Can you reapply for unemployment benefits after Washington ESD claim ended?

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

You can apply right away as long as you meet the base period requirements from your recent work. No waiting period between claims.

How long did it take for your new claim to get approved? I'm worried about the wait time.

Mine took about 2 weeks from filing to first payment. Not too bad compared to my first claim which took forever.

I actually found a solution for that calling problem. There's a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me when I was stuck in phone hell.

Interesting, I'll have to look into that. The phone system is such a nightmare.

Does that service actually work? I'm always skeptical of third-party stuff for government benefits.

No, you have to have worked and earned enough wages between claims to qualify again. It's not automatic - you need to meet the base period earnings requirements each time.

oh ok that makes more sense then

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you eventually get it resolved?

Still working on it. Might try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

How do I know if my benefit year ended? Is that different from when I ran out of weeks?

Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed. If it's been more than a year, you definitely need a new claim. If less than a year but you exhausted your weeks, you still might need a new claim depending on your work history.

This is confusing. Why can't they just make it simple?

Ugh, that's what I'm afraid of. Did you eventually get it sorted out?

Yeah, finally got approved last week. The adjudication process is just really slow sometimes.

That's where services like Claimyr really help. They handle the phone maze for you so you can actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

might have to try that next time

Good point, I'll make sure to have all that ready. Anything else I should prepare?

Bank account info for direct deposit and your employment history for the last 18 months. Makes the process much smoother.

It's completely recalculated based on your wages from the new base period. So if you earned more at your recent job, your weekly benefit amount could be higher.

That's actually great news since I was making more at my last job!

Yes, you still need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. The requirements haven't changed for new claims.

Ok good to know, I'll start keeping track again.

That's encouraging! Did he have to do a phone interview or anything?

nope just filed online and waited. pretty simple

I'll look for that tool, thanks! Hopefully it'll give me a clear answer.

Yeah it asks you a few questions about your work history and tells you which option to choose.

Good advice, I'll file this week. Better to get the process started sooner rather than later.

Exactly, even if there are delays at least you'll have your filing date locked in.

That's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through it multiple times. Any tips for making it go smoother?

Have all your documents organized ahead of time and file early in the morning when the website is less busy. Also keep copies of everything you submit.

Yes, part-time work counts as long as you earned enough wages during your base period quarters. Washington ESD looks at total earnings, not just full-time employment.

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

Oh wow, I didn't know that. I don't think I owe anything but I'll double-check.

Yeah it's worth checking your account before you apply. Saves headaches later.

Good luck! Feel free to post here if you run into any issues during the process.

And remember, if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through, Claimyr is there to help. Makes the whole process less stressful.

Will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks again everyone!