How many times can you collect unemployment in Washington - any limits?

There's no lifetime limit on how many times you can collect unemployment in Washington. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements each time (worked enough hours, lost job through no fault of your own, etc.), you can file a new claim. The key is that you need to have earned enough wages during your base period to qualify for each new claim.

ive collected unemployment 4 times over the past 15 years and never had any issues. washington esd doesn't care how many times youve filed as long as you qualify each time

You're fine to file again. The Washington ESD system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, regardless of how many times it happens. I've actually had to use the system multiple times myself due to the nature of my industry (construction). What matters is that you meet the current eligibility requirements. However, if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to verify your eligibility or check your claim status, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that helps people reach ESD agents by phone. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you run into any issues with your claim.

WAIT there's no limit?? I thought after 3 times they would start questioning you more. I've been avoiding filing because I was worried about being flagged as someone who abuses the system.

The only thing that matters is whether you have sufficient wage credits in your base period for the new claim. I work in HR and I've seen employees collect benefits multiple times over their careers without any issues. Each benefit year is independent.

honestly the hardest part is just getting through to someone at washington esd when you have questions. their phone lines are always busy

I've heard some people worry about this but Washington state actually has one of the more generous unemployment systems. They want to help people who are genuinely between jobs, not punish them for needing help multiple times.

My brother has collected unemployment probably 6 or 7 times over the years (he's in seasonal work) and never had any problems. Each time was legitimate job loss and he qualified based on his recent work history.

Just make sure you're honest on your application and meet all the requirements. The number of previous claims isn't a factor, but any misrepresentation definitely is.

I work for a temp agency and we have people who file for UI benefits multiple times per year sometimes due to the nature of temporary work. Washington ESD handles these cases routinely.

been collecting on and off for years due to my industry (hospitality) and never had issues. sometimes i wonder if there should be some kind of limit though, seems like some people might take advantage

For anyone who's nervous about filing multiple claims, I'd suggest calling Washington ESD directly to ask about your specific situation. Though fair warning - it can be really hard to get through to someone. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually helped me reach an agent much faster than trying to call on my own.

The key thing to remember is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. You and your employers have been paying into the system, so you shouldn't feel guilty about using it when you need it, even if it's multiple times.

OP you should be fine to file again. I've seen people file 10+ times over their careers without any issues. The system is there to help workers, not to punish them for needing help multiple times.

Just wanted to add that if you do file again and run into any adjudication issues or delays, that Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier can help you get through to Washington ESD faster to resolve problems. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone until I used their service.

To summarize for the OP: No limit on number of claims, each claim evaluated independently, just need to meet eligibility requirements each time. You're good to file again!