How often can you apply for unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about reapplying

That's good to know. Do I need to have worked a certain amount since my last claim ended?

Yes, you need qualifying wages in your new base period. Washington ESD will look at the last 5 quarters of work history when you file.

How do you know if you have qualifying wages? I worked part-time for 8 months since my last claim.

Washington ESD will calculate this when you apply. Generally you need wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period and meet minimum wage requirements.

Did you have to call Washington ESD or was it all online?

I tried calling but couldn't get through. Actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent to ask questions about my eligibility. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Each claim has to meet eligibility requirements including having qualifying wages and being unemployed through no fault of your own. It's not easy to abuse.

The system has built-in protections. You can't just keep filing claims without working and earning wages in between.

So if my claim from last year is completely over, I should be able to file a new one now?

Exactly. Once your benefit year expires, you can file a new claim if you meet the work and wage requirements.

This is why I used Claimyr to talk to an agent - they explained the benefit year thing clearly.

Gig work might count depending on how it was reported. Washington ESD looks at wages reported to them, so if taxes were withheld or you paid self-employment tax, it might qualify.

I did some DoorDash and Uber but not sure how that was reported. Guess I'll have to apply and see what happens.

Their website definitely could be clearer. The key factors are: 1) your previous benefit year ended, 2) you have qualifying wages, 3) you're unemployed through no fault of your own.

Thanks, that's helpful. I wish they just laid it out that simply on their site.

If you file and don't qualify, they'll just deny your claim. No penalties for that. The problems come if you receive benefits you weren't entitled to and don't report it.

Ok good to know. I'd rather ask than assume.

What industry are you in? Sounds like you've had a tough time with job stability.

Construction. It's pretty common to have seasonal layoffs or projects ending. UI helps bridge the gaps.

Exactly right. The benefit year is key. You get one claim per benefit year regardless of how quickly you use up your weeks.

Yeah I worked for 4 months after exhausting benefits but still had to wait for the benefit year to end before filing again.

Never heard of that service. Does it cost anything?

There's a fee but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of calling for hours with no luck.

That's a good point. I did get a raise at my last job so hopefully that would help.

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter in the base period to calculate benefits, so any wage increases should help.

This is probably the most practical advice. The application will walk you through eligibility and calculate everything automatically.

Overpayments can complicate things. Washington ESD might offset your new benefits to recover the overpayment, but it shouldn't prevent you from filing a new claim if you're otherwise eligible.

Good to know. I'll mention the overpayment when I apply so there are no surprises.

That makes sense. I think I was overthinking it because I didn't want to do anything wrong.

Totally understandable. The system can be confusing but it's there to help people who need it.

Exactly right. Good luck with your new claim!

Hope it goes smoothly for you. And remember, if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service really does work.