Used up 26 weeks UI but have 1000+ work hours - when can I file a new ESD claim?

You generally need to wait until your benefit year is over before you can file a new claim. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed your original claim. Even with those additional work hours, ESD typically won't let you file a new claim until your current benefit year ends. The exception would be if you qualify for an extension program, but those aren't currently active in Washington. When did you file your original claim? If it's been close to a year, you might only need to wait a few more weeks.

im in a similar situation ran out after 22 weeks but only had like 650 new hours. my friend told me theres a thing called extended benifits but when i looked it up it said thats only for when unemployment is really high in the state. not sure if thats right tho

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING LAST YEAR!! The system is SO BROKEN. I worked almost 900 hours after my initial claim and couldn't open a new one until my benefit year ended. I tried calling ESD like 50 times and either got hung up on or was on hold for HOURS only to be told "sorry nothing we can do" when I finally got through. It's absolutely ridiculous that they make you wait when you clearly have enough hours for a new claim. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!!

I've been through this process before, and I found a service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to an ESD agent when I was in a similar situation. Instead of spending days trying to call, I used their service (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an agent within about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It might be worth talking directly to an agent to see if there are any exceptions in your case or if they can provide clarity on when exactly you can file again with those new hours. Sometimes the rules have nuances that aren't clear on the website.

Let me clarify the rules here, as there seems to be some confusion: 1. You must wait until your benefit year ends before filing a new regular UI claim, regardless of how many hours you've worked in the meantime. 2. To qualify for a new claim after your benefit year ends, you need 680+ hours of work since your previous claim. 3. Those 1000 hours will count toward your new claim, but only after your current benefit year expires (the full 52 weeks from your initial claim date). 4. In some very specific situations, if you've exhausted regular UI and worked a substantial amount in a different state, you might qualify for a combined wage claim, but that's rare. Unfortunately, there is no way to "reset the clock" on your benefit year early, even with significant work hours. This is a common frustration with the UI system, but it's how the program is structured by law.

Yes, those 1000 hours will likely affect your weekly benefit amount (WBA) when you file your new claim. Your WBA is calculated based on your highest-earning quarters during your base year. If those 1000 hours represent higher wages than what you earned before your previous claim, your weekly benefit could increase. The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $995, but most people receive less than that based on their earnings history. ESD uses your highest two quarters of earnings during the base year to calculate your benefit amount, which is roughly 63% of your average weekly wage up to that maximum. So yes, those additional work hours could definitely help increase your benefit amount when you're eligible to file again in July.

have u checked worksorce? they might have emergency assistance or temp jobs to bridge the gap until u can file again. my cousin got some kind of emergency grant thing while he was waiting for his new claim to start. worth a shot maybe

Just wanted to add that you might want to consider applying for other assistance programs while you wait for your new UI eligibility: - SNAP benefits (food stamps) - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) if you have children - Housing assistance through local programs - Utility assistance programs Also, make sure you're ready to file immediately when your benefit year ends. Mark the exact date on your calendar and file your new claim that same day to avoid any delays in receiving benefits. With 1000 hours, you're well above the 680-hour requirement, so you should be approved quickly once you're eligible to file.

I went thru something kinda similar last year and ended up driving for doordash while i was waiting to be able to file a new claim. not great money but it kept me afloat and the schedule was flexible. might be worth looking into gig work just to get you through until july.