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Yuki Yamamoto

Can I reopen my unemployment claim after getting laid off from new job after only 3 weeks?

I was on unemployment for about 4 months earlier this year when my tech support role was eliminated. I finally got hired at this small IT firm in February, but they just laid me off yesterday - only 3 weeks into the job! The manager said they lost a major contract and had to cut the newest people first. I'm completely shocked right now. Do I have to file a completely new claim or can I somehow reopen my previous ESD claim? My benefit year hasn't ended yet. Has anyone gone through something similar? The company gave me no severance since I was so new. I'm really worried because I just signed a new apartment lease based on having this job. Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

Carmen Ortiz

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You can definitely reopen your existing claim as long as you're still within your benefit year (which lasts 52 weeks from when you first applied). Just log into your eServices account and look for the option to 'restart your claim' or 'reopen claim.' You'll need to answer some questions about your recent employment, but it's much simpler than starting over. Since you only worked 3 weeks, it probably won't significantly change your weekly benefit amount, but ESD will recalculate it based on that additional work. Make sure you report the exact dates you worked and your earnings accurately.

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Yuki Yamamoto

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Thank you so much! I just logged in and found the reopen option. It asked for my last employer's info and when I worked there. Fingers crossed it goes through smoothly. Do you know how long it usually takes for them to process a reopened claim? I'm worried about making rent next month.

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This EXACT thing happened to me in May!!! Got a warehouse job after 6 months of unemployment and then got laid off after 26 days. ESD put my claim into adjudication for like 3 WEEKS because they needed to 'verify' why I wasn't at the new job anymore. INFURIATING!!! Make sure you have something in writing from your boss about why they let you go!!

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Yuki Yamamoto

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Oh no, that sounds awful! My manager did send me an email explaining the contract loss and layoffs, so I'll definitely save that. Did you have to do anything special to get through adjudication faster?

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Zoe Papadakis

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Yes, you can reopen your claim, but be prepared for possible adjudication. ESD often investigates short employment periods to verify you didn't quit or get fired for misconduct. Make sure you're able to document that it was a legitimate layoff due to lack of work. Also, don't forget to start doing your job search activities immediately - you still need 3 per week even with a reopened claim. Document everything carefully in your job search log.

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Jamal Carter

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This happened to my friend and she said that since it was a business closure they didn't put her in adjudication... is that different from a contract loss situation? Just curious how the ESD decides these things

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u can call the ESD directly at 833-572-8400 to reopen it faster than doing it online sometimes...just goodluck getting thru lol took me 3 days of calling

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Mei Liu

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I had the same experience trying to reach ESD! So frustrating. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an ESD agent in about 25 minutes when I needed to reopen my claim after a short job. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me days of redial hell when I was panicking about my rent.

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When I had to reopen my claim last year, I ran into a problem because I didn't report my new job's earnings correctly. Make absolutely sure you report ALL earnings during those 3 weeks, even if you haven't been paid yet. ESD bases it on when you EARNED the money, not when you received it. I learned this the hard way and ended up with an overpayment notice that was a nightmare to resolve.

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Yuki Yamamoto

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Thanks for the warning! I'm still waiting for my final paycheck, but I'll make sure to report all my earnings from those 3 weeks accurately. Did reopening your claim take a long time to process?

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Carmen Ortiz

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To answer your question about timing - when I reopened my claim last year, it took about 5-7 days before I could file a weekly claim again. But that was without any adjudication issues. If they have questions about why your job ended so quickly, it could take longer. One tip: if you reopen online and don't see an option to file a weekly claim after a few days, something might be stuck. That's when calling becomes necessary.

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Yuki Yamamoto

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Thanks for the timeline! I'm going to give it a week and then try calling if I don't see the option to file. I appreciate everyone's help - this community is amazing.

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anyone know if hes gonna get a waiting week again??? i had to do another waiting week when i reopened and it SUCKED

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Zoe Papadakis

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Good question. If you're reopening within the same benefit year, you typically don't have to serve another waiting week. The waiting week is only served once per benefit year. However, if ESD determines this is somehow a new claim rather than a reopened one (which is unlikely in this case), then a waiting week could apply. But based on the original poster's situation, they should not have to serve another waiting week.

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Zara Shah

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Sorry to hear about your situation - getting laid off after just 3 weeks is really tough, especially when you've already committed to a lease! The good news is that since you're still within your benefit year, reopening should be straightforward. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: keep all documentation from your employer about the layoff (emails, any written notice, etc.) and also document the exact dates you worked and your gross earnings. If ESD does put your claim into adjudication, having everything organized will help speed up the process. Also, even though it's frustrating, try to stay patient with the system. I know rent is due and bills don't wait, but pushing too hard or calling repeatedly can sometimes slow things down. Give the online reopening process a chance to work first before moving to phone calls. Hang in there - you'll get through this!

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Honorah King

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I'm so sorry you're going through this - what a stressful situation to be in after just getting back on your feet! I went through something similar last year when I got laid off from a temp-to-perm position after only 5 weeks. The advice about reopening your claim is spot on. Since you're still within your benefit year, you should be able to reopen rather than start fresh. One thing I learned from my experience: when you reopen, make sure you have your last day of work documented precisely. ESD will ask for the exact date your employment ended and sometimes people get confused about whether to use their last day worked or the day they were notified. Also, I'd recommend taking screenshots of your reopening submission confirmation - just in case there are any system glitches. The online system can sometimes be finicky, and having proof you submitted everything correctly can save you headaches later. You mentioned signing a new lease - have you looked into any emergency rental assistance programs in your area? Some counties have resources for people in exactly your situation. It won't solve everything, but it might buy you some breathing room while your benefits get sorted out. Keep your chin up - this is temporary and you'll get through it!

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Payton Black

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Thank you for mentioning emergency rental assistance! I hadn't thought about that but it's a great idea. I'm in King County so I'll look into what programs they have available. The screenshot tip is really smart too - I've had issues with government websites before where things just disappear. Really appreciate all the practical advice from everyone here. It's reassuring to know I'm not the first person to go through this exact situation.

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I'm really sorry this happened to you - getting laid off from a new job after just 3 weeks is such a gut punch, especially when you've already made financial commitments based on having that income. The good news is that everyone here is right about being able to reopen your existing claim since you're still within your benefit year. I went through something similar about 8 months ago when I got laid off from a marketing job after only 6 weeks due to budget cuts. A few things that helped me when I reopened my claim: 1. Make sure you have your exact start and end dates from the new job ready - ESD will ask for these specifically 2. If you received any severance or accrued vacation pay (even though you mentioned no severance), report it accurately as it can affect your benefits timing 3. Keep that email from your manager about the contract loss - it's perfect documentation for why the separation happened One thing I wish someone had told me: even though you can reopen online, if you run into any hiccups or your claim seems stuck, don't hesitate to call. Yes, the wait times are brutal, but sometimes a 5-minute conversation with an agent can resolve what might take weeks through the automated system. Also, start your job search activities right away if you haven't already. The 3 weekly job contacts requirement kicks in immediately when you reopen, and it's better to be ahead of the game. You've got this! This is just a temporary setback, and your experience will help you land something even better.

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Aiden Chen

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This is really helpful advice, especially about starting job search activities right away. I'm still processing the shock of being laid off so suddenly, but you're absolutely right that I need to get ahead of the requirements. The documentation tip is great too - I saved that email from my manager explaining the contract loss. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through almost the exact same situation. Did you end up finding something better after your 6-week layoff? I'm trying to stay optimistic that this might actually lead to a better opportunity.

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Marcus Marsh

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I'm so sorry this happened to you - getting laid off after only 3 weeks must feel devastating, especially when you'd finally gotten back on your feet and signed that lease. Everyone's advice about reopening your claim is solid. I just wanted to add something that helped me when I was in a similar situation: consider reaching out to your local WorkSource office as well. They often have emergency resources and can sometimes expedite certain processes or connect you with additional support services while you're waiting for benefits to restart. Also, since you mentioned being in tech support, this might actually be a good time to leverage that recent 3-week experience. Even though it was short, you can still list it on applications and explain the situation honestly - most employers understand that layoffs happen, especially at smaller companies. The fact that you were brought on initially shows your skills are in demand. Don't let this setback make you doubt yourself. You landed one job, which means you'll land another. And having that email documentation about the contract loss will definitely help if ESD has any questions about the separation. Hang in there - this community has your back!

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James Maki

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Marcus makes a great point about WorkSource - I hadn't thought about reaching out to them but they might have resources I don't know about. And you're right about still being able to use that 3-week experience on applications. Even though it was short, it shows I was actively working and that another company saw value in hiring me. I'm trying to reframe this as just a temporary setback rather than a failure. The tech industry can be unpredictable with contracts and budget cuts, so hopefully other employers will understand. Thanks for the encouragement - it really helps to have support from people who've been through similar situations!

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