One last tip - make sure you reopen as soon as you become unemployed again. Every week you wait is a potential week of benefits you're missing out on, and you can't get back pay for weeks you didn't file.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The 8-week inactive rule caught me off guard too. Just wanted to add that when you reopen, double-check that your direct deposit info is still current - mine had somehow gotten cleared out during the inactive period and I had to wait for a paper check the first week. Also, if you worked even part-time during those two months, make sure you have your pay stubs handy when reopening since they'll ask about any wages earned. The whole process really is much easier than the initial application though!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to proceed with my application and answer "yes" to the disability question, providing my exact LTD dates. I'll gather all my documentation from Prudential now so I'm ready when ESD requests it. It's a relief to know that they can look at my work history from before my disability period, as I definitely had more than 680 hours in those quarters. I'll update this thread once I hear back from ESD about my claim status.

I went through something very similar! I was on disability for about 8 months, then worked for just 3 months before getting laid off. The key thing to remember is that ESD will look at your "alternative base year" - the 4 quarters BEFORE you went on disability, not the most recent ones. When you answer "yes" to the 13+ weeks disability question, don't worry if the system says they don't have records - that's normal. Just provide your exact dates and continue with the application. They'll manually review your case. Make sure you have your Prudential documentation ready (approval letter, benefit statements, etc.) because they'll definitely ask for it during adjudication. The process took about 5-6 weeks for me, but I was approved because I had plenty of work hours in the years before my disability. The 2 months you worked after returning won't hurt your case at all - if anything, it shows you were actively trying to return to the workforce. Don't give up on the application!

My sister closed her claim and applied again 6 months later and they made her explain why she stopped filing the first time even tho she had a job... make sure u save your paystubs just in case!!

Congratulations on landing the job! Just to echo what others have said - you're doing the right thing by asking. The key points are: 1) File your final claim for any week you were fully unemployed, 2) Don't file for weeks where you're working full-time, and 3) Keep documentation of your start date and early paystubs. I went through this same process last fall and it was much simpler than I expected. The system really is designed for people to just stop filing when they find work. Good luck with the new position!

Bottom line: no waiting week in Washington, but still expect normal processing delays. File your weekly claims religiously and be patient. The system works but it's not fast.

Just to add my experience - I filed my Washington ESD claim last month and can confirm there's definitely no waiting week anymore. Got my first payment about 10 days after filing, which was just the normal processing time. Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file and don't forget to register with WorkSource right away - that seemed to help speed things up for me. The key is staying on top of your weekly certifications even while waiting for initial approval.

Bottom line - read all your correspondence from Washington ESD carefully, follow the rules exactly, be honest about everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you're confused about something.

The main disqualifications in Washington state are: 1) Being fired for misconduct (like theft, repeated policy violations, or excessive unexcused absences), 2) Quitting without good cause connected to work, 3) Not being able and available for work (due to health issues, school, childcare problems, etc.), 4) Refusing suitable work without good cause, 5) Not actively searching for jobs (you need 3 job contacts per week), 6) Not reporting income correctly, and 7) Fraud or providing false information. Each situation is evaluated individually, so even if you think you might be disqualified, it's worth applying and letting Washington ESD make the determination. If you do get disqualified, you have 30 days to appeal the decision.