How do I refile for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between claims or can I file right away?

You can file immediately after your benefit year ends. Don't wait or you might miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

Did your benefit amount change when you refiled?

Yeah mine went down a bit because I had some lower paying jobs mixed in there. But still better than nothing!

How much does that cost though? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to Washington ESD.

I get the frustration but for me it was worth it to actually get my questions answered instead of being stuck in phone limbo for weeks.

Wait, how can I file weekly claims if I don't have an active claim yet?

You file them for the new claim once it's submitted. Washington ESD will tell you when to start filing weekly claims during the application process.

This is confusing. I thought you couldn't file weekly claims until your new claim was approved?

That makes more sense. So I file the new claim first, then start doing weekly claims when they tell me to.

Exactly. Usually takes a few days to a week after you submit your initial claim before you can start filing weekly claims.

I know right? Other states do it automatically but Washington makes you jump through hoops.

It's because they need to recalculate your benefits based on more recent work history. It's annoying but there's a reason for it.

I did work a few temp jobs while on unemployment. Will that hurt my new claim?

Not necessarily hurt it, but they'll factor those wages into your new benefit amount calculation. Could go up or down depending on your total wages.

Yeah there's usually a waiting period. I think I went about 2 weeks without payments while they processed my refiled claim.

That's why it's so important to file as soon as your benefit year ends! Don't wait around thinking about it.

Nope, just update your address information when you file. Washington ESD covers the whole state so moving counties doesn't matter.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried I'd have to deal with some kind of transfer process.

Your WorkSource registration should still be active unless it's been a really long time. But double check because you need that for the job search requirements.

Thanks, I'll log in and make sure my profile is up to date.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Got through to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of wasting days trying to call. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.

I'll look into that. This is ridiculous that we can't just get basic help when we need it.

Good point. Do they need the same work authorization documents as the first time?

Usually not if nothing has changed, but have them ready just in case. Better to be prepared.

That happened to my neighbor. Took almost a month but it eventually got approved. Something about verifying work history I think.

Ugh, a month? I can't wait that long. Maybe I should try calling but we all know how that goes.

Adjudication issues are exactly the kind of thing where Claimyr really helps. Getting an agent to explain what's holding up your claim can speed things up a lot.

Exactly! Don't overthink it. The hardest part is just getting started. Once you submit the application the process moves along.

Going to do it today. Wish me luck!

Great advice! I learned that lesson the hard way with my first claim.

Yes! Print or screenshot EVERYTHING. I keep a folder with all my unemployment paperwork just in case.

Refiling gives you a fresh 26 weeks assuming you have enough wage credits in your new base period. It's a completely new claim.

That's a relief. I was worried I'd only get like 10 weeks or something.

You can file over the phone but good luck getting through. The online system works better early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are using it.

I'll try logging in early tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tip!

Yes, the appeal process is the same. You have 30 days from the denial notice to file an appeal. Same rights as any other unemployment claim.

Good to know. Hopefully it won't come to that but nice to know I have options.

Awesome! Hope it goes smoothly for you.

Great job getting it done! Remember to start filing your weekly claims once they give you the go-ahead.

Will do! This thread saved me so much confusion and stress.