Washington's Unemployed To Lose $600 In Benefits Starting July 25

SEATTLE, WA — Unless something changes, unemployment applicants will see their weekly checks drop by $600 after Saturday, July 25.

According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, who handles the state's unemployment claims, that's because additional benefit funds from the CARES Act will expire.

The Employment Security Department, or ESD, says the issue is out of Washington's hands: while they do distribute the money, the money itself has to be given by the federal government— so unless congress acts quickly, it will be going away.

As of Monday, the ESD had distrusted $4,425,152,128 from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program. The loss will likely be difficult for the 706,309 Washingtonians who applied for unemployment last week, nearly all of whom received the $600 bonus funds, but the ESD says there is a small silver lining: many businesses across Washington have begun to hire again.

"Despite the COVID-19 crisis, many employers are still hiring across the state, and with the expiration of the additional $600 in benefits on the horizon it is a good time to look for your next opportunity," said Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine.

Washington state added 71,000 new jobs last month, dropping the unemployment rate from 15.1 percent to 9.8 percent. That's the biggest month-to-month drop in 30 years according to the ESD.

That's good news for those who have already found work but perhaps cold comfort to those still looking. To try to help, LeVine and the ESD are directing anyone who is struggling to find work to consider visiting WorkSourceWA.com for training, workshops, or one-on-one support to help get back into the workforce.

"We are committed to supporting both workers and employers as they navigate the changing workforce landscape," said LeVine. "ESD and our partners in the WorkSource system are here to help in the search for a new job or a new career, or maintain benefits if you cannot yet go back to work."

The $1.8 trillion CARES act was passed by congress near the beginning of the pandemic, and while its money was used to pay the $600 weekly unemployment benefits and support business across the country, it's nearly run its course now. Now only do the unemployment benefits expire on the 25th, but many cities are finally using the final remnants of their CARES funding. For example, last week Pierce County announced they were spending the last 40 percent of their funds.

Related: Washington's Unemployment Rate Drops To 9.8 Percent