Can I refile for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD after my claim ended?

That's good to know! Do I need to wait until my part-time work completely stops or can I file while still working reduced hours?

You can file while working part-time as long as you're working less than full-time and earning less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. Just make sure to report all your hours and earnings on your weekly claims.

I've been working about 20 hours a week since October, so hopefully that's enough to qualify. Do you know how long it takes for them to process a new claim?

Usually takes about 2-3 weeks for them to process a new initial claim if there are no issues. Make sure you have all your employer information ready when you file online.

How much does something like that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my situation.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing details, but honestly it was so much less stressful than the regular phone nightmare. Got through to an actual person who could answer my refiling questions.

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

Yeah my hours were just cut due to slow business, I didn't quit or anything. Should be straightforward hopefully.

That's definitely a qualifying reason. Reduction in hours is one of the most common reasons people refile for unemployment.

It can be confusing but it's worth going through the process if you qualify. The weekly payments really help when hours get cut.

true, just wish they made it easier to understand what you need to do

That makes sense. Since I was only working part-time, my benefit amount will probably be lower than before.

Possibly, but it depends on your total earnings during the base period they use to calculate benefits. Sometimes people are surprised that it's higher or lower than expected.

Gig work can be tricky with unemployment claims. Make sure you understand how to report those earnings properly on your weekly claims.

Yeah I need to figure that part out. The irregular income makes it complicated to know what to report each week.

That's exactly what I was worried about! Good to know I can file right away.

Yep, as soon as you become unemployed or underemployed and meet the work requirements, you can file a new claim.

Right, I forgot about that part. I'll need to start keeping track of my job search activities again.

Yeah, keep good records. They can audit your job search log at any time and if you don't have proper documentation you could get disqualified.

I might give that a try. I've called Washington ESD probably 20 times in the past month and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting forever.

That's exactly why I tried it. The regular phone system is basically useless when you actually need to talk to someone.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about refiling now.

Happy to help! Hope your new claim gets approved quickly.

No, that's a common misconception. Working after your claim ends is actually good because it can help you qualify for a new claim. You just need to have earned enough during your base period.

oh wow i had no idea! i thought working would disqualify you from ever getting benefits again

That's the whole point of unemployment insurance - it's there when you become unemployed or underemployed again. Working between claims is normal and expected.

Great! Hope you hear back soon. Remember to keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for the determination.

Good call on filing right away. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts if you get approved.

Awesome! Keep us posted on how it goes. Your situation will probably help other people who are in the same boat.

Make sure you have documentation for all your gig work earnings. Washington ESD might ask for proof of income if they need to verify your work history.

Good point, I'll make sure I have all my 1099s and payment records ready just in case.

I was skeptical about services like that at first, but honestly the regular Washington ESD phone system is so broken that anything that works is worth considering.

Exactly! I wasted so much time trying to call normally before I found them. Wish I'd known about it sooner.

Good reminder! I should double-check that my address and phone number are current.

Yes, and make sure you're checking your SecureAccess Washington messages regularly after you file. That's how they'll communicate with you about your claim status.

Agreed. A lot of people think unemployment is a one-time thing, but it's insurance that you can use whenever you meet the qualifications.

yeah this thread taught me a lot. i had no idea you could refile after working again

That's why these discussions are so valuable. People can learn from each other's experiences and get accurate information.

Thanks for that heads up. I'll try to be patient if they need more documentation from me.

Good to know it's normal for them to ask for more info. I was worried that meant something was wrong with my claim.

Nope, it's just part of their process to make sure everything is accurate. Better to take a little extra time and get it right than have issues later.