Can you reapply for unemployment with Washington ESD after initial claim expires?

Thank you! Do I use the same SecureAccess Washington login or do I need to create a new account?

Same login should work fine. Just go to the regular new claim application section.

Oh no, that sounds terrible. How did you finally get through to them?

I actually found this service called Claimyr that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Interesting, I'll have to look into that if I run into issues. Thanks for the tip!

Good point - I did have some W-2 work during the time I wasn't on unemployment so that should help my benefit amount.

Wait, does that mean if you worked while not on unemployment it can actually increase your weekly benefit rate?

Exactly! If you earned more in the new base period than your previous claim, your weekly benefit amount could go up.

I feel you on that. The adjudication process alone can take weeks even for straightforward claims.

yeah and dont even get me started on trying to call them, its impossible

What are the current work requirements? I thought you needed like 680 hours or something?

It's actually based on earnings in your base period. You need at least $4,000 in total base period wages, with at least $1,200 in your highest quarter and earnings in at least two quarters.

Oh okay, that's different than what I remembered. Thanks for clarifying!

Yes, the job search requirement is still 3 job contacts per week and you need to keep a log. But there are some activities that count besides just applications - networking events, job fairs, career counseling sessions.

That's actually not too bad. I was worried they'd increased it to like 5 or something.

Gig work counts as self-employment income, so you'll need to report it when you file your new claim. It might actually help your base period earnings if you made decent money doing it.

Good to know! I kept track of everything so I should be able to report it accurately.

Why do they put claims in adjudication? Is it random or is there usually a specific reason?

Usually it's because they need to verify something - work history, reason for separation, wage information. Sometimes it's just because their system flagged something that needs human review.

If you do get stuck in adjudication and need to talk to someone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is pretty helpful. I used it when my claim was taking forever and actually got through to resolve the issue.

It really is pretty simple if you have all your information ready. The online application walks you through everything step by step.

Perfect, I'm going to gather my paperwork this weekend and file next week.

Good tip! How do you update your address with Washington ESD?

You can do it online through your eServices account or by calling them. Definitely easier to do it online if you can get logged in.

Nope, no penalty for waiting. You just file a new claim based on your current situation. You can't get benefits for the time between when your old claim ended and your new one starts though.

ok cool, i was worried they would make me wait longer or something

They'll ask about your work history during the gap period, but there's no requirement to have applied for unemployment immediately after your previous claim ended. As long as you're unemployed now through no fault of your own, you should be fine.

That's reassuring, thank you!

Oh wow, such a small mistake but big consequences. I'll definitely double check everything before I submit.

Same thing happened to me with a wrong zip code. Had to wait for them to verify the employer info manually.

How does that service work exactly? Do they just call for you or is there more to it?

They basically handle the whole calling process - dealing with the phone tree, waiting on hold, then connecting you directly when they get an agent on the line. Super simple and saves hours of frustration.

Glad we could help! The sooner you apply the sooner you can start getting benefits if you're approved.

Same here, this thread answered all my questions. Thanks everyone!

Good point! I had that issue with a restaurant that closed during COVID. Ended up needing my final paystub and W-2 to prove the employment.

Exactly, any documentation you have helps speed up the verification process.