How long do you have to wait to reapply for unemployment after claim ends?

So there's no specific waiting period? I worked part-time for about 6 months after my original claim started, would that count toward a new base period?

Yes, that part-time work could help establish a new claim. Washington ESD looks at the wages you earned in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.

How do I know if I have enough wages? Is there a minimum amount required?

You need wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total base period wages need to be at least 680 times the state minimum wage. For 2024, that's about $11,560.

I had the same problem calling Washington ESD until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to actual ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Try calling right at 8am when they open, that's usually when you have the best chance of getting through.

It's not automatic - you still need to meet all the eligibility requirements including having sufficient wages in your base period. Many people don't qualify for a new claim right away.

oh ok that makes more sense. so its not really about waiting its about whether you worked enough

I looked into some programs but most require you to be on active unemployment benefits to qualify. It's frustrating because I could really use the training.

That's the catch-22 of the whole system. You need benefits to get training but can't get benefits without recent work history. It's maddening.

I haven't been to WorkSource yet. Do they have programs for people who aren't currently on unemployment?

Yes, they have various programs including some that don't require active UI benefits. Worth checking out - they can also help with resume writing and job search strategies.

I feel your frustration but getting angry won't help your situation. The rules are actually pretty clear if you take time to understand them.

Easy for you to say! When you can't even get someone on the phone to explain your specific situation, those 'clear rules' don't mean much.

How long did it take to get approved? And did you have to do anything special since it was a reapplication?

Took about 2 weeks for full approval. I had to verify some of my recent employment but otherwise it was just like filing an initial claim.

This is important - if you file and don't qualify, it can affect your eligibility for certain programs. Better to check your wage history first.

How do I check my wage history before filing? Is there a way to see if I'd qualify without actually submitting a claim?

How much does that service cost? Seems like something Washington ESD should provide for free.

You're right they should provide it for free, but good luck getting through to them on your own. The service saved me from potentially filing an invalid claim.

Wait, so my part-time work from 6 months ago might not even count toward a new claim?

It depends on exactly when you worked and when you file. The base period is specific calendar quarters, not just any 12-month period.

It's definitely complicated but once you understand the base period concept it makes more sense. The rules are there to prevent fraud.

I get that but they could explain it better. Most people don't know what a 'base period' even means.

Yes, the alternate base period uses the most recent four completed quarters instead of the first four of the last five. It can help people who worked more recently.

This is getting really complicated. Maybe I should try to talk to someone at Washington ESD to figure out my specific situation.

Seriously, just try Claimyr. I know I mentioned it before but it really does work. You'll get your answers in one call instead of wasting weeks trying to get through.

Yeah I'm starting to think that might be my only option. The regular phone system is completely useless.

Thanks for the summary! This has been really helpful. I think I'll try to get my wage information first before filing anything.

Smart approach. Better to be informed before you file than to deal with complications later.