When can I reapply for unemployment after being denied Washington ESD claim?

You can actually file a new claim right away if your circumstances have changed or if you have new information. But if it's the same situation, Washington ESD will likely just refer back to the original decision. You might want to consider appealing the original denial instead - you usually have up to one year to request a hearing even after the initial appeal deadline.

honestly the whole system is screwed up. i got denied twice before they finally approved me and i never changed anything about my story. sometimes you just gotta keep trying

Before you reapply, I'd strongly suggest trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD to discuss your options. The phone lines are brutal though - I spent weeks trying to reach anyone. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out since you need to understand whether appealing or reapplying makes more sense in your situation.

The harassment angle is actually important - Washington ESD considers constructive discharge as involuntary separation if you can document it. Do you have any emails, texts, or witnesses about the harassment? Even after the fact, gathering evidence might help with an appeal rather than starting over.

wait can you really appeal after the 30 days? i thought i was screwed when i missed that deadline

I'm dealing with something similar - got denied because they said I didn't have enough work history even though I definitely did. Been trying to call Washington ESD for three weeks now. This is so stressful when you're already struggling financially.

Just want to add - if you do reapply instead of appealing, make sure you're still doing your weekly claims if you have an active claim number. Missing those can mess up your benefits even if you're in appeal status.

The system is designed to deny people first and hope they give up. I know three people who got approved on their second application for the exact same circumstances. Sometimes it's just about getting a different adjudicator.

Update: I finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. Turns out I can file a new claim since it's been over a year since my last one, but the agent recommended appealing instead since I have a stronger case that way. Really glad I talked to someone instead of just guessing.

be careful about filing multiple claims - i heard that can mess up your benefit year or something

so confusing. i wish washington esd would just have clear information about this stuff on their website instead of making everyone call

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Sounds like I should try to talk to Washington ESD about whether to appeal or reapply rather than just guessing. I'm going to try that Claimyr service since calling directly hasn't worked. Will update if I learn anything useful.

I appealed my denial and won at the hearing. The judge said the original determination was wrong and I got all my back benefits. Don't give up if you think you have a valid claim.

still think the whole system is designed to wear people down. but good to hear some people are getting through it

Just saw this thread - wanted to mention that if you're considering reapplying, you'll need to meet the work and wage requirements again. If you haven't worked since your denial, that could be an issue. Appealing might be your better option.

For anyone else reading this - document everything related to your job separation while it's still fresh in your memory. Even if you don't appeal right away, having detailed records helps later.

the claimyr thing actually worked for me too. was skeptical at first but got connected same day after weeks of trying the regular number

thanks for all the info everyone. this thread was more helpful than anything on the official washington esd website

Hope this helps someone else - I waited too long to appeal thinking it was hopeless, but I actually had a strong case. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Final update: Got connected to Washington ESD through Claimyr and they confirmed I can file a late appeal. Agent said my harassment situation could qualify as constructive discharge if I can document it properly. Working on gathering evidence now. Thanks everyone for pushing me to get real answers instead of just guessing!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - got denied for unemployment about 2 months ago and have been stuck not knowing what to do next. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key is actually getting through to talk to someone at Washington ESD to understand your specific options rather than just guessing. The Claimyr service that several people mentioned sounds like it might be worth trying since the regular phone lines are impossible. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences - way more useful than the confusing official guidance!