Can I reapply for unemployment benefits in Washington - need to know process

That's a relief! Do I use the same login credentials or do I need to create a new account?

Same account, just file a new initial application. Make sure to report all your wages from the temporary job.

How long did it take for your new claim to get approved? I'm worried about the wait time.

Mine took about 2 weeks to process, but that was before they started having all these phone system issues.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Did they actually help you get your claim processed faster?

They just help you get through the phone lines to talk to a real person. Once I got connected, the agent was able to answer all my questions about reapplying and helped me fix an issue with my wage information.

How much does something like that cost? Seems too good to be true.

Check out claimyr.com for details. Worth it to me just to avoid the phone tree nightmare honestly.

Oh shoot, I didn't think about that. How do I check my benefit year end date?

Log into your Washington ESD account and look at your claim summary. It should show your benefit year dates. If you're still within that year, you reopen instead of reapply.

Good catch! Though if they earned significant wages during that temporary job, they might want to file a new claim anyway to get higher benefits based on recent earnings.

What counts as the base period for a new claim? Is it the last 4 quarters?

It's typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you're filing now in January 2025, it would be July 2023 through June 2024.

That's confusing - wouldn't my recent wages from the temporary job count towards benefits?

Recent wages usually don't count because they need to be in completed quarters. That's why timing matters when you file a new claim.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. How long have you been waiting?

5 weeks now. I keep getting letters asking for more documentation but no one will tell me exactly what they need.

This is exactly the kind of situation where calling Washington ESD directly helps. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier could probably get you through to someone who can explain what specific docs they need.

True, I guess I have nothing to lose by applying. Better than sitting here wondering.

Exactly! The application process is free and you find out pretty quickly if you qualify or not.

Good point! I'm going to file tonight after I gather all my employment info.

Smart move. I waited 2 weeks to file thinking I needed to get all my paperwork perfect first. Lost out on 2 weeks of benefits.

How long did you have to wait on hold? I'm dreading that phone call.

like 3 hours before i got through, it was awful

That's why I used Claimyr - they handle the waiting and calling back until you get connected. Way less stressful than sitting on hold for hours.

Job search requirements typically start with your first weekly claim, not when you initially apply. You'll need to log at least 3 job search activities per week.

Thanks for reminding me about that! I forgot about the job search logging requirement.

Yeah it's easy to forget but they definitely check those logs, especially if you get selected for review.

I was definitely laid off, not a quit. They eliminated my position due to budget cuts.

Perfect, then you should be fine. Make sure you have documentation of the layoff just in case they ask for it.

What employment info do they typically ask for when reapplying?

All employers from the past 18 months, dates of employment, reason for separation, and gross wages earned. Have your pay stubs ready too.

Also make sure you have the exact addresses of your employers. I had to look up old addresses which was a pain.

How will I know if it goes into adjudication? Do they send a notification?

Yes, you'll get a letter and your claim status will show 'adjudication in progress' online. Usually means they need to verify something with you or your employer.

How exactly does it work? Do they just keep calling for you?

They navigate the phone system and wait on hold, then connect you when they get an agent. Check out their demo video to see the process - it's pretty clever actually.

That's a good reminder. I keep thinking I should try harder to find work first, but bills don't pay themselves.

Exactly! Unemployment benefits are there for exactly this situation. You paid into the system, so use it when you need it.