Can you have two unemployment claims at the same time with Washington ESD?

So I should report wages from both jobs on my existing claim? What if the second job ends after I already started claiming?

Yes, report all wages during your weekly certification. If your second job ends, just continue filing your weekly claims and report that income has stopped.

Your friend probably misunderstood. You file ONE claim that includes wages from multiple employers during your base period. Washington ESD combines all qualifying wages into a single benefit calculation.

yeah this is confusing, the Washington ESD website isn't super clear about it either

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call for days with no luck.

It's worth it when you're stuck like this. Much easier than spending hours on hold or getting hung up on constantly.

Never heard of this service but honestly anything is better than the endless busy signals from Washington ESD

Okay that makes more sense. So even if I worked for 3 different companies during my base period, it's still just one claim?

Exactly. One claim, multiple employers' wages included in the calculation. Washington ESD will verify wages with all your employers during adjudication.

RIGHT? Like why is it so hard to get straight answers about basic unemployment rules

The information is there, but it's buried in their handbook. Most people don't realize they need to read through all the technical documentation.

Yes, all base period wages get combined, but Washington ESD will adjudicate the reason for separation from each job. If you quit one without good cause, it could affect your eligibility even if you were fired from another.

ugh this is getting more complicated

This helps a lot, thank you. I was really worried I'd done something wrong by not filing a separate claim for my second job.

Same here, I was stressing about this exact thing

No, you'd continue on your existing claim year unless you worked enough to establish a new claim with higher benefits. Most people just continue their current claim.

Right, and if you do want to start a new claim, you'd have to meet the wage requirements again and would lose any remaining balance on your current claim.

I might have to try that. Still haven't been able to get through on the phone.

How does Claimyr work exactly? Do they just keep calling until someone answers?

Yeah basically, they handle all the waiting and calling so you don't have to sit there for hours. Check out their demo video, it explains the whole process.

Correct. One claim per benefit year. The wages from both jobs would be included in calculating your single weekly benefit amount.

got it, thanks for being patient with all my questions lol

Same! I was so worried I was doing something wrong.

That's exactly why these discussions are valuable. Washington ESD's website really could be clearer about this basic concept.

Washington ESD's system should prevent you from filing a duplicate claim, but if it somehow went through, just contact them immediately to explain it was an error. They deal with mistakes like this regularly.

ok good to know, I was paranoid about accidentally messing something up

Seriously! How hard would it be to include a simple FAQ about multiple jobs?

At least we have forums like this where people share real experiences

This is really helpful context. So having multiple jobs during my base period might actually increase my weekly benefit amount?

Exactly! More qualifying wages typically means higher benefits, up to the state maximum.

I'm definitely going to check this out. Been too stressed about making mistakes with my claim.

Thanks for all the help everyone. This thread cleared up so much confusion for me!