ESD claim restart not working - can't file after clicking restart claim button

This happened to me back in January. The restart button sometimes glitches out, especially if your previous claim expired completely. When was your last claim period? If it's been more than 52 weeks, you actually need to file a new claim instead of restarting. Try going to the main page and look for "File a new claim" instead of restart. Also make sure you're using Chrome or Edge - the ESD website has weird compatibility issues with Firefox and Safari.

most likley u need 2 call them thats what i had 2 do cuz mine was all messed up to. they fixed it rite away once i talked 2 a person but good luck gettin thru LOL

I went through this exact situation in March! After trying different browsers and devices, I discovered that if your benefit year has ended (after 52 weeks from initial filing), the system won't let you restart - you MUST file a new claim. Also, make sure you don't have any outstanding issues on your previous claim before starting a new one. Check the "Notices/Letters" section in your eServices account to see if there are any unresolved issues or overpayment notices that might be blocking you from filing. One more thing - if you worked during those 8 months, you'll need all that employment information ready when you file a new claim, including employer addresses and dates. The system will check if you've earned enough in your base year to qualify for a new claim period.

Not to go off topic but your situation reminded me of when I tried restarting last year and nothing happened either. Spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through to ESD and my bills were piling up. Finally I just had to physically go to WorkSource and have them help me. That's another option if you can't get it sorted online.

I work with unemployment claims regularly, and this is a common issue. Here's what's happening: When you try to restart a claim that's been inactive for over 52 weeks, the system won't process it correctly because you need a new benefit year. You'll need to: 1. File a completely new claim (not restart) 2. If that doesn't work, there may be a technical flag on your account that requires agent assistance The most efficient way to resolve this would be to speak with an ESD agent directly. I know their phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through. Many people have had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent quickly without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Whatever route you choose, make sure you're prepared with your employment history for the past 18 months when filing a new claim.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT HARD TO GET BENEFITS!!!! They hope you'll just give up trying. I had to call 37 TIMES before getting through last time. The website is deliberately broken and they don't fix it because they don't want to pay out benefits. So frustrating!!!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what worked. I used Chrome browser and clicked on "Apply for unemployment benefits" instead of trying to restart my claim. Had to go through the whole application process again with all my employment history, but it went through! The system accepted my new claim and now I'm able to file weekly claims again. Thanks everyone for your help!

Quick tip that might help others with similar issues - I recently learned that ESD's system treats claims differently based on how they ended. If your previous claim ended because you returned to work (voluntary stop), it's handled differently than if your benefits were exhausted or if your benefit year expired. If anyone reading this is trying to restart after voluntarily stopping claims mid-year, you actually CAN use the restart button as long as you're still within your benefit year. Just another quirk of the system that's not clearly explained anywhere on their website.