you were getting on UI. And no, you don't pay back training costs as long as you're making good progress. You do have to commit to finishing though and there might be job placement requirements after.

I feel your frustration but there are other resources available. Have you looked into retraining programs?

Retraining takes time and money I don't have. Need income NOW not in 6 months after some certificate program.

I feel your frustration but extensions were emergency measures during COVID. The regular system has always been 26 weeks max unless Congress passes something.

Well Congress should do something then! People shouldn't have to choose between paying rent and eating.

Extended benefits are triggered by state unemployment rates. Oregon might have had different rates than Washington. Each state has its own thresholds.

Oh I see, so it depends on how bad unemployment is in each state. That makes sense I guess.

Wait really? I stopped filing when my benefits ended last month thinking there was no point.

You should probably contact Washington ESD about that gap. It might affect things if you do end up qualifying for a new claim.

Good to know - I was wondering about that too. I'll keep filing just in case.

I only filed my original claim 6 months ago so I don't think I'd qualify for a new one yet. This is so stressful.

Yeah, you need to wait until your benefit year ends. In the meantime, definitely apply for other assistance programs and keep documenting your job search.

Did you end up getting any extended benefits? I'm trying to figure out if it's even worth waiting for or if I should focus on other assistance.

Extended Benefits weren't available when mine ran out because the state unemployment rate was too low. But I got approved for SNAP and some utility assistance which helped bridge the gap until I found work.

I've been trying to call for days but can never get through. The automated system just hangs up on me after being on hold forever.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get connected to Washington ESD agents - they basically call for you and wait on hold so you don't have to. Check out claimyr.com, there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

That sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. How much does it cost?

I can't remember the exact price but it was totally worth it to finally talk to someone at Washington ESD. Way better than spending hours on hold for nothing.

I feel your frustration but the system is designed to be temporary assistance. 26 weeks is actually pretty generous compared to some other supports.

Generous?? Try living on $500 a week in Seattle and see how generous it feels. And don't get me started on the job search requirements - applying to random jobs just to meet quotas.

The job search requirements are there for a reason, but I understand the frustration when you're in a specialized field. Make sure you're documenting quality job search activities that are relevant to your experience.

That's a great idea. Do you know if those programs have income requirements or other restrictions?

There are usually some requirements but they vary by program. Some are specifically for people who've exhausted UI benefits. Your local WorkSource office can give you details.

It really is. I've applied to probably 200+ jobs and only gotten a handful of interviews.

yeah its insane, i used to get callbacks all the time but now nothing

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.

I thought it was worth it considering how much time I was wasting trying to call on my own. Check out claimyr.com for the details.

I've heard of services like this but wasn't sure if they were legit. Did they actually connect you to a real Washington ESD agent?

Yes, it connected me to an actual Washington ESD representative. I was skeptical at first too but it worked exactly as advertised.

I know, it's really stressful. Are you doing anything to prepare for when yours runs out?

Trying to get all my other benefit applications in now so hopefully there's no gap. Also looking into food banks and stuff. This shouldn't be so hard.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about local resources. I've been so focused on government programs.

211 is a great number to call for local resources. They have info on food banks, utility assistance, rental help, all sorts of things.

Gig work income needs to be reported if you're still filing weekly claims for potential extended benefits. It might reduce any benefits you're eligible for but won't necessarily disqualify you completely.

Good to know. I just need something to bring in a little money while I keep looking for a real job.

Same here. I'm thinking about trying some freelance work in my field but wasn't sure about the reporting requirements.

So Extended Benefits aren't guaranteed? I thought they were automatic after 26 weeks.

Nope, they're triggered by economic conditions. Washington has to meet certain unemployment rate thresholds. You can check the Washington ESD website to see current trigger status.

I don't think I have anything that would qualify for disability, but thanks for mentioning it. I know some people don't think about that option.

Gig work earnings count toward establishing a new claim if you earn enough. You'd need to report all earnings to ESD though.

good to know, might start doing some deliveries then

I hadn't thought about training programs. Do you know if they help with living expenses during training?

Some do, especially if you qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance or other specific programs. Worth talking to a WorkSource counselor about your options.

I haven't been filing weekly claims since my benefits exhausted. Should I still be doing that even though I'm not getting paid?

Yes, keep filing! If any additional programs become available or if there's a system error, you could miss out on back pay if you haven't been claiming.

Is that one of those paid services? I'm already broke from being unemployed for 6 months.

It's worth checking out their website for the details. When you're facing benefit exhaustion, getting accurate info from Washington ESD directly can save you a lot of confusion.

I've been using WorkSourceWA for job search but didn't know about training programs. Do those pay anything while you're in them?

some do, depends on the program. definitely worth checking out though

Never heard of that service. Is it legit? I'm pretty desperate at this point to talk to someone.

Yeah it's real, they just help you get through the phone system. Way better than spending hours redialing.

Good point. I was wondering if I should keep filing since I'm not getting paid anymore.

Definitely keep filing. It maintains your active claim status and job search documentation. Plus if EB triggers, you'll already be in the system.

Thanks, I'll look into that. Pride aside, I need to eat.

Absolutely no shame in using resources that are there to help. That's what they're for.

That's a great idea I hadn't thought of. I've been doing all my job searching from home.

I'm definitely going to look into that. I really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD to understand my options.

Same here, I might try that service too. I've been trying to call for weeks with no luck.

I mean, 26 weeks is 6 months. That should be enough time to find something, even if it's not in your ideal field.

Easy to say when you have a job. Try finding work in tech right now with all the layoffs.

I've been applying to jobs outside tech too but they won't hire me because I'm overqualified or they think I'll leave as soon as I find something better.

Good tip! I did file this week even though it showed $0. Should I keep doing that for a few more weeks?

Yeah, I'd file for at least 2-3 more weeks just to be safe. It doesn't hurt anything and covers you if there are any system glitches or late adjustments.

Yeah, I'm starting to look at retail and food service jobs even though that's not my background. At this point I need something.

Exactly. And who knows, you might find opportunities you hadn't thought of before. Plus any job income can help you build toward a new UI claim if needed.

Glad you found something! How did you find out about the local assistance programs?

called 211 and they gave me a list of everything available in my area. super helpful

Good suggestion. I've been focused on permanent positions but temp work might be a good stopgap.

I feel your frustration but complaining won't help OP's situation right now.

You're right, I'm just so angry about this whole system. Sorry OP, I know you need practical advice not my ranting.

Thank you, I'll look into that. I've never had to use those services before but I might not have a choice.

I feel this so much. I've been looking for 8 months and everything is either way below my previous salary or requires skills I don't have.

Exactly! And they expect you to take ANY job even if it pays half what you were making before. The whole system needs an overhaul.

I understand the frustration but the 26-week limit is set by federal law. States can't extend it without federal funding for extended benefits programs.

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. I'm going to start looking into community resources today.

211 is a good resource too - dial 2-1-1 and they can connect you with local assistance programs.

That's a good idea. Do you remember which staffing agencies you used?

I used Manpower and Adecco, both had decent opportunities. Just be prepared to start right away if they offer you something.

I've been mostly using online job boards. I should probably expand my search methods.

That's good advice, thanks. I'll make sure to keep all my documentation organized.

That's definitely something I need to look into. Rent is my biggest expense right now.

Thanks for the encouragement. This thread has given me a lot of good ideas and resources to look into. I appreciate everyone's help.

I did some freelance work a few months ago but not very much. Would that count toward a new claim?

Possibly, depends on how much you earned. You need wages in at least two quarters of your base period. Check your account or call Washington ESD to see if you can establish a new claim.

That might be where I'm headed too. So embarrassing at my age but I don't see other options.

I've been hesitant about temp work because I didn't want to mess up my job search schedule, but you're right that income is income at this point.

Exactly, and a lot of temp positions turn permanent if they like you. Plus it shows you're actively working which looks good on applications.

Those articles are probably old or from other states. Washington doesn't currently trigger for Extended Benefits (EB) because our unemployment rate isn't high enough.

Oh that makes sense. So it really is just the 26 weeks and that's it?

Right now, yes. Unless you qualify for a new claim with recent work history like someone mentioned earlier.

I've been looking at contract work but even that seems competitive. Will definitely try temp agencies though.

Good point, I should probably apply for SNAP. Never thought I'd need it but here we are.

How much does it cost to use?

Much less than I expected and way worth it compared to wasting days trying to get through on your own.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it would have saved your neighbor all that time and frustration trying to get through.

Yeah I wish I'd known about that service back then. She was getting so stressed about the constant busy signals.

I haven't looked into training programs. Do you know if they provide any income while you're in training?

Some do! Look into the WIOA programs - they sometimes provide supportive services including transportation and childcare assistance.

My sister did a medical assistant program through WorkSource and got a small stipend during training.

I hadn't thought about United Way. Do they have online resources or do I need to call them directly?

They have a 211 helpline you can call or text, and most areas have online resource databases. Just search '211 [your county]' and it should come up.

I've thought about it but I'm worried it would mess up my ability to claim unemployment if any extended benefits become available.

You can do gig work and still be eligible for UI if you report the earnings correctly. Just make sure you're still available for full-time work.

Good point, I'll keep tracking everything. Should I keep using the same format as when I was filing weekly claims?

Yes, same format is fine. Keep records of applications, interviews, contacts, everything.

That's a good idea. I could probably use some new certifications anyway.

I've been hesitant to reach out to people but you're right, I should swallow my pride and start making calls.

Most people want to help if they can. The worst they can say is they don't have anything right now.

Good point! I'll keep tracking everything in WorkSourceWA just in case.

Exactly. Better to be prepared than scramble later if something changes.

That's really good advice. I've been putting off those conversations but you're right that it's better to be upfront about it.

This is so important. I waited too long and ended up getting evicted. Don't make my mistake.

I've registered with a couple but haven't gotten any assignments yet. Maybe I need to be more aggressive about following up.

Definitely follow up regularly. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with temp agencies.

I'm so sorry you're going through that. Have you found any assistance programs that have helped?

Food stamps have been a lifesaver, and I got help with my electric bill through the utility company's assistance program. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're trying to survive.

Good point about EITC. I don't have kids but even a small amount of earned income might help with other benefit eligibility.

Smart thinking! The application processes for other benefits can take weeks or months, so starting early is definitely the way to go.

Yeah, seems like everything government-related takes forever. At least with Washington ESD I could usually get someone on the phone eventually, but sounds like other agencies are even harder to reach.

That's where that Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier really helped. They specialize in getting through to government agencies, not just Washington ESD. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.

I've been keeping my job search log updated through WorkSource anyway, so that should be covered.

Perfect, that's exactly what you need to be doing. Shows you're taking the job search seriously.

I'm seeing a few people mention Claimyr now. I might give it a shot since calling ESD directly has been impossible.

Yeah, their system basically handles the calling and waiting for you. Much less frustrating than sitting on hold for hours.

Regular unemployment. I was laid off from my retail job 6 months ago.

Standby is for union workers expecting to return to the same employer. Completely different situation.

Try not to panic. Use those last 2 weeks to prepare - research all the assistance programs mentioned here.

You're right, I need to be proactive instead of just worrying about it.

That's encouraging! What kind of training assistance did they mention?

something through workfirst, they said i could get funding for certain certificate programs

You're definitely not alone! The job market is still challenging in a lot of fields. Just take it one day at a time and use every resource available.

Good luck! And remember that Claimyr service if you need to reach any agencies that are hard to get through to. It was a game changer for me when dealing with all this paperwork and phone calls.

That's actually really good advice. I think having structure helps with the mental health aspect of all this too.

Exactly! It's easy to spiral when you don't have the routine of filing claims and everything feels chaotic. Having a plan makes it feel more manageable.

I didn't know that was an option. I'll check with the local community colleges.

Good for you! What kind of documentation did they want? I should probably gather that stuff before I apply.

Bank statements, rent receipts, any income records, ID, social security card. Basically proof of everything. Start collecting it now because some of it takes time to get copies of.

Two months?? That's ridiculous. Have you tried following up with them?

tried calling but you know how that goes... maybe i should try that claimyr thing people mentioned

Good point. I did get COBRA info but it's so expensive. Might be worth looking into again though.

Some states have programs to help with COBRA costs too, worth researching.

I agree but that's the system we have to work with right now. Focus on what options are actually available rather than what should be.

You're right, just frustrated seeing people struggle when the safety net has so many holes.

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely try that if the Claimyr service doesn't work out.

Honestly the service is way less stressful than trying to time your calls perfectly, but good backup plan.

Glad the thread is helpful! Definitely start looking into other assistance programs before you actually need them.

And make sure you understand whether you might qualify for a new benefit year before your current one ends.

How quickly were you able to get through using their service?

They got me connected within a couple hours. Way better than the days I spent trying to call on my own.

I've been mostly applying online. I should probably get out there more and network in person.

It can be awkward at first but it really does help. Even if you don't find a job directly, you might get good advice or learn about upcoming opportunities.

That's a good point. I should reach out to HR and see if they have any resources they didn't mention when I was laid off.

Thanks for the encouragement. It really helps to know other people understand what this is like.

You're not alone in this. There are a lot of us dealing with the same struggles right now.

I've been doing some of that but it's awkward to keep asking people about job openings.

Yeah I've been applying to remote positions too. Competition is fierce though since everyone's applying to the same jobs.

Start preparing now! Look into all the programs people mentioned here before you actually need them.

Good point, I've been tracking everything in a spreadsheet anyway for the weekly claims I was filing.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Going to start making some calls tomorrow and looking into these programs.

I'll definitely look into that. Every little bit helps at this point.

Thanks for the encouragement. It helps to know I'm not alone in this.

I'll ask about that when I contact WorkSource. Training might be good if there's financial support during it.

Yes, some programs include stipends or other support. Definitely worth asking about.

Good reminder. I've been applying from home but libraries might have better resources.

I didn't realize that was possible. That could help bridge the gap while looking for full-time work.

Right, as long as you're earning less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you might qualify for partial benefits.

I'll definitely call 211. Having a comprehensive list of available help would be really useful right now.

They're really helpful and know about programs specific to your area. Good luck with everything.

You've got a good plan. Keep us updated on how it goes!

Good luck! Having multiple approaches going at once is smart.

No I haven't tried that yet. Thank you for the suggestion!

211 is a great resource. They helped me find a food bank when I was between jobs.

That's not a bad idea. I've been so focused on finding the 'perfect' job that I haven't considered temp work.

Sometimes temp jobs turn into permanent positions too. Worth exploring all options.

How long did it take to get through with their service?

Way faster than trying to call on my own. I'd been trying for days to get through the normal way with no luck.

That's a great idea. I've been thinking about updating my skills anyway.

Community colleges often have career counselors who can help you figure out what's in demand locally too.

I've thought about that but wasn't sure if it would affect any potential future benefits.

Gig work income gets reported like any other earnings, so keep track of everything for tax purposes.

Extended Benefits (EB) can be triggered but Washington's unemployment rate hasn't hit the threshold recently. You can check Washington ESD's website for current EB status.

Thanks for clarifying! I wasn't sure how that program worked.

How long were you unemployed after your benefits ended?

About 3 more months. It was tough but I eventually found something. Don't give up!

I think mine is benefit exhaustion since I used up all 26 weeks. My benefit year doesn't end until next month.

Right, exhaustion means you used all available weeks. Different from the benefit year ending.