Can you apply for unemployment after it runs out in Washington ESD?

You can file a new claim if you have sufficient earnings in your new base period. Washington ESD looks at the last 5 completed calendar quarters to determine if you qualify. Since you worked 8 months before your layoff, you might have enough qualifying wages.

Same situation happened to me 2 months ago. I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about filing a new claim but could never get through. Spent hours on hold every day.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me tons of time when I needed to check my claim status.

Wait, I'm confused. Don't you automatically get extended benefits or something when regular unemployment runs out? I thought there were additional programs.

Make sure you meet the earnings requirement for a new benefit year. You need wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period and total wages of at least 680 times the minimum wage.

this is why the unemployment system is so messed up, they make it impossible to get help when you need it most

To be clear about the process: you file a new initial claim online through the Washington ESD website. They'll automatically check your earnings history and determine if you qualify for a new benefit year. If approved, your weekly benefit amount might be different based on your more recent earnings.

I went through this exact situation last year. Filed a new claim right after my benefits ran out and was approved within 2 weeks. Had to do the whole job search requirements again though.

Just be prepared for the job search requirements to kick in immediately. You'll need to register with WorkSource WA and start documenting your job search activities right away.

One thing to watch out for - if you don't qualify for a new regular claim, you might be eligible for a reduced benefit amount on something called a transitional claim. But that's usually not as much money.

honestly the whole thing is such a headache. I remember when my benefits ran out I was so stressed about whether I could reapply and how long it would take

Another option if you can't get through by phone - try using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it when I had questions about my base period earnings and it actually worked. Got connected to a Washington ESD rep within like 20 minutes instead of the usual 3-hour wait.

Don't forget you can also check your eligibility before filing by looking at your wage history in your eServices account. That way you'll know ahead of time if you have enough earnings.

Word of advice - if you do file a new claim, keep doing your job search activities even before you get approved. Washington ESD can ask for that information retroactively and you don't want to be caught without documentation.

I had a friend who waited too long to file after her benefits ran out and missed out on like 3 weeks of potential payments. Don't procrastinate on this.

Last thing - when you file, make sure you have your Social Security card and recent pay stubs handy even though you might not need them right away. Sometimes they ask for additional documentation during the review process.