How many times can you file unemployment benefits in Washington state?

You can file multiple times but there are specific rules. If your benefit year expired (it's been more than 52 weeks since you filed), you can file a completely new claim. If it's within the same benefit year, you might be able to reopen your existing claim if you have remaining balance.

There's no limit on how many separate claims you can file over your lifetime as long as you meet the work requirements each time. I've filed probably 4-5 times over the past decade during different layoffs.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this exact question. Kept getting busy signals for weeks. Finally used Claimyr.com to get connected to an agent who explained everything clearly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The benefit year is key here. Each claim establishes a 52-week benefit year. Within that year, you can exhaust benefits, go back to work, get laid off again, and potentially reopen IF you have weeks remaining. But most people work long enough that their benefit year expires and they need to file fresh.

ugh this is so confusing!! I'm in a similar situation and have no idea what to do. Filed in March 2024, worked for 8 months, now unemployed again. Do I file new or try to reopen?? What if I mess it up???

Been filing unemployment on and off for 15 years. There's definitely no lifetime limit. I've probably filed 6-7 separate claims. The system is designed for people who cycle in and out of work. Just make sure you have sufficient earnings in your base period each time.

The Washington ESD website has a tool to check if you should file new or reopen but good luck actually accessing it when you need it! Site is always down or slow.

Multiple claims are totally normal. I work in seasonal construction so I file pretty regularly. The important thing is meeting the earnings requirements - you need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. For 2025, I think it's still around $7,000 in earnings.

Just want to add - there's a difference between filing multiple claims over time vs trying to have overlapping claims. You can't have two active claims at once, but you can definitely file new claims as needed throughout your career.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was a lifesaver. Spent 3 weeks trying to get through to Washington ESD about whether to file new or reopen my claim. The agent they connected me with sorted it out in 10 minutes. Worth every penny when you're stressed about benefits.

For what it's worth, I've never had Washington ESD question multiple claims as long as each one was legitimate. They understand that people get laid off, find new jobs, get laid off again, etc. It's a normal part of the economy.

The short answer is: no limit on lifetime claims, but each claim has to meet the work/earnings requirements. If your benefit year expired, file new. If it's still active and you have weeks left, you might be able to reopen. When in doubt, just file new - they'll tell you if you should have reopened instead.

One thing to watch out for - if you're filing a new claim, make sure you have all your employment information ready. They'll need details about your most recent separation and all employers in your base period. It's more thorough than just reopening an existing claim.

been unemployed 3 times in past 5 years, filed each time no problems. washington esd doesnt care how many times as long as you qualify. just file when you need it

The system is designed for exactly this situation. People lose jobs, find new jobs, lose jobs again - it's normal. The unemployment insurance system exists to help during these transitions, no matter how many times it happens.

I've been through this exact scenario multiple times! Since your claim from last year (February 2024) has definitely expired, you'll need to file a completely new claim. Don't stress about it - the process is straightforward and Washington ESD handles repeat filers all the time. Just make sure you have your recent employment information ready, including your separation reason from the most recent job. The 6 months you worked should easily meet the earnings requirements for a new claim. Good luck!