Can you file for unemployment more than once in Washington ESD - multiple claims question

I made about $15,000 at the second job so not sure if that's enough for a new claim. Would a new claim give me more money than reopening the old one?

It depends on your wages. Washington ESD will automatically file whichever type of claim gives you the higher weekly benefit amount. You should definitely apply and let them figure out what's best.

That's reassuring to hear! I was worried there might be some kind of limit or they'd think I was gaming the system somehow.

Nope, as long as you lost your job through no fault of your own and meet the work requirements, you're good. That's literally what the system is designed for.

Never heard of that service before. Is it legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two days straight with no luck.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. I was skeptical at first too but it actually worked. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my claim. Definitely worth it if you need to actually talk to someone at ESD instead of just guessing what to do.

True, I guess I'm overthinking it. I'll just apply and see what happens.

What exactly is the base period? I always get confused about how they calculate that.

It's the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in April 2025, they look at your wages from October 2023 through September 2024.

That makes sense, thanks for explaining it simply!

Good to know I'm not alone in this situation. Construction work can be pretty unpredictable too with seasonal layoffs and projects ending.

Exactly! That's just the nature of certain industries. As long as you're not quitting jobs voluntarily, you should be fine to file multiple claims.

I was laid off last Friday so I should probably apply this week then. Thanks for the reminder!

Yes definitely apply this week. You can backdate a claim but it's easier to just file right away.

I remember having to do 3 job search activities per week on my last claim. Is that still the current requirement?

I think it's still 3 per week but double check when you file. They sometimes change the requirements.

It's definitely still 3 job search activities per week unless you're in an approved training program or have other exemptions.

That's a lot of layoffs! What industry are you in if you don't mind me asking?

Hospitality/restaurant work. Lots of businesses opened and closed during and after COVID. Not much job security but at least unemployment was there when I needed it.

Good point. I still have all my paperwork from the last claim in a folder somewhere. I'll make sure to keep it handy.

Smart move. It's always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it with Washington ESD.

I worked the full time between my claims so that shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for mentioning that though.

This is exactly right. People seem to think there's some stigma to filing multiple times but it's literally what we pay into the system for.

You're both right. I guess I was just worried about how it might look, but if it's normal then I shouldn't stress about it.

I might look into that if I can't get through to Washington ESD directly. Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with it.

Yeah it's definitely worth it for peace of mind, especially when you have questions about more complex situations like multiple claims.

Will do! I'm going to apply online tomorrow morning and see what happens. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice and reassurance.

Good luck! I'm sure it will work out fine. The hardest part is usually just getting through the application process.

Oh good catch! I did switch banks recently so I'll definitely need to update that. Thanks for the reminder!

No problem! It's one of those easy things to forget that can cause unnecessary delays.