Second year ESD claim denied as ineligible - what options besides cash assistance?
I'm at my wit's end here!!! My first year of unemployment benefits just ran out last month. I filed for a second benefit year but ESD just sent me a notice saying I'm INELIGIBLE?! I don't understand why since I've been looking EVERYWHERE for work. I have my job search log with over 75 applications from the past 6 months (way more than the required 3 per week). I've applied to retail, warehouse, customer service, even jobs I'm totally overqualified for - and literally NO ONE has called me back for interviews. Not even one! I'm already getting food benefits through EBT but that doesn't help with rent which is due in 9 days. Does anyone know if I should apply for cash assistance through DSHS? Or is there some way to appeal the ESD ineligibility? The letter mentioned something about "insufficient wages during base year" but I haven't had ANY wages because no one will hire me! I'm seriously panicking.
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Chloe Harris
u probably didnt earn enough wages during ur base yr to qualify for a new claim. its dumb but thats how it works, u need to have worked between ur 1st and 2nd claims
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CosmicCadet
•Wait, so I had to be working while collecting unemployment to qualify for more unemployment? That makes zero sense!!! How was I supposed to know that??
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Diego Mendoza
To qualify for a new benefit year, you need to have worked and earned qualifying wages since the beginning of your previous claim. This is a federal requirement, not just Washington state. The base year for your new claim would be the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you applied. If you didn't have any employment during that period, you won't qualify for a new UI claim. Regarding your options, yes, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) through DSHS might be an option if you have very limited income and resources. Also look into HEN (Housing and Essential Needs) referrals if you have a disability that prevents work. You can apply online at WashingtonConnection.org or visit your local DSHS Community Services Office.
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CosmicCadet
•Thank you for explaining! I had no idea about the base year thing. I'll check out TANF and the HEN program too. Do you know if the application process takes a long time? My rent is due soon and I'm really scared about getting evicted.
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Anastasia Popova
I went through something similar last year. The trick with TANF is they process applications pretty quickly (2-3 weeks usually) BUT you need to complete the required WorkFirst activities once approved. Make sure to mention your housing emergency when you apply - they sometimes have emergency assistance funds too. BTW, have you checked if you qualify for pandemic-related rental assistance? Some counties still have programs running in 2025. Also check with 211 for local emergency rent help.
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Sean Flanagan
•The WorkFirst requirements aren't that bad though. I did it last year - basically job search activities but they actually help you more than ESD does. They have connections with employers and can sometimes fast-track interviews. I got a temp job within a month of starting their program.
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Zara Shah
Did you try filing an appeal with ESD? You technically have 30 days from the date on your determination letter. Might not work but worth a shot before switching to DSHS. My cousin got denied initially but won his appeal because they calculated his base year wrong.
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Diego Mendoza
•Unfortunately, if the issue is truly insufficient wages in the base year, an appeal likely won't help unless there's a calculation error. The requirement to have worked between benefit years is federal law. But you're right that appealing is always an option if the OP believes there's a mistake.
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NebulaNomad
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! I went through this exact nightmare scenario in January. Applied for 92 JOBS over 4 months. No calls, no interviews, NOTHING! Then ESD cuts me off saying I didn't earn enough during my "base year" - OF COURSE I DIDN'T EARN ANYTHING, THAT'S WHY I NEEDED UNEMPLOYMENT!!! It's a cruel joke. Then DSHS makes you jump through 500 hoops just to get barely enough to survive. America hates poor people, plain and simple.
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Luca Ferrari
•I understand your frustration, but the system is designed this way to ensure unemployment insurance remains insurance for temporary job loss rather than becoming long-term support. That's why other programs like TANF exist for longer-term needs. It's not perfect by any means, but there is logic behind requiring new wages between benefit years.
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Nia Wilson
If you need to reach ESD to discuss your options or find out specifically why you were denied, try using Claimyr.com to get through to an agent quickly. I was in adjudication hell for weeks trying to reach someone and getting nowhere. Their service connected me to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 At least talk to ESD directly and find out exactly why you were denied and what options you have before going the TANF route. Sometimes they can point you to other programs too.
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CosmicCadet
•I've never heard of this before! Does it actually work? I've spent HOURS trying to get through to ESD and always get disconnected. I'll try anything at this point.
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Nia Wilson
•Yes, it worked for me! The agent I spoke with was actually super helpful and explained exactly what happened with my claim. Even if they can't change the determination, they might give you better guidance on next steps than what's in the letter.
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Sean Flanagan
I just went thru the TANF application process last month after my benefits ran out. Here's what to expect: 1. Apply online at WashingtonConnection.org (fastest) or in person 2. They'll schedule an interview within 7-10 days usually 3. Bring ID, bank statements, rent agreement, bills, job search log 4. Be prepared to sign up for WorkFirst activities (30-35 hrs/week of job search) 5. If approved, benefits start within 30 days It's not a ton of money (I get $765/mo for me and my kid) but it helps. They also fast-tracked my application because I mentioned I was facing eviction. Tell them your situation!
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CosmicCadet
•Thank you so much for the detailed info! This is really helpful. I'm going to apply online tonight. Do you know if they count your car as an asset? I have an old Honda that's probably worth like $3000 but I absolutely need it for job searching.
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Sean Flanagan
•They don't count one vehicle up to $10,000 in value, so your Honda is totally fine! They do look at bank accounts though, and you can't have more than $1000 in resources (but retirement accounts don't count).
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Chloe Harris
not to be that person but have u tried gig work? doordash, uber, instacart etc? not great money but u can start like immediately and it might help while ur waiting for other assistance to kick in. plus then ur earning wages for next time u need unemployment
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CosmicCadet
•I actually tried signing up for DoorDash but my car is too old (2002) to qualify. :( And I don't have money to fix the dent in my rear bumper which Uber requires. It's like you need money to make money!
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Luca Ferrari
I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate benefit systems. Two suggestions beyond what others have mentioned: 1. Contact your county's Coordinated Entry for housing assistance - they can often provide emergency rent help even while TANF is processing 2. Check with local churches and community action agencies - many have funds specifically for preventing eviction Also, Washington has strong eviction protections. Even if you can't pay on time, your landlord must provide a 14-day pay or vacate notice before filing an eviction. Use that time to gather resources. And if you receive an eviction notice, immediately contact the Eviction Defense Hotline at 1-855-657-8387 for free legal help.
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NebulaNomad
•THIS!!! Coordinated entry saved me last year. Found out about it from a random person at DSHS. They paid 2 months of my rent while I got back on my feet.
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