How often can I file for unemployment in Washington - multiple claims allowed?

That's good to know! So if I work for like 6 months and then get laid off again, I should be able to file another claim?

Exactly. As long as you've worked enough hours and earned enough wages to establish a new benefit year, you can file again.

Did they ask you a bunch of questions about why you got laid off the second time?

yeah they did the usual stuff about whether it was my fault or not but nothing crazy different from the first time

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

You need wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total base period wages must be at least 680 times your weekly benefit amount. Washington ESD will calculate this when you file.

That sounds really complicated. Is there an easier way to figure this out before filing?

I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They handle the calling and waiting for you. Check out claimyr.com - there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it when you need answers about complex stuff like multiple claims. Way better than spending hours trying to get through yourself.

That sounds like you might not have had sufficient wages to establish a new benefit year, not that you hit some kind of claim limit. What exactly did the rejection notice say?

I don't remember exactly but it was something about not qualifying. Maybe you're right about the wages thing

The rejection was likely due to insufficient base period wages, not a limit on number of claims. This is a common misunderstanding.

Most likely yes, assuming you're earning decent wages during those months. The key is having enough earnings in your base period when you file the new claim.

yep should be fine. i've filed like 4 times over the past few years due to seasonal work and never had issues as long as i worked between claims

Being fired can make you ineligible for benefits if it was for misconduct, but if you do qualify, the rules about multiple claims are the same. Each claim is evaluated independently.

Ok good to know. I'm just paranoid about messing something up with Washington ESD.

Yeah I definitely don't want to deal with having to pay money back. How exactly do you report that you started working?

you can do it online when you file your weekly claim or call them. just report your first day of work and they'll stop your benefits

That makes me feel better. I work in construction so layoffs happen pretty regularly in the winter.

Yeah construction and temp work are exactly the situations where multiple claims are normal and expected.

No waiting period required. You can file a new claim as soon as you become unemployed again, as long as you meet the wage requirements.

Perfect, thanks for clearing that up!

Yeah I'm definitely looking for work. Just want to know my options if I get laid off again since it seems to happen a lot in my industry.

makes sense. seasonal and project-based work definitely leads to multiple claims and that's totally normal

I tried looking on their website but couldn't find clear info. Where exactly did you find that?

It's in their eligibility requirements section. You have to dig around but it's there.

15 years wow! That definitely makes me feel better about potentially needing to file again later.

Yeah don't worry about it. Focus on finding good work when you can and use the benefits when you need them. That's what they're there for.

They recalculate using your most recent base period wages. Each new claim uses the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file that specific claim.

Oh ok that makes sense. So if you earned more at your recent job you might get higher benefits on the new claim?

Exactly. Your weekly benefit amount could be higher if you earned more in your new base period.

Really? I might have to try that. Did they ask for a lot of personal information?

Nope, super easy to use. Just tell them what you need help with and they handle getting you connected to the right person at Washington ESD.

Sorry to hear that. At least we both know now that we can file again if we need to!

yeah exactly. good to know the system isn't designed to punish people who end up unemployed multiple times through no fault of their own

Good point. I should probably start keeping better track of my pay stubs and stuff.

Yeah definitely. Also keep records of when you start and stop work so you can report accurately on your claims.

Same here! Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.

Glad we could help. The unemployment system can be confusing but once you understand the basics it's not too bad.

Absolutely. I'm definitely looking for something more stable but nice to know I have options if I need them.

Exactly. That's what unemployment insurance is designed for - to help people between jobs, however many times that might be.