How often can you get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

There's no annual limit on unemployment claims in Washington. What matters is whether you've earned enough wages in your base period to qualify for a new claim. If you worked those 6 months and earned enough, you should be able to file a new claim.

I've filed multiple times over the years and never had an issue as long as I met the work requirements. You just need to make sure you worked enough hours and earned enough wages between claims.

The confusion probably comes from people mixing up regular UI with other programs. Regular unemployment doesn't have a yearly limit - you can file whenever you become unemployed through no fault of your own and meet the wage/hour requirements.

I was in a similar situation last year - kept getting conflicting info when I called Washington ESD. The wait times were horrible and half the time I'd get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Got my questions answered in one call instead of spending weeks trying to reach someone.

Here's what I learned from going through this multiple times: Washington ESD doesn't care how many times you've filed before. They only care about your recent work history. If you've worked and earned wages since your last claim, you can file again. The system is designed for people who cycle in and out of work.

Wait, so if I file a claim now and then get another job next month, I could potentially file another claim later in the year if that job doesn't work out? As long as I work enough?

The whole system is confusing tbh. I tried calling Washington ESD about this same question and spent literally 3 hours on hold before giving up. Why can't they just put this information clearly on their website?

just filed my 4th claim in 2 years (seasonal work) and no problems. as long as you work between claims youre fine

One thing to keep in mind: if you're filing a new claim within a year of your last claim, Washington ESD will first try to reopen your old claim if there's any benefit year left. If your old benefit year has expired or you've exhausted those benefits, then they'll file a new claim using your recent wages.

I'm dealing with something similar but my situation is complicated because I was on standby for a while. Does that affect how often you can file new claims?

The key thing people don't realize is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. You pay into it through your wages, so you're entitled to use it whenever you meet the requirements. There's no shame in filing multiple times if you keep getting laid off through no fault of your own.

For what it's worth, I know people who have filed 6-7 times over several years (gig economy, seasonal work, etc.) and Washington ESD has never questioned the frequency. They only care about whether you meet the current eligibility requirements.

Update: I finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Confirmed everything people are saying here - no limit on how often you can file as long as you meet the work requirements. Wish I'd known about this service months ago instead of wasting so much time on hold.

Just to add one more perspective - I've been a temp worker for years and file unemployment claims regularly between assignments. Washington ESD is very familiar with this pattern and it's never been an issue. The system is designed to handle people who work intermittently.

One more thing to consider: even though there's no limit on filing, make sure you're genuinely looking for work during each claim period. Washington ESD does monitor job search activities and you could get disqualified if you're not actively seeking employment.

This whole thread has been enlightening. I had the same misconception about there being limits on unemployment claims. Turns out the Washington ESD system is more flexible than I thought!