When can you reapply for unemployment benefits after your claim expires?

That makes sense, thank you! I filed in October 2023 so I should be able to reapply next month.

Just make sure you have enough qualifying wages in your new base period or they'll deny your claim

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it a few months ago when I was having issues reaching Washington ESD. It's at claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically helps you get through to an actual agent instead of waiting on hold forever.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to talk to someone within like 20 minutes instead of the usual hours of waiting. Worth trying if you need to get answers about reapplying.

That's different - if you go back to work and then get laid off again, you might be able to reopen your existing claim if it's still within the benefit year. But if your benefit year expired, you have to wait the full year to start a completely new claim.

oh ok that makes more sense thanks

How much do you need to have earned? I worked part time for about 6 months after my benefits ended.

You need to have earned at least 680 hours at minimum wage or $7,280 in your base period quarters. Part time work might not be enough depending on how many hours you worked.

This is exactly why the unemployment system is broken. You can't find full time work so you take part time to survive, then you don't qualify for benefits when you need them again. It's a catch 22.

Gig work might actually count now, I think they changed the rules about that recently?

Some gig work counts but it depends on how it's reported. If you're getting 1099s it should show up in their wage database but if it's under-the-table cash work it won't count.

Ugh I forgot about the waiting week. So frustrating when you're already struggling financially.

The waiting week is such BS. Other states don't make you do that.

Yeah it's annoying but that's just how Washington does it. At least it's only one week.

You can file in Washington if you moved here, but they'll look at your work history from other states too. There's an interstate agreement that lets them combine wages from different states.

Good to know, thanks. I moved here from Oregon last year so wasn't sure how that worked.

Did you have any issues with the application process? I'm worried they'll ask for a bunch of documentation I don't have.

It was pretty straightforward online. They asked for the same basic info as the first time - employers, dates, wages. I did have to provide some additional verification but they told me what they needed.

I'll check that out, thanks for the tip!

That calculator is helpful but not always accurate. I used it and it said I'd qualify but then got denied when I actually applied.

Yes, it's still 3 job search activities per week. They might have updated some of the requirements since your last claim though, so make sure to read the current guidelines.

Thanks, I'll make sure to check the latest requirements when I file.

Good point, I'll make sure I have the exact date before I apply.

Same thing happened to my brother. He was so eager to get benefits back that he filed like 2 weeks early and got rejected.

That's good advice. I've been too proud to ask for help but I might need to swallow my pride.

There's no shame in getting help when you need it. That's what these programs are for.

I've tried that and still couldn't get through. The phone system is just overwhelmed. That Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier might be worth trying.

Yeah I've heard good things about that service. Might save you hours of waiting on hold.

I only worked in Washington so that's not an option for me, but good info for others.

This is really helpful. I worked in both Washington and California so I should probably check which state would be better to file in.

Good reminder. I'll plan for that when the time comes. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Yeah, treat it like you're filing for the first time even though you've done it before. Requirements change and you don't want to miss anything important.