ESD claim exhausted before expiration - can I file a new claim now?
Just found out I'm getting laid off at the end of the week. My previous unemployment claim is exhausted (used all benefits) but doesn't technically expire until November 9, 2025. Do I have to wait until after the expiration date to file a new claim? Or can I apply for a new claim immediately since the benefits are used up? Anyone been through this situation recently? I need to know if there's going to be a gap in coverage or if I can transition right away. Thanks for any help!
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Norah Quay
You don't need to wait until the benefit year ends to file a new claim. If you have enough hours/wages in your base year AND you've worked since opening your last claim, you can file a new claim right away. But there's a catch - you need to have worked AND earned enough since your last claim started. I think it's like 6x your weekly benefit amount. Check your "Wage Credits" on your account to see if you qualify.
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Kelsey Chin
•Thank you! I've been at this new job for 8 months so I should have enough hours. Do you know if there's any way to check exactly how many hours I need before I apply? I'm worried about being denied and having to appeal.
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Leo McDonald
the system is totally confusing!! i was in the EXACT same boat last yr. had an old claim that was used up but not expired. ESD made me wait FOUR WEEKS in adjudication before they figured out I qualified for a new claim. WASTE OF TIME!!!! call them before you apply!!!
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Jessica Nolan
•This is correct - the key is whether you've worked enough hours since your last claim BEGAN (not since it ended). You need 680 hours in your new base year, plus you need to have earned at least 6x your previous weekly benefit amount since opening your last claim. If you don't meet both requirements, you'll have to wait until after November 9th to file a new claim.
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Angelina Farar
If your trying to reach ESD by phone to check your status before filing, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It saved me HOURS of redial hell last month when my account got flagged for identity verification. They basically connect you directly to an ESD agent instead of you having to keep calling back. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3
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Sebastián Stevens
•Is that service legit? Seems sketchy to have a third party involved with unemployment stuff. Did they need any of your personal info?
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Angelina Farar
•It's just a call-connecting service - they don't need any ESD account info. They just help you get through the phone queue. The ESD agents never mentioned anything weird about how I got connected.
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Bethany Groves
I'm actually an employer but I've helped employees with this before. The rule is you need 680 hours in your new base year AND you must have returned to work and earned 6 times your weekly benefit amount since opening your previous claim. If you meet both requirements, you can file immediately without waiting for your benefit year to expire. If not, you'll need to wait until after November 9th.
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Kelsey Chin
•Thanks everyone! I just checked my pay stubs and I've definitely worked more than 680 hours since starting this job 8 months ago. My previous weekly benefit was $504, and I've earned way more than 6 times that amount. I'll go ahead and apply online now instead of waiting!
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KingKongZilla
Just wanted to mention that when you apply, make sure to have your employment info from your new job ready - especially your start and end dates and reason for separation. They'll verify this with your employer. Also, the first week is still a waiting week where you won't get paid - that never changed back after COVID.
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Leo McDonald
•ALSO!!! don't forget u have to do 3 job search activities each week and log them!!! esd is super strict about this now and will deny ur claim if u mess up the job search!!! happened to my sister in january
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