When should I apply for unemployment extension in Washington ESD?

Thanks! I haven't gotten any notice yet though. Should I be worried or do they sometimes send it later?

The notice typically comes automatically when your balance gets low. If you don't see it in your online account in the next week, you might want to call them.

Did you have any gap in payments when you applied for the extension?

No gap at all, it was pretty seamless. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims while the extension is processing.

That's good to know. I'm in the same situation and was worried about timing it wrong.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but after spending days trying to get through the regular way, it was worth it to get my extension questions answered quickly.

I might have to try that if I don't hear back from them soon. The phone lines are always busy when I call.

What's the difference? I thought there was just one type of extension.

Extended Benefits (EB) is the most common one, but there are other federal programs that might be available depending on unemployment rates and federal legislation.

Since your benefit year hasn't ended yet, you'd apply for an extension first. Only reapply for a new claim when your benefit year actually expires.

Ok that makes sense. So extension first, then new claim later if I'm still unemployed after April?

Exactly right. Extensions are for when you exhaust benefits within your benefit year. New claims are for when the benefit year itself expires.

I agree, their website could be much clearer. I ended up calling just to make sure I understood everything correctly.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - got all my questions answered in one call instead of trying to decode their website.

Great timing! Make sure you submit it promptly and keep filing your weekly claims.

How long did it take to process once you submitted it?

I just submitted it today so I'm not sure yet. I'll update when I know more.

Different how? I thought you had to do 3 job searches per week no matter what.

For some extensions the requirements can be more strict. Check your paperwork carefully when you get approved.

Oh no! How did that happen? I thought they were supposed to be seamless.

I waited until after my last payment to apply. Big mistake. Apply as soon as the option appears in your account.

Thanks for the warning. I submitted mine today so hopefully I won't have any gaps.

Yes, the weekly benefit amount stays the same for extensions. It's based on your original claim calculation.

That's a relief. I was worried they might reduce it for the extension period.

I feel you. The bureaucracy is insane for something that should be straightforward.

It's frustrating but once you understand the process it gets easier. The key is staying on top of deadlines.

Good advice! I took screenshots of my application submission just in case.

Wish I had done that. When I had issues with my extension they kept asking for proof I had applied on time.

Extended Benefits are typically 13-20 weeks depending on state unemployment rates. It's not necessarily the same duration as your original claim.

So it could be shorter than my original 26 weeks?

Yes, extensions are separate programs with their own duration limits. Check your approval notice for the exact number of weeks.

The phone lines are always overloaded. That's why I ended up using Claimyr - it actually got me through to someone who could answer my questions about extension timing.

I might have to try that. I've been calling for three days straight with no luck.

That's encouraging! I submitted mine yesterday so hopefully I'll get approved soon too.

Did you have to do anything special or just wait for them to process it?

Just waited. Made sure to keep filing my weekly claims during the processing period like they told me to.

Thank you for explaining that clearly! The Washington ESD website makes it sound so complicated.

So if I have money left but my benefit year ends, I can't get an extension?

Correct. If your benefit year ends, any remaining balance expires and you'd need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed.

This is important! I've seen people get in trouble for not maintaining their job search logs during transitions.

Good reminder. I've been keeping up with my job searches but wasn't sure if I needed to during the application period.

Extension eligibility is typically based on your individual claim history, not household income. But you should report any income changes on your weekly claims.

Thanks, that's what I thought but wanted to double check.

Awesome! I'm still waiting on mine but this gives me hope it'll work out smoothly.

That's great news. Sounds like the key really is applying as soon as the option becomes available.

Same experience here. Early application seems to be the secret to avoiding payment gaps.