How often can you file unemployment claims with Washington ESD?

You file your initial claim once, then you need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. The weekly claims are basically you reporting that you're still unemployed and available for work.

You have to file weekly claims every single week by the deadline (usually Saturday night) or you'll miss that week's payment. It's not automatic - you have to do it yourself on the Washington ESD website.

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months and honestly the hardest part is getting through to someone when you have questions. I spent hours on hold trying to understand the weekly claim process. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to an agent quickly. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Weekly claims are due every week but you can only file a new initial claim after your benefit year ends (52 weeks) OR if you have a break in your claim and earn enough wages to qualify again.

ugh this is so confusing. why cant they just explain this stuff clearly on their website??

Here's the breakdown: Initial claim = once when you first become unemployed. Weekly claims = every week you want to receive benefits. If you go back to work full-time and stop filing, you'd need to file a new initial claim when you become unemployed again (assuming you meet the wage requirements).

Been on unemployment three times in the past five years due to layoffs in construction. Each time I had to file a new initial claim because I'd worked enough hours between claims. The key is understanding that your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from when you first file, regardless of whether you use all the benefits.

I'm dealing with this right now - worked for 6 months, got laid off again, and Washington ESD told me I needed to file a new claim because I earned enough wages. But getting through to someone to verify this took forever until someone recommended that Claimyr service.

The Washington ESD system is designed to make you jump through hoops every week. Weekly claims, job search requirements, reporting any income - it's exhausting but you have to do it to keep getting paid.

just remember the weekly claim deadline is saturday at midnight. i learned that the hard way when i filed on sunday thinking i was fine

I've been collecting unemployment for 4 months now and the routine is: file weekly claim every week, do your job search activities, report any work or income. If you want to file a new initial claim, you generally need to wait until your benefit year ends unless you've worked enough to qualify for a new claim.

The timing rules are actually pretty logical once you understand them. Weekly claims keep your benefits flowing. New initial claims are for when you have a significant break and new employment history. The confusion comes from not knowing which situation applies to you.

File weekly claims every week without fail. That's the most important thing. Everything else depends on your specific work history and timing.

Washington ESD really needs to improve their communication about this stuff. I see the same questions over and over because their website is so unclear about the difference between initial claims and weekly claims.

been filing weekly claims for 6 months straight. its become routine but i still worry about missing a deadline

The key thing to remember is that filing frequency depends on what you're trying to do. Weekly claims = every week for ongoing benefits. Initial claims = much less frequent, only when starting a new benefit year or after significant work history.

One more tip - if you're ever unsure about whether you need to file a new initial claim or can reopen an existing one, call Washington ESD and ask. Don't guess because filing the wrong type can cause delays.

I had to learn all this the hard way when I got laid off twice in one year. First time was straightforward - initial claim, then weekly claims. Second time I thought I needed another initial claim but actually just needed to reopen my existing one. The Washington ESD agent explained it perfectly once I finally got through.

Bottom line: Weekly claims are weekly. Initial claims are rare. Most of the time you're just filing your weekly claim and that's it.

Great discussion here. Really cleared up the confusion between weekly claims and initial claims. The Washington ESD website could learn something from how clearly everyone explained it here.