Reopened existing ESD claim after layoff instead of starting new claim - did my husband mess up?

Your husband did exactly the right thing! When you have an unexpired benefit year (which lasts 52 weeks from initial filing), you're supposed to reopen the existing claim rather than start a new one. The system won't even let you file a new claim until the current benefit year expires. As long as he updated his employment info correctly, he should be good to go. Make sure he files his weekly claims on time starting this Sunday!

Actualy he mightve messed up... Im pretty sure ur always supposed to file a new claim even if the old one is still active because the BENEFITS AMOUNT changes based on your most recent work history!!! My cousin did what your husband did and ended up getting way less money than he shouldve!!!

Your husband did the correct thing. Washington ESD's system is designed to work exactly this way. When you have an unexpired benefit year, you reopen the existing claim. Here's what he should do next: 1. File his first weekly claim this Sunday (the claim week runs Sunday-Saturday) 2. Complete at least 3 job search activities each week 3. Document these activities in his job search log 4. Be prepared for possible adjudication if his employer contests the claim The remaining benefits in his claim should be available, though if he earned enough in his most recent job, he might be eligible for a new claim once this benefit year expires in November.

Yes, applying for a job online counts as one job search activity. Other qualifying activities include: - Creating a profile on WorkSourceWA.com - Attending job fairs or workshops - Taking skills assessments - Having informational interviews - Creating/updating a LinkedIn profile Regarding adjudication: If your husband's employer contests the layoff, claiming it was for performance rather than downsizing, ESD will investigate. This process (adjudication) can take 3-8 weeks, during which benefits may be held. Your husband will need to provide his side of the story and any documentation showing it was a layoff/reduction in force rather than performance-based termination.

I went through something similar last year! If your case goes to adjudication, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent faster. It saved me weeks of waiting. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The regular ESD phone lines are impossible - I tried for days before finding this service. Once I got through to an actual person, they were able to see what was happening with my claim and move things along.

Yes! Gather everything you can: layoff notice if he got one in writing, any emails about company downsizing, performance reviews showing satisfactory work, anything that supports his side. I had to send my documents through the ESD portal under "Upload Documents" and then reference them during my phone interview with the adjudicator. The more evidence you have, the better!

when i had this happen the esd agent told me over the phone that u should ALWAYS REOPEN not make a new claim if ur benefit year isnt over yet. the computer system wont even let u make a new one anyway. sounds like ur husband did it right the first time.

The ESD system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING to reduce the number of successful claims! They make everything complicated so people give up. Your husband did it right, but watch out - they'll find some other way to delay his benefits. Just wait. They'll probably hit him with an "identification verification" next that takes WEEKS to resolve. The whole system is designed to frustrate claimants.

ya this happened 2 me 2 months ago & i reopened my claim just fine. got paid the next week no problems. just make sure he does his weekly claim this sunday

Update: We got through to ESD (after many busy signals) and they confirmed he did the right thing by reopening! They said his first payment should come about 7-10 days after filing his first weekly claim if there are no issues. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll update again if we run into problems.