One resource I forgot to mention - WorkSourceWA.com has job search tools and resources that can help with your work search requirements. They also sometimes have job fairs and workshops that count toward your weekly work search activities.

I went through a layoff situation last year and wanted to share a few practical tips that helped me. First, when you file your initial claim, have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready - it makes the process much smoother. Second, set up direct deposit right away so you don't have to wait for checks in the mail. Third, I found it helpful to file my weekly claims on the same day each week (I did Sundays) to stay consistent. The system can be overwhelming at first, but once you get into a routine it becomes much more manageable. You're smart to ask questions ahead of time - that preparation will really pay off. Best of luck with everything!

Just wanted to add that you should also make sure to keep detailed records of all your job search activities during these last two weeks. ESD can audit your job search log at any time, and having thorough documentation (dates, contact info, method of contact, etc.) will protect you if they ever question your activities. Since you're so close to starting your new job, you definitely don't want any issues that could delay or complicate your final benefit payments. Good luck with the new position!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Had a job starting in 3 weeks and was so confused about whether I still needed to do the job search activities. I ended up calling ESD (took forever to get through) and they confirmed you absolutely have to keep doing them until your actual start date. I used those last few weeks to do some professional development activities that counted - took a free online course through WorkSource and did some LinkedIn networking. Made it feel less pointless than applying for random jobs I'd never take. Congrats on landing the new position!

I just went through this exact transition last month! Here's what worked for me: I filed my weekly claim as usual but reported zero hours and selected "laid off" when asked about my work status. The system automatically flagged my claim for review, but I didn't wait - I called ESD the same day using the callback feature on their website (early morning works best, around 8 AM). The agent confirmed my WorkShare claim would convert to regular UI and updated my job search requirements in the system. My weekly benefit amount did increase from $285 on WorkShare to $420 on regular UI since I was now getting my full benefit instead of partial. The whole process took about 10 days total, and I didn't miss any payments. Also make sure to update your job search log immediately - you'll need those 3 weekly activities documented right away!

I'm in a similar situation - been on WorkShare for about 6 weeks and just heard rumors that layoffs might be coming to our department too. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful but also shows how inconsistent the process can be. It sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Keep filing weekly claims no matter what, 2) Call ESD as soon as possible after the layoff (don't wait for the system to figure it out), 3) Get everything in writing from your employer, and 4) Start job search activities immediately. @Libby Hassan your timeline breakdown is super useful - knowing it took 10 days total but no missed payments gives me some peace of mind about what to expect if this happens to me. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences instead of just guessing!

I went through a similar situation last year and want to share my experience to hopefully ease some worries. I had unreported cash payments from freelance work that I honestly forgot about during a stressful period. When Washington ESD caught it during a routine audit, I was terrified they'd press charges. Instead, they sent an overpayment notice for about $2,800 plus a 15% penalty. I had to pay it back over 10 months, but no criminal charges were filed. The investigator actually told me they focus their criminal referrals on cases involving intentional schemes or amounts over $5,000. For smaller amounts with no clear pattern of deception, they usually just want their money back. If you're genuinely worried, being proactive and honest about any mistakes shows good faith.

I actually work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate unemployment issues, and I want to emphasize what others have said - criminal prosecution for unemployment fraud in Washington is really reserved for the most serious cases. We see dozens of overpayment situations every month, and the vast majority are resolved through repayment agreements without any criminal charges. The state knows their system is confusing and that honest mistakes happen frequently. What triggers criminal referrals are things like using fake Social Security numbers, claiming benefits in multiple states simultaneously, or systematic underreporting that clearly shows intent to defraud. For someone who forgot to report some gig work or was confused about reporting requirements, you're looking at an overpayment notice and maybe penalties, not jail time. If you're genuinely concerned about errors you may have made, the best approach is to be proactive - either contact ESD directly or use a service like others mentioned to get connected with an agent who can review your case.

I'm in a similar situation at week 22 and have been researching this extensively. From what I've found, Washington's current unemployment rate is around 4.2%, which is well below the 6.5% threshold needed to trigger Extended Benefits. I called ESD last week (took forever to get through) and they confirmed no extension programs are currently active. However, they did mention that if you're enrolled in an approved training program through WorkSource, you might be eligible for Training Benefits which could extend your claim. It's worth looking into if you're willing to upskill or retrain. Also, make sure you're documenting everything for your job search - they've been doing more audits lately and you need solid proof of your weekly activities. Hang in there, the job market is brutal but people are finding work eventually.

I'm in week 21 and facing the same anxiety about what happens after 26 weeks. From everything I've read in this thread and my own research, it seems like Extended Benefits are really unlikely unless we see a major economic downturn. The 4.2% unemployment rate that Sophia mentioned is nowhere near the trigger levels. I've been trying to get through to ESD for weeks to get official confirmation about my options, but the wait times are ridiculous. Has anyone had success with that Claimyr service that's been mentioned a few times? I'm getting desperate enough to pay for help just to talk to an actual human at ESD. Also really interested in learning more about those Training Benefits - that might be my best shot at extending things if I can find a relevant program. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with job search rejection after rejection.