Can you apply for unemployment twice with Washington ESD?

Thank you! So I don't reopen the old claim, I start fresh? That makes sense.

exactly, new claim = new application. don't try to mess with the old one

Oh interesting, I hadn't thought about that. The temp job paid more than my previous position so maybe that's good news.

Yeah, they'll use your highest earning quarter from the base period to calculate your benefits.

Never heard of this service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. I was spending hours trying to call and getting nowhere. This got me through in about 20 minutes.

I might need to try this too. Been trying to reach them for days about my claim issues.

No, you have to meet eligibility requirements each time. You need sufficient work history and wages, plus you have to lose your job through no fault of your own.

Right, it's not unlimited. There are rules about minimum earnings and work requirements between benefit periods.

Oh no, that sounds frustrating. How long do they usually take for adjudication?

They told me 4-6 weeks but it feels like it's been longer. I keep checking my account every day.

Adjudication times can vary a lot depending on the complexity of your case and their current workload.

There's no specific limit on how many times you can file, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements each time. The key is having sufficient work and earnings between benefit periods.

Okay that makes more sense. So as long as I work enough between claims, I can apply again if I lose my job.

Three times? That's rough but good to know it's possible. Did your benefit amounts change much between claims?

Yeah, they varied based on my wages from different jobs. One was actually higher because I had a better paying position before that layoff.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - I was having the same phone issues. Seriously saved my sanity.

I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Will check out that service.

Have you tried filing during off-peak hours? Sometimes the website works better early morning or late evening.

No waiting period required. You can file a new claim as soon as you become unemployed again, even if your previous claim just expired.

Good to know, thanks!

Tell me about it. I'm still trying to figure out all the job search requirements for my current claim.

The job search requirements are actually pretty straightforward once you understand them. You need to log at least 3 activities per week.

What kind of trouble? Should I be worried about anything specific?

They questioned whether he quit or was laid off. Temp jobs can be tricky that way. Just be clear that the assignment ended through no fault of your own.

Good point. Documentation from the temp agency can help clarify the nature of the separation.

If you go back to work while on a claim, you'd typically close that claim. If you lose the new job, you'd file a fresh claim based on your updated work history.

Makes sense. So it's always about your most recent work situation.

They can see your claim history, but each claim is evaluated on its own merits. Having previous claims doesn't disqualify you if you meet current eligibility requirements.

In my experience, they've never made an issue of my multiple claims. As long as you're eligible, you're eligible.

Right? I feel much better about the whole process now.

Just make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file. Makes the process smoother.

Great advice! I still have my pay stubs from the temp job so that should help.

I wish I had done this better. Scrambling to find old pay stubs is not fun.

No, you file in one state - typically where you worked most recently or where you earned the most wages during your base period.

ok good to know, thought it might be more complicated than that

Oh wow, I didn't know that! Good thing I'm looking into this now instead of waiting.

Yeah, I learned that the hard way on my first claim. Lost a week of benefits because I waited to file.

Glad it worked for you too! Makes such a difference when you can actually talk to someone.

Might have to give this a try myself. These phone systems are impossible.

That's really helpful to understand. So it's truly a fresh start with the new claim.

Exactly! Each claim stands on its own with its own benefit year and maximum benefit amount.

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly for you.

Same here! Going to file tomorrow morning. Appreciate everyone's help.