When can you apply for unemployment again after Washington ESD claim ends?

So even though my benefits ran out in December, I still can't apply yet? That seems crazy long to wait.

Yeah I know it sucks but that's how Washington ESD benefit years work. You get 26 weeks of benefits within a 52-week period.

I did work part-time for a few months. How do I find out if I earned enough to qualify for a new claim?

You'd have to call Washington ESD to check your wage credits. Good luck getting through though, their phone system is a nightmare.

I had the same issue trying to reach Washington ESD about my benefit year. Spent weeks calling with no luck until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to actual ESD agents - claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

This is really helpful! Do you know if gig work counts toward those wage requirements?

Gig work only counts if taxes were withheld and it shows up in Washington's wage database. Independent contractor work usually doesn't qualify for regular UI benefits.

Tell me about it! I've been unemployed since October and have no idea when I can apply again.

You both need to look at when your benefit year started, not when benefits ended. Check your determination letter or login to your ESD account.

Did you try to apply early or just wait the full year?

I tried applying early but got denied because I didn't have enough new wages. Had to wait until my benefit year expired in March.

Correct. The benefit year is 52 weeks regardless of when your benefits run out.

That's ridiculous! What are people supposed to do for 6 months with no income?

Look into other assistance programs like SNAP or TANF. Also check if you qualify for any extended benefits or special programs.

How much did that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed so long.

It's worth it compared to spending hours every day calling and getting nowhere. They actually get you connected to ESD agents who can check your specific situation.

Good point. I've been using WorkSource but wasn't sure if I needed to keep doing job searches if I can't claim benefits yet.

Definitely keep searching and documenting. It shows good faith effort and you'll need recent job search activity when you do file your new claim.

Yes, that's correct. It's designed to ensure you've had substantial work activity before starting a new claim period.

Makes sense I guess. Better to focus on finding full-time work than trying to game the system.

My cousin did it but she had worked full-time for like 4 months between claims. Made way more than the 10x requirement.

I tried but didn't qualify. Washington ESD said my wages weren't enough and I had to wait the full year.

Check your determination letter from when you first applied. It should have your benefit year start and end dates.

If you can't find your paperwork and need to talk to ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Saved me from weeks of calling and getting busy signals.

I wish I could wait but I really need benefits to restart. Might have to bite the bullet and call ESD to check my wage credits.

Don't wait if you think you might qualify! The worst they can say is no and then you know for sure.

Good point. Washington ESD calculates benefits based on your highest earning quarter in the base period.

So many variables to consider. Really wish ESD made this clearer on their website.