Can you file for unemployment twice with Washington ESD?

That's a relief! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between claims or can I file right away?

You can file immediately as long as you meet the work requirements. Washington ESD looks at your earnings in the base period to determine eligibility.

Good to know it's not complicated. Did you have any issues with the multiple filings?

No issues at all. Washington ESD just looks at your most recent work history for each new claim.

How does that service work exactly? I'm worried about getting stuck in phone hell again.

It basically calls Washington ESD for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of redialing and sitting on hold.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone lines are absolutely brutal to get through.

I worked for about 10 months at my last job making decent wages, so I should qualify right?

10 months of steady work should definitely meet the base period requirements. You can check your wage history on your Washington ESD account.

No penalty for exhausting benefits - that's the normal way a claim ends. You only have issues if you were disqualified for misconduct or fraud.

Oh thank god, I was worried I messed something up by using all my benefits the first time.

That makes sense. I was overthinking it I guess.

Yeah the system is pretty straightforward about this. Multiple claims are super common.

That's reassuring to hear from someone with lots of experience with this.

Yeah, it's just part of how unemployment insurance works. You pay into it when you work, you can use it when you don't.

Exactly right. That's literally what the system is designed for - people who cycle in and out of work.

Yes, the job search requirements apply to every claim. You still need to search for work and keep records.

Ugh, I was hoping that part would be different somehow.

The requirements are the same but you get used to the routine after doing it once.

It's always based on your base period earnings for that specific claim. So if you made more money at your recent job, your benefits could be higher.

Cool, that's what I was hoping. My recent job paid way better than my previous one.

Good luck! The online filing system is pretty straightforward for subsequent claims.

If you run into any issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned. Saved me a ton of frustration.

How long did it take to get approved?

About 2 weeks for the initial determination, then another week before I could start filing weekly claims.

That's pretty typical timing in my experience.

Yeah it was definitely a layoff, company lost a major contract. Should be no issues there.

Perfect, that's the easiest type of separation for Washington ESD to process.

It's the period of time Washington ESD looks at to determine your benefit amount. Usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

Got it, so they look at a specific time window of your earnings, not just your most recent job.

Exactly. This way they get a broader picture of your work history, not just your last paycheck.

True, I remember the weekly claims were pretty simple once I got the hang of it.

Yeah, and you know what to expect for the job search requirements and reporting.

Good point, I'll double check all my info in the system before I file.

Smart move. It's easier to fix that stuff upfront than deal with it later.

No limit as long as you meet the work requirements each time. Some people in seasonal industries file regularly.

That makes sense. I work in tourism so my employment is pretty seasonal too.

Yeah, same with construction. The system is built to handle people who cycle through unemployment.

That's encouraging! I'm feeling much better about this whole thing now.

Yeah, once you've been through the process once, subsequent claims are much less stressful.

Is it expensive to use?

Worth every penny considering how much time and stress it saves. Way better than spending hours trying to get through on your own.

I might try that if I have issues. The Washington ESD phone system is a nightmare.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to hear. Filing tomorrow for sure.

Good luck with everything! You've got this.

Yeah, unemployment insurance is different from welfare programs that might have waiting periods.

Exactly. Unemployment is insurance you pay into while working, so you can use it whenever you qualify.