How many unemployment claims can you file with Washington ESD - limits?

That's a relief! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between claims or can I file right after my layoff?

No waiting period between claims. File as soon as you're unemployed to avoid losing potential benefits. Your new claim will be based on wages from the past 15 months.

Good to know it's possible! Were there any complications filing the multiple claims?

not really, just had to make sure i had enough qualifying wages each time. the hardest part was actually getting through to washington esd when i had questions

Wait, so if I worked part-time during my previous claim, does that count toward qualifying for a new claim?

Yes, any wages earned during your previous benefit year can be included in the base period for your new claim, as long as they fall within the 15-month lookback period.

This is getting complicated. Is there an easy way to check if I have enough qualifying wages before filing?

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

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I feel your frustration but getting upset won't help your claim get processed faster.

easy for you to say when you're not dealing with bills piling up while trying to figure out their system

Those numbers seem higher than last year. Do they adjust them for inflation?

Yes, Washington ESD adjusts the monetary requirements each year based on average weekly wages in the state.

Each claim is evaluated independently based on your qualifying wages and reason for unemployment. Previous claims don't make future claims harder to get, but any overpayments or violations from past claims could affect new ones.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried they might think I'm abusing the system or something.

What kind of records should I keep? Pay stubs, tax returns, what else?

pay stubs, w2s, separation notices, anything showing when you worked and why you left each job. makes the process much smoother

Seasonal work can definitely trigger additional reviews. Did they put your claim in adjudication?

Just for a week while they verified my separation reason. Once I provided the documentation they requested, it went through fine.

Yes, you file in the state where you worked. If you worked in multiple states, you might have options for where to file. Each state has different benefit amounts and rules.

Makes sense. Washington ESD benefits were definitely better than what I got in my previous state.

How far back can you backdate a claim if you file late?

Washington ESD allows backdating up to one week in most cases, sometimes longer with good cause, but you'll lose benefits for any weeks you don't file timely.

You reopen if you're still within your benefit year and have weeks remaining. You file a new claim if your benefit year expired or you exhausted all benefits and have new qualifying wages.

That makes it clearer. My benefit year expired so I'll need to file completely new.

Washington ESD may review claims that show unusual patterns, but there's no penalty for filing legitimate claims when you qualify. If you're genuinely unemployed through no fault of your own and meet wage requirements, you have the right to file.

I think the confusion comes from people who try to game the system vs those with legitimate multiple layoffs.

Did they charge you for that service?

They do charge but it was worth it for me since I was wasting so much time trying to call. Check their website for current pricing.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my new claim now.

Good luck with your claim! The process gets easier once you've been through it a few times.

Great advice. I learned this the hard way when they asked for separation documents from a job I had two years ago.

I'll definitely keep better records going forward. Thanks for all the help everyone!