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I work with unemployment claims regularly, and I can confirm you do NOT serve another waiting week when reopening an existing claim during the same benefit year. The one-waiting-week-per-benefit-year rule is clearly stated in RCW 50.20.010(1)(c). However, be aware that if you earned enough during your temporary job to establish a new claim with a higher weekly benefit amount, ESD might suggest you file a new claim instead of reopening the old one. In that case, you would serve a new waiting week, but it might be worth it for the higher benefit amount. This is uncommon though, and would require significant earnings during your temporary work period.
Just want to add my experience - reopened my claim in August after a 10-week temp position and definitely did NOT have to serve another waiting week. Got paid for my first week back on unemployment without any issues. The key thing is making sure you're still within your original benefit year (which sounds like you are since you filed in February). Also double-check that you're filing your weekly claims correctly - I almost missed the deadline my first week back because I forgot the routine! Good luck with your job search.
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD after numerous attempts. The agent confirmed what many of you said - they're using a tiered system based on unemployment rates. She also checked my wage records and everything was calculated correctly. Frustrating, but at least I understand now. For anyone else facing this issue, she recommended making the most of WorkSource services to speed up job search. Apparently there are some specialized manufacturing workshops coming up in March that might be helpful for people in my industry. Thanks everyone for your help!
Did they tell you if there's ANY way to get more weeks? Like what happens if you reach the end of your 22 weeks and still haven't found work? Are we just supposed to live under a bridge?
If you exhaust regular benefits and are still unemployed, you might qualify for Training Benefits if you enroll in an approved training program. It's not automatic - you need to apply and be approved, but it can extend your benefits period. There's information on ESD's website under "Training Benefits Program.
This is really helpful information, thanks everyone! I'm in a similar boat - got 21 weeks when I was expecting 26. I had no idea they changed to this tiered system based on unemployment rates. It's frustrating that ESD doesn't clearly explain this upfront in their communications. The monetary determination letter just shows the number of weeks without any context about WHY it's that number. Seems like they could save everyone a lot of confusion (and phone calls) by including a simple explanation of how the calculation works. Going to check out those WorkSource manufacturing workshops Miguel mentioned - sounds like we might be in similar industries.
Update for everyone having this issue: ESD just announced on their Twitter that they're experiencing "technical difficulties" with the login system affecting "some users" (translation: it's completely broken). They claim they're working on it. No ETA for a fix though. Might be worth waiting a day to see if it resolves before spending hours on the phone.
I'm dealing with this same login loop issue right now! Been trying to file my weekly claim for the past two days with no luck. It's so frustrating when you can't even get an error message to tell you what's wrong. Has anyone tried calling the customer service line early in the morning? I've heard they have fewer callers right when they open at 8 AM, but I wanted to check if that's actually true before setting my alarm that early. Also wondering if there's a specific day of the week that's better for getting through - seems like Mondays would be the worst since everyone's trying to file their weekly claims. Really hoping they fix this technical issue soon because I can't afford to miss filing this week!
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'll definitely mark "no" for that day on my claim and explain it's just a brief day trip. Better to be honest than risk issues later. I'll still be actively job searching that day and available by phone/email, so hopefully they'll just reduce by 1/7 instead of the whole week. Really appreciate all the input!
Just wanted to add my experience - I had a similar day trip to Victoria last fall and reported it exactly like Maya and Jacob suggested. ESD reduced my weekly benefit by 1/7th (about $95 in my case) but I didn't get any penalties or issues. The key is being upfront about it when you file. Also, keep any documentation like receipts or photos from your trip in case they ask questions later. The online claim system walks you through it pretty clearly once you select "no" for that day. Have fun with your friend!
Tyler Murphy
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow and also check out that Claimyr service as a backup. Will update if I make any progress.
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Sergio Neal
•Good luck! Hope you get through soon. The Claimyr option is there if the regular calling doesn't work out.
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Sara Unger
•Keep us posted! We're all dealing with the same frustrations so your experience might help others.
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Mateo Sanchez
I feel your pain - I've been in the exact same situation for the past month. One thing that finally worked for me was using an auto-redial app on my phone so I didn't have to manually keep calling the 800-318-6022 number over and over. I set it to redial every 30 seconds and just let it run while I did other things. Eventually got through after about 3 hours of auto-redialing. Also, if you have any documentation or case numbers related to your stuck claim, have those ready when you do get connected - it speeds up the process significantly.
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