Anyone else filed unemployment insurance claim during the last 12 months - need advice

Yes, that March 2024 filing definitely counts since it was within the last 12 months. You should answer yes to that question. Washington ESD keeps records of all claims filed, and previous claims can sometimes affect benefit calculations if you need to file again, but it shouldn't hurt you for other applications.

Absolutely answer yes. Any UI claim filed within the 12-month period counts, regardless of whether it's currently active or closed. This is pretty standard on applications - they're usually asking for disclosure purposes or to understand your employment history better.

I had to deal with this exact thing last year. Filed in February 2023, got a new job in June, then when I was applying for a mortgage later they asked the same question. My loan officer said it's just standard disclosure stuff, nothing to worry about as long as you're honest.

Just to add - if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD about anything related to your previous claim, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach ESD agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself when I needed to get my wage verification paperwork.

ok so I filed in January 2024 and my benefits ended in May when I got a new job. do I answer yes or no to this question?? im confused because my claim isnt active anymore

I'm dealing with something similar but my situation is more complicated. I filed in April 2024, got benefits for 2 months, then went back to work part-time so I was still filing weekly claims but getting reduced benefits. Then in September I went full-time and stopped filing completely. How do I even explain that on an application?

Just be honest about it. I filed in June 2024 and when I applied for a new credit card last month they asked the same thing. I said yes and explained briefly that I had been unemployed for a few months but was now working again. No issues at all.

Quick question - if I filed in December 2023 do I need to answer yes? It's technically more than 12 months ago now but barely

The Washington ESD system keeps track of all this stuff anyway, so if it's a government form or something official they probably already have access to your unemployment history. Better to be upfront about it.

I had filed back in February 2024 and just had to answer this question on a job application last week. Put yes and got the job, so clearly wasn't a deal breaker. Think employers understand that people sometimes go through unemployment, especially after the last few years.

If anyone needs to contact Washington ESD about their previous claims or get documentation, I've had good luck with Claimyr recently. It's at claimyr.com and they help you get through to actual ESD agents instead of sitting on hold forever. Was skeptical at first but it actually worked when I needed my benefit verification letter.

This thread is really helpful. I filed in May 2024 and have been wondering about this exact question on some forms I need to fill out. Sounds like the consensus is just be honest and answer yes.

Anyone know if partial unemployment counts for this question? I was working reduced hours and filing for partial benefits from March to June 2024.

I made the mistake of answering no to this question on something last year because I thought it only meant if you were currently on unemployment. Had to go back and correct it when I realized my error. Always read the question carefully!

Does standby status count as filing a claim? I was on standby from my union job for about 3 months in early 2024.

For what it's worth, I've answered yes to this question on multiple applications and forms over the past year and it's never been an issue. Most places just want the information for their records, not to disqualify you from anything.

Pro tip: if you're unsure about exact dates or details of your claim, you can log into your Washington ESD account online and check your claim history. Everything should be documented there.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Based on what everyone's saying, I'm confident now that I should answer yes since I filed in March 2024. Really appreciate this community for helping clear up the confusion.

Just want to add one more thing - if you ever need to get through to Washington ESD for documentation or questions about your previous claim, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. Had to use it myself when I needed my determination letter for a housing application. The video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ shows exactly how it works.

This has been a really useful thread. I'm bookmarking it in case I run into this question again. Sometimes you just need to hear from other people who've been in the same situation.

I went through this same situation a few months ago. Filed in February 2024, benefits ended in June when I found work, then had to answer this question on a rental application in October. Definitely answer yes - the question is specifically about filing within the 12-month period, not whether your claim is currently active. I was worried it might affect my rental application but the property manager said it was just standard disclosure and didn't impact their decision at all. Better to be transparent than risk them finding out later and wondering why you didn't mention it.