How to reapply for ESD unemployment? Can't find the right option on eServices

go to ur dashboard n look for 'apply for benefits' button. its kinda hidden on the left side menu. u gotta start a whole new claim like ur doing it first time

I reapplied about two months ago when my benefit year ended. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. Log into your SAW account and access eServices 2. On the main dashboard, click on "Apply for Benefits" in the left menu 3. Select "Unemployment Benefits" from the options 4. You'll need to complete the entire application again - it's basically starting over 5. Make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months ready 6. You'll need to set up your job search requirements again It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the whole process. Just be aware that there might be a gap of 1-2 weeks between your old claim ending and the new one being processed. Don't panic if you don't get paid immediately after reapplying.

ESD system is SO FRUSTRATING!! When my benefit year ended I had the same problem and couldn't figure it out for TWO WEEKS!! Lost money because of their confusing website. Why don't they just make a big button that says "REAPPLY HERE" instead of hiding everything??? I swear they make it confusing on purpose so people give up. When I finally got through to someone on the phone they acted like I was stupid for not figuring it out. STILL MAD ABOUT IT!!!!!

I went through this process in January 2025. One thing to be aware of is that when you reapply, they'll recalculate your benefit amount based on your most recent work history. If you worked less in 2024 than you did previously, your weekly benefit amount might be lower. Also, make sure you answer the question about whether you've worked since your last claim very carefully. If you had any employment during your previous benefit year (even part-time), you need to report all of that work history accurately. After you submit the new application, it usually takes 7-10 business days for them to process it and determine eligibility. During that time, you should still continue to file your weekly claims even though you won't receive payment until the new claim is approved. This prevents gaps in your claim history.

When I had to reapply back in November I thought the same thing! Actually called my brother who had gone through it before me to have him literally walk me through which buttons to click lol. The worst part is when you reapply they put you through the whole adjudication process again like you're brand new even though nothing changed in my situation. Took almost 3 weeks to start getting payments again even though I qualified for the exact same benefits.

I had endless trouble getting through to ESD last month when I was trying to reapply and had questions. After getting disconnected multiple times, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an actual ESD agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent was able to see that I had actually completed my reapplication correctly, but there was a flag on my account that needed to be removed. Saved me so much stress wondering if I'd done something wrong.

I just went through this whole reapplication thing last week! Everyone's advice here is good, just wanna add that if you had any non-standard situations on your previous claim (like workplace disputes or voluntary quits or part-time availability), be prepared to possibly talk to an adjudicator again about all that stuff even if they already approved it on your last claim. Really annoying but just how they work I guess. Good luck!

Update: I finally got the reapplication submitted today! The advice here was super helpful. For anyone else searching about this in the future, it really is a completely fresh application - I had to re-enter all my employment history, answer all the qualification questions again, etc. Took me about an hour to complete. Now fingers crossed it processes quickly!