Can you file a new Washington ESD unemployment claim when it runs out?

So I have to wait the full 52 weeks even if my benefits run out earlier? That doesn't make sense if I'm still unemployed.

No, you can file a new claim after your benefit year ends. If your benefits run out before the year ends, you might be eligible for extended benefits depending on the unemployment rate.

Did you have any issues with the new claim? I'm worried they'll deny me because I haven't worked much while on unemployment.

That's the tricky part - if you haven't worked enough during your benefit year, you might not qualify for a new claim. You'd need wages from work, not just unemployment benefits.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit? How much does it cost?

Yeah it's legitimate - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents when the lines are busy. Check out claimyr.com for more info. Totally worth it when you need answers fast.

I might try that because I've been calling for days with no luck. Thanks for the suggestion!

This is confusing. Why don't they just look at the most recent wages?

It's because there's a lag time in when employers report wages to Washington ESD. They use the completed quarters to make sure all wage information is available.

I understand the frustration, but the rules are there for a reason. It prevents people from filing multiple claims when they're not eligible.

maybe but they could explain it better instead of making us guess what we're supposed to do

Yes, part-time work counts as long as you earned enough wages and worked enough hours. Washington ESD has minimum requirements for both.

Good to know! I did some gig work so hopefully that helps my case.

You have to wait until your benefit year actually ends. You can't file early, but you should file as soon as possible after it ends to avoid any gaps in benefits.

Thanks, that's helpful. I'll mark my calendar so I don't forget.

How do you find out if extended benefits are available?

Washington ESD announces it on their website when extended benefits kick in. It's usually automatic if you're eligible.

Unemployment insurance is designed to be temporary assistance while you look for work. The time limits encourage people to actively search for employment.

I get that but some people genuinely can't find work that quickly, especially in this job market.

Did they help you actually file the new claim or just answer questions?

They helped me get through to an Washington ESD agent who could explain my options and walk me through the process. I still had to file online myself but at least I knew what I was doing.

That's great news! At least now you know where you stand. Did she mention anything about the waiting period?

She said there might be a one-week waiting period for the new claim, but I should apply right away when my benefit year ends to minimize any gap.

Yikes, that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid. Did you eventually get the benefits for those 3 weeks?

No, those weeks were lost. Washington ESD doesn't backdate benefits for filing delays that are your fault.

If you don't qualify for a new UI claim, you might be eligible for other assistance programs like food stamps, Medicaid, or job training programs through WorkSource.

That's better than nothing I guess. This whole process is so stressful.

How long did the adjudication take for your new claim?

About 2 weeks, but I had all my documentation ready. Some people wait longer if there are issues with their work history.

Is it worth the cost though? I'm already tight on money.

For me it was worth it because I needed answers fast and couldn't afford to wait weeks for a callback. Check out claimyr.com and decide for yourself.

Good point. I've been keeping my job search log updated but I wasn't sure if the requirements would be the same for a new claim.

Yeah, it's the same requirements. Keep your WorkSourceWA account active too since they cross-reference that information.

That's smart thinking. I've been applying consistently but I'll ramp it up even more.

Exactly. Plus you never know - you might actually get a job offer and not need to file a new claim at all!

Glad it helped! It's definitely better to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute.

Good luck to both of you. The process is manageable once you understand the requirements.

How do you request that? Through the online account?

Yes, you can request it online or by calling Washington ESD. Having that information ahead of time really helps with planning.

Same here! I feel much more confident about the process now. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

That's what these forums are for. We all help each other navigate this complicated system.