Can I file a new unemployment claim after my benefits ended?

Thanks! How do I know if my gig work counts as covered wages? Some of it was 1099 work.

1099 work generally doesn't count unless you paid into the system as self-employed. You'd need W-2 wages or covered employment to qualify for regular UI benefits.

Did you have any issues when you filed your new claim? I'm worried about the application process being complicated.

It was pretty straightforward actually. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, employer details. The online application walks you through everything.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my situation.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Worth it when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

That sounds helpful! I might need to use that if I run into issues with my new claim application.

I get the frustration, but the info is there if you know where to look. The key thing is whether you have sufficient wages in your base period for a new claim.

But what exactly IS the base period? They use all this jargon that doesn't make sense to regular people!

That's not great advice. It's better to understand the requirements first so you don't waste time on an application that won't qualify.

fair point, i just meant sometimes its easier to apply and find out rather than try to figure out all the rules

Yes, include all employers. Washington ESD will determine which wages fall in your base period and count toward your claim. Better to include too much info than too little.

Definitely include everything. I made the mistake of leaving out a short-term job and had to go back and update my application later.

They won't penalize you for not finding work between claims as long as you meet the wage requirements for a new claim. Job search efforts aren't part of the initial eligibility determination.

Oh okay, that's a relief. I was worried they'd think I wasn't trying hard enough to find work.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. After weeks of trying to call Washington ESD myself, it was worth paying to actually get connected to someone who could answer my questions.

Maybe I should try that. I'm getting desperate for answers about my situation.

There's no specific deadline for filing a new claim, but you can only get benefits for weeks after you file. So the sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits if you qualify.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried I'd missed some kind of window.

Not necessarily. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on the wages in your base period for the new claim. If you earned less during that period, your benefits could be lower.

Mine was actually slightly higher on my new claim because I had worked a better paying job before filing again.

Yes! Mine took almost a month to get approved. I think they're really backed up right now.

If you need to check on your adjudication status, calling through Claimyr might help you actually reach someone at Washington ESD who can give you an update.

I might have to do that. The waiting is killing me financially.

You can definitely file online through the Washington ESD website. The online application is actually pretty user-friendly and walks you through all the required information.

Perfect! That's so much better than having to call.

You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months (dates, wages, reason for separation), and contact info for all your employers. Having your W-2s or pay stubs handy can help with accuracy.

Thanks! I'll gather all that stuff before I start the application.

Good luck! Hope it works out for you. Remember to file your weekly claims even while it's being processed.

Fingers crossed for you! Let us know how it goes.

You've inspired me to finally file mine too. Thanks for asking all the questions I was wondering about!

That's what these forums are for! Always happy to help people navigate the unemployment system.

Good point! I'd forgotten about the job search log requirement. Better start keeping track of my applications again.

Yeah, they're pretty strict about that. Three job contacts per week minimum in most cases.

There are some online calculators that can give you a rough idea, but Washington ESD has access to wage records you might not have complete info on.

That makes sense. I guess I'll just have to file and see what happens.

Yes, seasonal work counts as long as it was covered employment where unemployment taxes were paid. It should show up in your wage records.

Great! That might be just enough to push me over the threshold for qualifying.

Your benefit year starts the Sunday of the week you file your claim. But you won't get paid until your claim is approved and you've filed your weekly claims for those weeks.

So I should file as soon as possible to avoid missing any potential weeks. Got it!

A lot of people don't realize that. As long as you've worked and earned enough wages since your last claim, you can establish a new benefit year.

Same here! I only found out by accident when I called to ask about something else.