Has anyone had experience with benefits running out and then qualifying for a new claim later? Like if you work for a while and then get laid off again after your benefit year expires?

For anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD for questions about their benefit duration or remaining weeks, I had success with Claimyr recently. They helped me connect with an agent who could explain exactly how many weeks I had left and when my benefit year expires. Much better than guessing or trying to interpret the online account information.

I think I read somewhere that if you don't qualify for regular unemployment you might be eligible for other programs with different benefit amounts. Worth looking into if your regular claim gets denied.

Bottom line is file as soon as you're eligible and don't wait. Benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job. And if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works for getting through their phone system.

Just apply! I spent weeks worried about whether I qualified and it turns out I was overthinking it. The worst thing that happens is they say no, but at least you'll know for sure. The application process itself will tell you if you meet the basic requirements.

One last thing - make sure you apply as soon as possible after your hours were cut. There's no waiting period to apply, and your benefit year starts when you file, not when you became unemployed. Don't wait thinking you need to be completely unemployed first.

Just want to add - make sure you have your direct deposit info ready when you file. Getting payments by debit card takes longer and has fees. Also set up your online account right away so you can file weekly claims.

The whole process is designed to discourage people from filing. Between the confusing requirements, impossible phone system, and long waits, it's like they want you to give up. But stick with it - you paid into the system and deserve those benefits.

Don't forget to keep good records of all your work and earnings! I use a simple spreadsheet to track dates worked, hours, gross pay, and which weekly claim I reported it on. Has saved me multiple times when ESD had questions.

Final tip from someone who's been through this - always err on the side of reporting too much rather than too little. ESD would rather you over-report than under-report. They can always adjust your benefits down, but underpayments are much harder to fix than overpayments.