How long does an unemployment claim stay open with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So even if I don't find work for several months, I can keep filing weekly as long as I'm within that year?

Exactly, as long as you're actively looking for work and reporting it in your job search log. Just don't miss filing your weekly claims or you could have issues.

Oh that's a good point. I've been unemployed pretty consistently so I think I'm using up my benefits steadily.

Yeah the benefit year is 52 weeks but you only get a certain dollar amount total. Once that's gone, you'd need to file a new claim if you're still eligible.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call for two weeks about another issue with my claim.

Yeah it worked for me. I was skeptical at first but got through to an actual Washington ESD agent within like 20 minutes instead of calling for hours.

Never heard of that service but if it helps avoid the endless hold times I might try it.

So if I run out of benefits in like March, I'd have to wait until October to file a new claim?

No, you can file a new claim anytime if you have enough recent work history. The benefit year is just for your current claim.

Tell me about it! I feel like I'm constantly worried I'm doing something wrong.

It is confusing at first but once you get the hang of the weekly filing routine it becomes second nature.

Really? How many weeks can you miss before they close it?

I think it's like 4-6 weeks but don't quote me on that. Better to just file every week even if you worked.

Yeah they'll send you a notice if you haven't filed in a while asking if you want to keep your claim open.

You need to earn at least $4,977 in covered employment during your base year to qualify for a new claim. The base year is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters.

Thanks! So if I've been unemployed most of the year I probably won't qualify for a new claim right away.

The standard requirement is 3 job search activities per week throughout your entire claim. It doesn't increase over time in Washington.

Good to know. I was worried they might make it harder the longer you're on unemployment.

how much does it cost? i'm already broke from being unemployed lol

It's not expensive and honestly saved me hours of trying to call. Plus I got accurate information instead of guessing.

Do they send you a notice or does it just show up in your account?

Both - you get letters in the mail and notifications in your online account about important dates and remaining balances.

Yeah I should probably look into that. I worked for about 6 months before getting laid off so hopefully that's enough.

That should be enough if you earned over the minimum threshold. The Washington ESD website has a calculator to help you figure it out.

Good to hear from someone with experience! Did you have any issues when you went back to work during your second claim?

Nope, just reported my work and wages like normal. The system handles part-time work pretty well.

No limit as long as you meet the work and wage requirements each time. Seasonal workers file new claims regularly.

That's reassuring. I work in construction so layoffs are pretty common in winter.

Right, so if I find work after 6 months but get laid off again, I could still file weekly claims on my original claim?

Exactly, as long as you're still within your benefit year and have benefits left to collect.

Same here! I was getting paranoid about missing some deadline.

Just keep filing weekly and you'll be fine. The system will notify you well in advance of any important dates.

I was actually thinking about taking some online courses. Do I need to report that?

Yes, you need to report any training or education because it might affect your availability for work requirement.

Yeah I've been keeping up with the job search requirements. Three activities per week adds up over time.

It does, but it's also actually helped me stay organized in my job search instead of just randomly applying places.

Multiple people have mentioned that service now. Might be worth trying if I can't get through the normal way.

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it worked. Got connected to an actual Washington ESD agent who could see my account details.

Good idea. I'll add it to my calendar so I don't forget.

Smart. And if you're close to the end with no new work history, start looking into other options like job training programs.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about my claim timeline now.

Happy to help. The unemployment system is complex but once you understand the basics it gets easier to navigate.