Can I reapply for Washington ESD unemployment after 26 weeks ran out?

That makes sense. I think I earned enough in the base period since I was working full time. Do I need to wait until my benefit year officially ends or can I apply now?

Oh no, that's what I'm worried about. How did you find out? Did they send you a determination letter?

yeah they mailed me a monetary determination that showed $0 benefits. really frustrating

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them. They handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Saved me hours of busy signals and holds. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

That sounds interesting. I'm getting desperate trying to reach them about my adjudication issue. Does it actually work?

Worked great for me. Got connected within a few hours instead of spending days trying to call myself.

I feel your frustration. The key thing is your benefit year vs your claim. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed. You can only collect 26 weeks of benefits within that year. After your benefit year ends, you can file a new claim if you have sufficient wages.

So if I filed in March 2024, my benefit year doesn't end until March 2025? Even though my 26 weeks ran out in September?

Exactly right. You'd need to wait until your benefit year ends in March to file a new regular claim, unless you qualify for extended benefits or have enough wages for a new claim now.

Good point about extended benefits. I haven't seen anything about that being available right now though. The work search requirements are 3 job contacts per week, right?

Yes, 3 job search activities per week and you need to keep a log. Make sure you're registered with WorkSourceWA too - that's required.

That's encouraging! How long did it take for them to process your new claim?

took about 2 weeks to get my first payment. no adjudication or anything since i was already in their system

I hadn't thought about that. Since I was working more recently, my wages might actually be higher in the new base period.

Possibly, but it depends on which quarters they use for the calculation. The base period is very specific.

Good advice. I'll try the online application first and see what happens.

That's a good point. I don't want to mess anything up. Maybe I should use that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier to actually get through to them.

That's exactly what I'd recommend. Better to get official guidance before filing. Claimyr made it so much easier for me to actually talk to an agent about my specific situation.

This is really helpful. I think I'm going to try to speak with Washington ESD directly to understand my specific situation before filing anything.

Smart approach. Every situation is different and they can give you the most accurate information.

There's no waiting period between claims. You can file a new claim as soon as your benefits are exhausted, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear!

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. No more wasted time on hold or getting hung up on. They handle all the calling hassle and get you connected to an actual person who can help.

I might have to try that. I can't afford to waste more time on their phone system.

You should already be registered with WorkSourceWA from your previous claim, but make sure your registration is still active. You'll need to continue meeting the work search requirements.

Good to know, thanks!

That's a good tip. Is there a minimum amount I need to have earned?

yeah theres a minimum but i dont remember the exact amount. you can find it on their website

That's great to hear! Did you have any issues with the application process?

Nope, it was pretty straightforward online. Just had to provide my employment history again and wait for them to process it.

How do I know when my benefit year ends? Is it exactly 52 weeks from when I first filed?

yes exactly 52 weeks from your original filing date. you should have gotten paperwork when you first filed that shows your benefit year dates

True, I guess there's no harm in trying as long as I understand the requirements first.

Wait, I should keep filing weekly claims even though my 26 weeks are up?

No, once your benefits are exhausted you can't file weekly claims on that claim. You'd need to file a new claim first.

oh yeah youre right, i was thinking of a different situation

Yes, still 3 job search activities per week. You need to keep a detailed log and be prepared to show it if they audit you.

Thanks, I'll make sure I'm keeping good records.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I think I'm going to try to speak with Washington ESD first to understand my specific situation, then decide whether to file a new claim.

Smart plan. And if you need help getting through to them, definitely check out that Claimyr service. Made such a difference for me.