Can I reopen my ESD claim after benefit year ends in 2025?

When your benefit year ends, you'll need to file a completely new claim, not reopen your existing one. Reopening is only for when you're still within your benefit year but stopped claiming for a while (like if you had temporary work but then it ended). Since you're reaching the end of your benefit year, you'll need to submit a new application and qualify based on your work history during your base year, which is different than last time you applied.

i went thru this last yr. you DEFINITELY need a new claim after benefit yr ends. reopening is different. good luck getting thru on the phone tho lol took me like 20 tries

I can provide some more specific info that might help. After your benefit year ends, you must file a new claim. Here's what you need to know: 1. You need to have worked 680 hours in your new base year 2. Freelance work typically doesn't count for regular UI unless you were a W-2 employee 3. Your base year will be the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you apply 4. You can file online through your eServices account 5. Be prepared to provide details about ALL employment during the last 18 months If you haven't worked 680 hours in covered employment, you might not qualify for a new claim. It's important to apply anyway so you get a formal determination that you can appeal if needed.

If your claim is about to end and you're filing a new one, be ready for a gap in payments. It took almost 3 weeks for my new claim to process after my benefit year ended. Make sure you have some savings to cover that period if possible.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!! I went through exactly this last year and spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at ESD. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to a real person because they don't want to pay benefits. My advice? Document EVERYTHING, take screenshots of all your attempts to contact them, and be prepared to fight for what you deserve. The unemployment system is broken by design!!!

Just wanted to share that I was in a similar situation back in October. My graphic design gigs dried up and I needed to file a new claim. The key difference between reopening and filing new is your benefit year. Within benefit year = reopen. After benefit year ends = new claim. Also, they might ask for more documentation this time around compared to your first claim.

To follow up on your question about alternatives if you don't qualify for regular UI due to insufficient W-2 hours: Unfortunately, the pandemic-era programs that covered self-employed workers (PUA) have ended. If you don't qualify for regular UI, you might want to look into: 1. WorkSource job placement services 2. DSHS emergency assistance programs 3. Local workforce development programs that might offer retraining 4. Apply anyway and appeal if denied - sometimes ESD misses eligible wages in their system And yes, absolutely apply even if you're unsure about qualifying. The formal determination is necessary if you need to appeal or pursue other options.

@OP regarding the Claimyr service I mentioned earlier - yes, it definitely worked for me. It's not sketchy at all - they basically just help you navigate the ESD phone system and get placed in the callback queue properly. Once they connect you, you're talking directly with ESD. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days. The agent I got was able to explain exactly what I needed for my new claim application after my benefit year ended.