How to file a new unemployment claim after old one expires - Washington ESD process?

Do I use the same online portal or is there a different process for reapplying?

Same portal at esd.wa.gov - just click on 'Apply for Benefits' like you did the first time. Your old claim info will still be in the system but won't affect your new application.

Did you have any issues with the wage verification? I'm worried they won't find all my employment records.

It took about 3 weeks for them to process my wages. One employer from 2 years ago didn't report properly so I had to submit pay stubs manually.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it on claimyr.com and it actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows how it works. Basically calls for you and waits on hold until an agent picks up.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I was skeptical too but it got me connected in about 45 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. Worth trying when you're stuck like this.

Oh no, I think I might have already missed that window. My benefit year ended 3 weeks ago and I'm just now trying to file.

You might still be okay but definitely file ASAP. Call them to ask about backdating if you need to.

It's because they need to recalculate your benefits based on your most recent work history. If you worked during your previous claim, that could change your weekly benefit amount.

Still seems like they could streamline it instead of making people jump through hoops when they're already struggling.

Yes, all the same requirements apply - 3 job search activities per week and you need to register with WorkSource again even if you're already in their system.

Ugh, WorkSource registration was such a nightmare. Guess I better get that done before I file.

You need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period to qualify for benefits. Washington ESD will look at your highest quarter and you need at least 680 hours of work or earnings in at least 2 quarters.

That sounds complicated. Is there a way to check if I qualify before filing the whole application?

Not really - you have to file the claim and let them determine eligibility based on your wage records. But if you worked 6 months part-time you're probably okay.

Mine took about 2-3 weeks to get my first payment. If everything goes smoothly and they don't need additional info it could be faster.

3 weeks?? i cant wait that long. is there any way to speed it up?

How would I know if I have any outstanding issues? My account doesn't show anything but I want to be sure.

You'd probably have gotten letters about it, but you could call to check. That's another thing Claimyr might help with if you can't get through on your own.

How long did it take to get your monetary determination? I want to know what to expect.

About 10 days after I filed my claim. Came in the mail and also showed up in my online account.

Really? I thought you had to wait until they approved your claim before filing weekly claims.

Nope, file right away. If you're approved they'll pay you for those weeks retroactively. If you don't file them you can't get paid for those weeks later.

Don't wait any longer! The sooner you file the sooner you can start getting benefits again. It's really not as complicated as it seems once you get started.

You're right, I'm going to do it tonight. Thanks for the motivation everyone.

Good point. I learned that lesson the hard way with my first claim when they asked me to resubmit something I'd already sent.

Exactly! Screenshot confirmation pages, save copies of uploaded documents, print important emails. Better safe than sorry with Washington ESD.

I haven't heard of expediting unemployment claims, but definitely call Washington ESD to explain your situation. That's where Claimyr really helped me - got me through to someone who could actually look at my case instead of just getting generic responses.

I'll check out that service you mentioned. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to a real person.

How do you update your address? Through the same online portal?

Yes, you can update it in your eServices account under personal information. Do it before filing your new claim to avoid any mail delivery issues.

I agree their website could be more user-friendly. The information is there but it's scattered across different pages and hard to find when you need it.

exactly! and when you call for help you can never get through to anyone who can actually help

Wait, what's a waiting week? I don't remember having one with my first claim.

It's the first week of your claim where you file but don't get paid. Not everyone has to serve it but it depends on various factors. Washington ESD will tell you when you get approved.

Same here! Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences. Makes the whole process seem less intimidating.

Good luck with your new claim! Feel free to come back and ask if you run into any issues during the process.

Wow, really? I'm definitely going to try that then. 30 minutes beats the 4 hours I spent on redial yesterday with no luck.

Yeah it was worth it just to get real answers instead of guessing. The agent explained everything clearly and even walked me through what documents I'd need for my new application.