Submitted 'subsequent claim' by mistake - how do I fix this ESD error?

A subsequent claim means you're filing again after having a previous claim in the past 52 weeks. If you've truly never filed before, you might have clicked something wrong during the application process. Don't panic though! This is a fairly common mix-up. You should contact ESD to explain the situation. Be prepared with your application confirmation number when you call. They can review your account history and correct the application type if needed. Your claim won't be automatically rejected, but it could delay processing if not fixed.

THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME LAST MONTH!!! The ESD website is SO confusing and not user friendly at all. I ended up waiting 3 weeks for them to process my claim only to get denied because of the wrong application type. Had to start all over again. Make sure you fix this ASAP or you'll be waiting forever.

I can help clarify this for you. A subsequent claim is filed when you've had a previous unemployment claim that has expired but you're filing again within 52 weeks of that original claim. Here's what you should do: 1. Try sending a secure message through your eServices account explaining the error 2. Keep calling (early morning, right when they open, tends to have shorter wait times) 3. If you can't get through, consider using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps connect you with an ESD agent without the long hold times. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The important thing is to get this corrected before your claim gets processed incorrectly. Once you reach someone, they can usually fix this fairly quickly on their end.

just curious but did u work anytime in WA state before the last 3 years? sometimes the system automatically detects old claims even from many years ago that u might have forgotten about

I had something similar happen and used Claimyr to get through to ESD after failing to connect for days. Worth every penny because they got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for over a week with no luck. The agent was able to fix my claim type issue right on the phone. The video demo shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Just knowing my application was fixed correctly gave me such peace of mind.

To answer your question from earlier - your Oregon claim wouldn't automatically be in Washington's system, but it might explain why you instinctively selected options that led to a subsequent claim. Interstate claims are handled differently. I still recommend getting this fixed by speaking directly with an ESD representative. If you can't get through by phone, you can also try visiting your local WorkSource office in person. Sometimes they can help facilitate communication with ESD or at least give you guidance on next steps.

@profile6 Yes, Claimyr definitely works. I was skeptical too, but after trying to get through for days with no luck, I was desperate. They don't replace the ESD service - they just help you get connected to the actual ESD agents without the endless hold times and disconnections. The agents who answer are the same government employees who would help you anyway.

Update: I got through to ESD this morning! I called right when they opened at 8am and only waited about 15 minutes. The agent was really helpful and confirmed that I had accidentally filed a subsequent claim. She said it was likely because I answered 'yes' to a question about having worked in the last 18 months (which I had). She was able to convert my application to an initial claim and said everything should process normally now. For anyone else who makes this mistake, definitely call and get it fixed ASAP! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

Great to hear you got it resolved! This is such a common issue with the ESD system - the wording of some questions can be really confusing. I'm glad the agent was able to fix it quickly for you. Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this thread: if you do end up having to wait on hold, try using the callback feature if it's available. Sometimes that works better than staying on the line. Also, keep all your confirmation numbers and document everything - it really helps when you finally get through to someone. Hope your claim processes smoothly from here on out!

So glad you got this sorted out! Your experience is a perfect example of why it's worth being persistent with calling ESD. The early morning strategy really does work - I've had success with that timing too. For anyone else who might be reading this and facing similar issues, Logan's story shows that these application mix-ups can usually be fixed fairly quickly once you get the right person on the phone. The key is not to panic and to address it as soon as you notice the error. Thanks for updating us with the resolution! It's really helpful when people follow up with how things turned out.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - just got laid off from my retail job last week and was planning to file for unemployment for the first time. After reading about your experience, I'm going to be extra careful about those questions during the application process. It's really reassuring to know that even if you make a mistake like this, ESD can fix it relatively quickly once you get through to them. The tip about calling right at 8am when they open seems like solid advice - I'll definitely try that if I run into any issues. Thanks for sharing your story and the positive update! It's so helpful when people follow through with how things turned out.

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm a newcomer to this community and just started my unemployment claim process after being laid off from my tech job. Reading through Logan's experience and everyone's advice has been so reassuring. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical tips shared here - the 8am calling strategy, keeping confirmation numbers, and being extra careful with the application questions. It's obvious this community really looks out for each other during what can be a really stressful time. One thing I'm curious about - for those who have successfully navigated the ESD system, are there any other common mistakes or confusing questions that first-time filers should watch out for? I want to make sure I don't run into similar issues when I complete my application later this week. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion - it's exactly the kind of support people need when dealing with unemployment bureaucracy!

As someone who just joined this community after my own recent layoff, I want to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! Logan, thank you so much for sharing your experience and following up with the resolution - that kind of transparency is exactly what people in our situation need. I'm planning to file my claim this weekend and will definitely be using the 8am calling strategy if I run into any issues. It's reassuring to know that even when mistakes happen, ESD can usually fix them relatively quickly once you get through to the right person. The collective wisdom in this thread is amazing - from the detailed explanations about subsequent vs. initial claims, to the practical tips about WorkSource offices and callback features. This is exactly the kind of supportive community that makes dealing with unemployment bureaucracy a little less overwhelming. For anyone else who might be hesitant about filing or worried about making mistakes - this thread is proof that there are solutions and people willing to help. Thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experience here!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really grateful to have found this thread! I was just laid off from my restaurant job yesterday and was feeling pretty overwhelmed about filing for unemployment for the first time. Reading through Logan's experience and seeing how supportive everyone has been is incredibly reassuring. The detailed explanations about subsequent vs. initial claims, the practical tips about calling early, and all the follow-up advice about avoiding common mistakes - this is exactly what someone in my position needs to feel more confident about the process. It's clear this community really understands what people are going through during such a stressful time. I'm planning to file my claim early next week and will definitely keep all this advice in mind. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences here - it makes such a difference knowing there are people willing to help navigate this complicated system!