Can I file for unemployment another time after my first claim ended?

That's such a relief to hear! Do I just go through the same process on the Washington ESD website or is there something different I need to do?

Same process - just file a new initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. They'll calculate your new weekly benefit amount based on your recent earnings.

Good point about reporting the part-time work. I definitely don't want to mess that up. Do they take out the full amount I earn or just a portion?

They have a formula - I think you can earn up to a certain amount before they start reducing benefits, then it's like 75 cents reduction for every dollar you earn over that.

Wow, I've never heard of that service before. How does it work exactly? I'm worried I'll have questions when I file the new claim.

It basically helps you get through the phone system and connects you with an actual Washington ESD representative. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

Oh no, I didn't realize that! I was thinking about waiting until next week but I'll file today then.

Yeah definitely file ASAP. The effective date is when you file, not when you actually become unemployed or underemployed.

That's exactly what I'm worried about! I had so many problems with my first claim too.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through their phone system.

I might have to try that Claimyr thing you mentioned. I'm desperate at this point.

You can file while working part-time as long as your hours/wages have been significantly reduced. Washington ESD calls this 'partial unemployment' and you just report your earnings each week.

Perfect, that's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!

That's good to know! I was worried it would be super complicated since I already had a claim before.

Nope, pretty straightforward. The system remembers your previous claim info which makes it faster.

Interesting! I hadn't thought about that. The part-time job I've been at pays a bit more per hour than my previous job, so maybe that will help.

Yeah, they look at your highest earning quarter in the base period, so if you had some good months it could definitely increase your benefit amount.

You're right that there are earnings requirements for any new claim. With 6 months of part-time work, they should have enough in their base period to qualify, but Washington ESD will determine that when they process the claim.

I've been working consistently for 6 months, even if it's reduced hours. Hopefully that's enough to qualify for something.

It was definitely lack of work - they cut everyone's hours due to slow business. I didn't request it at all.

Perfect, that should qualify as involuntary reduction in hours. Make sure to explain that clearly when you file.

That's encouraging! How long did it take to get approved?

About a week and a half. I think it's faster when you've had a previous claim because they already have your work history in the system.

Oh right, I forgot about that. I remember having to do the job searches on my first claim. Still 3 per week?

Yeah, 3 per week is still the requirement. WorkSourceWA activities count too, not just applications.

There's no limit as long as you meet the earnings requirements for each new claim. You can file multiple claims over the years as long as you've worked and earned wages between them.

Good to know! I was worried there might be a lifetime limit or something.

Multiple people have mentioned Claimyr now. I'm definitely going to check it out if I have any issues with my claim.

Smart move. It's a game changer when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Good reminder! I remember being super careful about that on my first claim. The weekly claims are due by a certain day each week, right?

Yeah, you have to file by the deadline or you forfeit that week's payment. I think it's usually Sunday night but check your claim details to be sure.

Good luck with your claim! It's nice to know other people are dealing with similar situations.

Thanks! We'll get through this. At least Washington ESD allows multiple claims when you meet the requirements.

Yikes, I definitely don't want overpayment issues. I'll make sure to report everything exactly as it is on my paystubs.

Exactly - use your actual paystub amounts, not estimates. Better to be precise than sorry later.

This is such important advice. Overpayment notices from Washington ESD are no joke and can take forever to resolve.