Washington ESD - when my unemployment ends can i apply for new benefits again?

What's a base period? I'm confused about all these terms.

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they look at Oct 2023 - Sept 2024 for wages.

I did some gig work for a few months but not sure if that counts?

Gig work can count if you paid into the UI system on those earnings. Check your wage records on your Washington ESD account to see what wages are showing up.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it a scam?

It's legit, they just help you get through the phone system when the lines are jammed. Saved me hours of redialing.

Thanks I'll check that out. These phone lines are impossible.

I feel you. The whole thing is designed to discourage people from getting help.

I know it's frustrating but the rules are pretty clear if you can get someone to explain them properly.

No, you have to wait until your benefit year expires. You can't have two active claims at the same time.

That makes no sense. So I just get nothing for 4 months?

Unfortunately yes, unless you find work and then become unemployed again during that same benefit year. Then you might be able to reopen your claim if you have weeks left.

Check your determination letter or log into your Washington ESD account. Your benefit year is exactly one year from when you first filed, regardless of when your weekly benefits end.

Ok found it, my benefit year ends in April but my benefits will be gone in 2 weeks. So I'm stuck until April?

Yeah I should probably look into that. This gap is going to be really hard.

Check 211 by dialing 2-1-1, they can connect you with local resources

That's not quite right. They do count wages earned while on benefits, but it has to be enough to establish a new claim and the wages have to be in the right quarters.

Well they told me I didn't qualify so idk. The whole system is confusing.

It really is. Feel like I'm applying everywhere and hearing nothing back.

Have you been doing your job search activities? Make sure you're keeping good records in case they audit you.

I didn't think about that. The gig work I did paid pretty well actually.

Yeah it's all based on your highest earning quarter in the base period, so if you had a good quarter it could help.

I'm definitely going to try it. Spent 3 hours on hold yesterday and got disconnected.

The phone system is the worst part of this whole process

Good point, I'll keep filing until they tell me to stop.

Yes, and keep doing your job search requirements too. They can audit you anytime during your claim.

Because it's funded by employer taxes and they don't want it to be too easy to stay on benefits long term.

Still doesn't make it less frustrating when you're trying to survive

So I should apply on the exact day my benefit year expires?

Yes, you can apply the day after your benefit year ends. Set a reminder so you don't forget.

You can file in Washington as long as your wages are from Washington employers. But if you move and work in another state, it gets more complicated.

Good to know, might be moving for a job opportunity

That's not a bad idea. At least it would give me some income and maybe help with qualifying for a new claim.

Just make sure any temp work gets reported properly to Washington ESD for wage records.

Exactly! Not knowing what comes next is the hardest part.

Hang in there, it does work out eventually

Thanks for the reminder, I bookmarked their site. Going to try calling them tomorrow.

Is there a cost for using Claimyr?

There is a fee but it's worth it when you actually need help. Check their website for details.

That makes sense. I did work some during my claim so hopefully that's enough.

The Washington ESD agent will be able to tell you definitively if your wages qualify when you call or apply.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful info. At least I know what to expect now.