Can you apply for unemployment two times in Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do you know how much I need to have earned to qualify for a new claim?

You need at least $5,265 in total wages during your base period, and at least $1,755 in your highest earning quarter. Washington ESD will calculate this automatically when you apply.

Did you have any issues with the application? I'm worried they'll get confused about my previous claim.

No issues at all. The system keeps track of everything. Just make sure you report your most recent job separation accurately.

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

It's worth it just for the time saved. I was spending hours trying to get through and this got me connected in minutes. Way better than the frustration of calling hundreds of times.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be fine right?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work are typically approved. Just be honest about the circumstances when you file.

No, you can file multiple claims as long as you meet the earnings requirements each time. Many people have several claims over their working years.

good to know thanks

No waiting period required. You can file as soon as you become unemployed, as long as you meet the wage requirements.

The timing actually works in your favor since you worked between claims. That's exactly what Washington ESD wants to see.

How do they determine the base period for a second claim?

It's the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. So if you file in February 2025, they'd look at Q3 2023 through Q2 2024 typically.

I understand the frustration. The rule is simple though - if your benefit year ended, you need a new claim. If it's still active, you can reopen it.

How do I know if my benefit year ended? This is so stressful!

Check your last correspondence from Washington ESD. The benefit year is exactly one year from when you first filed. If it's been more than a year, you need a new claim.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Couldn't deal with the phone system anymore. Got through to an agent in about 10 minutes and got all my questions answered.

I might have to look into that. This is ridiculous that we can't get basic information from the agency.

That's reassuring to hear. Did you have any problems with adjudication on your later claims?

Nope, all three were approved without any issues. The key is being honest about your work history and job separation reasons.

Good point. How soon after approval can you start filing weekly claims?

Usually within a day or two of approval. You'll get instructions in your eServices account about when to file your first weekly claim.

Thanks for the reassurance. I was worried there might be some kind of penalty for filing multiple times.

No penalty at all. That's literally what the system is for - to help during periods of unemployment.

What kind of documentation do they typically want?

Pay stubs, W-2s, or verification of employment forms. Sometimes they'll contact your employer directly, but it's good to have backup documentation.

That's encouraging. Did the benefit amounts change much between claims?

yeah depends on what you earned. higher wages = higher weekly benefit amount up to the maximum

Are the job search requirements the same for repeat claims?

Yes, same requirements. Three job search activities per week, documented in WorkSourceWA or your own log.

Definitely worth trying. I was in the same situation and it saved me so much time and frustration. The agents they connect you with are the actual Washington ESD staff, not third party reps.

Good to know it's not some scam service. The phone situation with Washington ESD is just impossible right now.

Thanks everyone. This has been really helpful. I'm going to file my new claim this weekend.

Good luck! The process is straightforward once you get started.

Yes, part-time work counts toward your base period wages. Washington ESD looks at total earnings, not just full-time work.

Perfect, that's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!

How long does the application process usually take for approval?

Typically 1-2 weeks if there are no issues. Could be longer if they need to verify your employment or investigate the job separation.

So even if I didn't use all my benefits from the first claim, I can't access those now?

Correct. Once the benefit year ends, any unused benefits are gone. Each new claim starts fresh with its own benefit calculation.