For anyone who still needs to reach Washington ESD about their claim closure or has other questions, I'll mention Claimyr one more time since it's been such a game-changer for actually getting through to speak with agents. Way less stressful than the traditional calling approach.

Just wanted to add one more important tip - make sure to take a screenshot of your final weekly claim submission showing that you reported your return to work. It's good backup documentation in case there are ever any questions about when and how you properly closed your claim. I always save screenshots of important ESD submissions just in case their system has issues or records get mixed up somehow.

As someone who recently moved to Washington state for work, this thread has been incredibly eye-opening about the unemployment system here. I had no idea that you could file multiple claims without restrictions - that's actually pretty progressive compared to some other states I've lived in. The detailed breakdown of requirements and the step-by-step advice from people who've actually been through the process multiple times is invaluable. I'm bookmarking this entire discussion for future reference, especially the tips about document preparation and the Claimyr service for getting through to ESD. It's refreshing to see a community where people share practical, real-world advice rather than just regurgitating government website info. Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences!

This has been such a helpful discussion to read through! I'm currently employed but work in a pretty volatile industry, so it's really reassuring to know that Washington doesn't put arbitrary limits on unemployment filings. The collective wisdom here about keeping detailed employment records, preparing for identity verification, and having backup contact methods like Claimyr is exactly the kind of practical advice that makes all the difference when you're actually dealing with these situations. It's also encouraging to see how supportive this community is - people sharing their real experiences, both good and frustrating, gives such a better picture than just reading the official ESD website. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their knowledge!

One last tip - keep detailed records of your reduced hours and earnings. If Washington ESD ever questions your claim, you'll have documentation to back it up.

Just wanted to add that Washington state is actually pretty generous with partial unemployment compared to other states. The fact that you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before losing all benefits makes it really worthwhile for people with reduced hours. I've helped several coworkers navigate this process and it's definitely worth filing even if you think your earnings might be too high - let Washington ESD do the math for you.

The bottom line is that every situation is different. What worked for someone else might not apply to your specific circumstances. The only way to know for sure is to file and let Washington ESD review your case. Don't assume you're not eligible without trying.

As someone who's been through this process, I want to add that timing really matters when you file. Washington ESD uses a "base period" that looks at wages from 12-18 months ago, not your most recent work. So even if you've been contracting for years, if you had W-2 wages during the right timeframe, you could still qualify. I'd recommend gathering all your wage statements from the past 2 years before you apply - you might be surprised what qualifies. Also, if you do get approved, remember that you'll need to report any contract income you earn while collecting benefits. It doesn't necessarily disqualify you, but it will reduce your weekly benefit amount.

Thanks for all this helpful info everyone! I just tried calling the number and got through right away. The automated system was really straightforward - just had to enter my SSN, PIN, and answer the standard questions about work availability and job search activities. Got my confirmation number and it only took about 4 minutes total. Much easier than I expected!

I've been filing by phone for about 6 months now and it's become my preferred method. One tip I'd add - if you have any earnings to report, have the exact dollar amounts ready before you call. The system won't let you estimate or round up/down, it needs the precise amount. Also, if you're reporting multiple employers for the same week, you'll need to enter each one separately with their specific earnings. Takes a bit longer but ensures everything is accurate for your claim.