On September 4, 2021, the federal unemployment stimulus, which provides qualifying Washingtonians with an extra $300 per week for pandemic assistance, is set to run out, with no plans of renewal. Those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits will be affected, although out of the two, the PUA is more frequently used.
Both the PUA and PEUC programs were designed to financially assist those who lost a job as a result of the pandemic. Both assist individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment assistance through the state; beneficiaries include independent contractors and freelancers, small business owners, and gig workers.
Job search requirements for those receiving unemployment benefits were halted but went back into effect for the week beginning July 4, 2021. For that month there were 35,721 initial claims filed (and 83,366 continued claims), while for the previous month (June), there were 27,340 claims filed. Although the number of initial claims filed seems to have increased from June to July of this year, back at the start of the pandemic, there were 306,544 initial claims and 175,853 continued claims – so overall, the number of Washingtonians filing for unemployment assistance has drastically decreased since March of 2020.
Originally, federal pandemic unemployment assistance was set to expire on March 13, 2021, but it was extended until September 4. Unlike other states that have cut the assistance off early, Gov. Inslee has allowed for the program to run until its expiration, although some still struggling to get back on their feet due to the pandemic may be wondering, "I still don't have a job, what am I going to do now?"
Don't fret, I've got you covered.
Keep filing your claims
First and foremost, it is important to continue to file your weekly unemployment claims for the weeks you would like to receive benefits. Even if the week has passed, the Employment Security Department (ESD) will continue to pay you until the week ending on September 4, 2021, if you are eligible. If you have any pending claims prior to September 4 and you are eligible, you will also be paid.
In case the ESD reaches out to you via telephone, email, or physical correspondence, get in touch with them, even if you are not actively filing claims. The department has been receiving on average 20,000 calls per day and suggests visiting the COVID-19 Q&A Page on its website for all general questions.
In addition, once your claim runs out, you can attempt to reapply for regular unemployment benefits.
Get familiar with WorkSource
WorkSource provides education and training for those seeking employment – and for employers, too. In-person WorkSource services are closed due to COVID-19; however, you should reach out to your local office or go to its website to live-chat with a representative in order to go over the structure of your résumé (which can be a major limiting factor when applying for jobs), practice job interviewing skills, and more.
On WorkSource, you can explore both job and training opportunities, as well as work with a representative, who will assist with refining your job-landing skills. On the website, you can see what types of job opportunities are in high demand and even receive information on different occupations if you are interested in switching career paths.
WorkSource has specific occupation-assistance resources for those who are disabled, farmworkers, or military veterans (and their spouses). One thing WorkSource highly recommends is attending a workshop or hiring event in your area, which can also be found on the website.
Good old cover letters
We aren't necessarily fond of writing them, but we must get them done in order to be more successful at landing a job. When applying for jobs, whether through WorkSource or LinkedIn or GlassDoor, it is important to send in a cover letter in order to highlight your personality, relevant work experience, and skill set that would make you a great fit for the position.
Cover letters also show employers looking to hire that you have done your research on the company and are eager about the position. While researching this piece, I've seen several companies ask for applicants to submit cover letters, specifically to weed out those who are only applying due to the ESD's job search requirements.
When applying for jobs, you should be thorough – try not to send in as many applications to as many places as possible but instead focus on sending in fewer yet stronger applications. Take the time to write a cover letter and market the shit out of yourself. Don't. Hold. Back.
Exhaust all your options
Alas, even with all these unemployment resources and cover letter tips, finding a job still takes time, and you might be worried about not having cash flow for a few weeks. Believe me when I say, I understand.
Just like many Washingtonians, the pandemic hit me, too. Washington state's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or food benefits (EBT, or whatever you want to call it), helped me not have to choose between food and rent or medical bills. The program is for low-income individuals and families, and the benefit amount is dependent on family size and income. They also take into account how much you pay for monthly rent. Give them a call: I promise, they're really nice.
Not only does the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provide SNAP, but they also offer a variety of other services for low-income individuals and families, including healthcare, housing, and essential needs assistance, which includes locating affordable housing, utility assistance, and transportation assistance.
Keep your head held high, don't give up and visit https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ to learn more about how the DSHS can serve you.