How often can you file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

That's a relief! I was worried I'd used up my 'quota' or something. Do I file a completely new claim or reopen my old one?

You'll likely need to file a new initial claim since you worked and earned wages after your last claim ended. The system will determine if you qualify for a new benefit year based on your recent work history.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Did you have to go through the whole application process both times?

yeah both times i had to do the full application and job search requirements. second time was actually faster to get approved though

What exactly is the base period? Is that the last 4 quarters I worked?

The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in December 2024, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024.

wait that doesn't make sense, wouldn't it include more recent work? i thought they used your most recent wages

There's also an alternate base period that uses the last 4 completed quarters if you don't qualify under the standard base period. Washington ESD will automatically check both to see which gives you the higher benefit amount.

I discovered this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them myself. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

try calling right at 8am when they open, sometimes you can get through faster then

awesome! did you have to redo all the job search stuff too?

Yeah, I had to register with WorkSourceWA again and set up my job search activities. But since I'd done it before, it was pretty quick.

Good point. That's why the wage credit requirements are so important. You need sufficient new wages to establish a new benefit year.

how much do you need to earn between claims? is there a specific dollar amount?

You need at least $1,000 in wages in your base period, and your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings.

That's really helpful to know! Construction can be pretty seasonal too depending on the weather.

Exactly. Just make sure you report your return to work properly when you do find a job, and then file a new claim when that work ends.

No, filing multiple legitimate claims doesn't trigger fraud investigations. Fraud occurs when people file false claims or don't report work properly. Filing when you're legitimately unemployed is exactly what the system is designed for.

ok good because i was worried about that too, been laid off three times this year already

As long as each layoff was legitimate and not your fault, you can file each time. Just be honest about your work history and reasons for separation.

Your weekly benefit amount is recalculated based on the wages in your new base period. If you earned more in recent quarters, your benefit could be higher. If you earned less, it could be lower.

Mine actually stayed about the same since I was making similar wages at both jobs.

That's crazy that you got laid off so many times! What industry are you in?

hospitality/events. lots of seasonal and project-based work that comes and goes

Good reminder! I already registered with WorkSourceWA again and set up my job search log.

do the job search requirements change between claims or stay the same?

They can change based on your occupation and local job market, but usually it's 3 job search activities per week for most people.

Glad it helped! Don't hesitate to file if you're eligible - that's what the system is there for.

Yeah I was being dumb and worried about 'looking bad' but unemployment isn't my fault

I'm definitely going to try that. Been calling for a week straight with no luck.

Worth checking out their demo video first so you know what to expect. Made the whole process way less stressful for me.

That's really reassuring. I felt like I was somehow 'abusing' the system by needing to file again so soon.

Not at all! You paid into the system through your work, so you're entitled to benefits when you're unemployed through no fault of your own.

exactly this. unemployment insurance is insurance - you pay premiums through your work and get benefits when you need them

Good advice. I've been keeping all my pay stubs and employment records organized just in case.

Smart. Also keep records of why each job ended - layoff letters, termination notices, etc. Helps if there are ever questions about your eligibility.