Can I claim UI benefits from previous employer after exhausting benefits from earlier job?

Yes, you might be eligible to file a new claim. What you're describing sounds like a situation where you have wages in your base year from multiple employers. ESD typically combines all qualifying wages when calculating your benefit, but in some cases, they'll use the highest-paying quarter. After exhausting regular benefits, you can potentially file a new claim if you have wages that weren't used in your original claim calculation. I'd recommend calling ESD directly to discuss your specific situation - they'll need to look at your wage records to determine eligibility.

i had something kinda similar happen last year. had 2 jobs, got laid off from both within like 3 months of each other. esd used the wages from my first job (the better paying one) for my benefits. when those ran out i called and asked about the second job and they said i couldn't use those wages cuz they were already part of my benefit calculation even tho i didn't actually get any $ based on them specifically? idk if that makes sense but basically they told me no

This is actually a good question that involves understanding how base period wages work. Here's the situation: 1. UI benefits are calculated using wages from a specific base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed) 2. If you had multiple employers during that base period, ALL wages are considered when determining your weekly benefit amount (WBA) 3. However, if you're asking about filing a completely new claim using wages that fall outside the original base period, that's potentially possible The key question: When did you work for each employer, and when did you file your initial claim? If the wages from your most recent employer weren't included in your base period calculation, you might be eligible for a new claim. Regarding the voluntary quit - that complicates things. You'd need to prove you quit for "good cause" as defined by ESD (unsafe working conditions can qualify), or ESD would likely deny benefits.

The ESD system is IMPOSSIBLE to navigate!!! I had a somewhat similar experience and could NEVER get a straight answer from anyone. They kept transferring me around and disconnecting me. Three different agents gave me three completely different answers about how my benefits were calculated. Total nightmare. Good luck getting actual help from them!!

Since you're getting close to exhausting your regular UI benefits, what you're asking about is essentially filing a new initial claim using different employment history. This is possible in some situations, but several factors come into play: 1. Base period calculations - as others mentioned 2. Separation reason from your most recent employer 3. Whether those wages were already included in your current claim The fact that you voluntarily quit your most recent position means you'd need to prove good cause for quitting. Dangerous working conditions can qualify, but you'll need documentation. Have you considered using Claimyr to reach an ESD agent quickly? I was stuck in a similar confusing situation and couldn't get through on the phones for weeks. Used their service at claimyr.com and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who actually went through my wage records and explained everything. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 if you want to see how it works. Saved me a ton of frustration.

Quick question - have you checked if you're eligible for a benefit year extension? Sometimes that's easier than filing a whole new claim, especially with the voluntary quit issue potentially complicating things. Just a thought!

To answer your follow-up questions: 1. For the documentation of unsafe conditions - yes, that could qualify as good cause, especially if you have photos. Did you ever bring these concerns to your employer before quitting? ESD typically looks for evidence that you tried to resolve the situation first. 2. Regarding benefit year extensions - there aren't automatic extensions currently available like during COVID. The standard benefit duration is 26 weeks. However, there are a few options: - Training Benefits can extend UI if you enroll in approved training - Shared Work if your employer participates - In some cases, a new initial claim if you have wages not used in your first claim Based on your timeline, your most recent employment (Jan-Feb 2025) might not have been included in your base period calculation if you filed in March 2025. Your base period would likely be Q4 2023 through Q3 2024. This means those 2025 wages might be usable for a new claim, but you'd need to address the voluntary quit issue. I recommend applying for the new claim and being upfront about why you left. Upload your documentation during the application process.

dont forget u gotta keep doing job search stuff even when ur waiting for them to figure this out! my friend got denied cuz she stopped doing her activities while waiting for esd to fix her claim issues