How to close old ESD claim and open new one after recent job loss?

You actually don't need to close your old claim! If you're still within your benefit year (52 weeks from when you first applied), you can just restart your existing claim. Login to eServices, select your existing claim and look for "restart claim" or "reopen claim" option. If you're outside your benefit year, then you need to file a new claim which the system should let you do automatically.

i had this exact problem last summer!!! the esd website is SO confusing. i ended up having to call them and was on hold for like 3 hours before giving up. tried again next day and finally got through. they just pushed some button on their end and fixed it for me. good luck!!

What you need to do depends on your specific situation: 1. If you're within your benefit year (52 weeks from initial claim filing date), you don't need to close anything - just reopen your existing claim 2. If your benefit year has expired, the system should automatically allow you to file a new claim 3. If you're getting an error message when trying to file a new claim, that's when you need to contact ESD directly Before spending hours trying to call them, check your claim status in eServices. Look at your benefit year end date. That will tell you which action to take.

I've helped several people navigate this exact issue. Since your benefit year has ended but you're still getting an error, it's probably because there's a system flag on your account. Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where you'll need to speak with an ESD agent directly. The problem is their phone lines are constantly busy. I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps you get through to an ESD agent much faster than calling on your own. They have a good video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I was skeptical at first but it saved me hours of frustration and got my claim issue resolved quickly.

The same thing happened to me too, and everyone kept giving me different advice lol. Some said I needed to cancel the old claim, others said I should just file a new one. In my case I ended up just waiting for ESD to email me back (took 11 days!!) and they told me I needed to file an appeal for some reason??? The whole system is a mess

ESD IS THE WORST!!! Their entire system seems DESIGNED to make it impossible to get benefits. I bet they save millions by making the process so confusing that people just give up. Been there, done that, got the rejection letter. Good luck!!

my sister had this same problem in january and she just kept filing weekly claims on her old claim until someone at esd finally called her back and fixed it for her. took like 3 weeks tho

I was in this exact situation back in February. Here's what worked for me: 1. First, check your eServices account to see your benefit year end date. If it's expired, you should be able to file a new claim. 2. If you're getting an error message about an existing claim, you need to contact ESD directly. Try calling right when they open (usually 8am) for the best chance of getting through. 3. While waiting for that to resolve, still submit weekly claims if your old claim allows it. This establishes your continued need for benefits. 4. Document everything - take screenshots of errors, write down who you speak with and what they tell you. In my case, it turned out there was a flag on my account because my previous employer had contested my initial claim (even though I had been receiving benefits). Once an agent removed that flag, I was able to file my new claim immediately.

Just checking back - were you able to resolve this? If you're still having trouble, one other thing to try is to visit your local WorkSource office in person. They sometimes can help connect you directly with ESD or at least give you more specific guidance based on your situation.