Can I file unemployment two separate times in Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do I use the same login or do I need to create a new account?

Same SecureAccess Washington login, just file a new initial application through the Washington ESD website.

Did they ask about your previous claim at all when you filed the second time?

Nope, they don't really care about old claims. They just look at your recent work history for the new claim.

What if I didn't work much between claims? I was only employed for about 4 months.

That might be cutting it close. Washington ESD needs you to have earned at least $2,178 in your base period. You'd need to check your quarterly wages.

This is why I used Claimyr when I had questions about my base period wages. Couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone for weeks, but Claimyr got me connected to an agent who explained exactly what quarters they were using for my calculation. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

No, you have to have qualifying wages between claims. You can't just file whenever you want - you need to actually work and earn enough to establish a new benefit year.

Yeah there are rules about this stuff. Washington ESD isn't just handing out money to anyone who asks.

8 weeks?? That's crazy. Did you try calling them?

HA! Good luck with that. I probably called 200 times and got through maybe 3 times, only to be told they'd call me back (they never did).

This is exactly why I recommend Claimyr. I was in the same boat trying to reach Washington ESD about my claim status. Claimyr connected me with an agent in under 30 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own.

Did her benefit amount change between the two claims?

Yeah it was different because she was making more money at her second job. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your wages during the base period for that specific claim.

How long does it usually take to get the monetary determination?

Usually 7-10 business days if there are no issues. Could be longer if they need to verify your employment or wages.

Mine took 3 weeks because my last employer was slow to respond to Washington ESD's wage verification request. So frustrating when you need the money.

That's good to know. I think I had about 8 weeks left on my first claim when I found a job.

Yeah those are gone now. Your new claim will be based entirely on your recent work and wages since then.

The job search requirements are the same - 3 job contacts per week unless you're on standby or have other exemptions. It doesn't matter if it's your first or fifth claim.

Make sure you keep track of your job searches though. I got audited on my second claim and had to provide all my documentation going back months.

Oh no, how much do you need to have earned?

The minimum is $2,178 in your base period, and you need wages in at least two quarters. Plus your highest quarter needs to be at least 1.5 times your lowest quarter.

Yeah that's what got me. I only worked part-time between claims so I didn't meet the requirements.

How do you request that?

You can request it through your online account or by calling. Though good luck getting through on the phone...

Or use Claimyr to get connected to an agent who can help with wage inquiries. Much faster than trying to call Washington ESD directly.

Third time? Wow. Do they give you any trouble about filing so many claims?

Nah, as long as you worked and paid into the system between claims, they don't care. It's your money from the taxes you paid.

I was laid off, so that should be okay right?

Layoffs are usually fine. Just be honest about the circumstances when they ask.

Yeah don't try to hide anything. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer.

No waiting period. As soon as you're unemployed and meet the wage requirements, you can file. The sooner the better since benefits don't backdate very far.

Good to know. I was worried there might be some rule about that.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I felt kind of guilty about filing again.

Don't feel guilty! You paid into unemployment insurance through your paychecks. You're entitled to benefits when you need them.

What kind of documentation do they usually want?

Pay stubs, termination letters, any correspondence with your employer about your separation. Basically anything that proves when you worked and why you left.

Will do! Planning to file this weekend when I have time to gather all my paperwork.

Good luck! Hope it goes smoothly for you.