I have an order claim that never went through and now I need to start a new claim. How do I do that?

Unemployment insurance programs are run at the state level, so the first and most important step is to contact the unemployment office in the state where you worked to get the most accurate instructions.

Here is a general breakdown of the most likely scenarios and the steps you should take:

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Scenario 1: Your Previous Claim is Still “Active” (Within the Benefit Year)

If your original claim was filed less than a year ago (the standard “benefit year”) and it just stalled or you stopped filing, you may not need to file a “new” claim but rather reopen or restart your existing one.

What to do:

1. Log into Your Online Account: Go to your state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) website (Department of Labor, Employment Security Department, etc.).
2. Look for “Reopen/Restart Claim”: Check your online dashboard or claim status. There is often a specific option to “Reopen Claim,” “Restart Your Claim,” or “File an Additional Claim.” This is typically faster than filing an entirely new application.
3. Certify for Benefits: Once your claim is reopened, you’ll need to begin filing your weekly or bi-weekly certifications immediately to start receiving benefits.

Scenario 2: Your Previous Claim Was Denied (Failure Due to an Issue)

If your claim failed because you received a denial or non-monetary determination (e.g., deemed ineligible due to the reason you left your job, not enough wages in the base period, etc.), you generally have two options:

1. File an Appeal: If you disagree with the reason your claim was denied, you have a right to file an appeal (usually within a short deadline, like 10-30 days). The denial letter should include instructions on how to appeal the decision.
2. Request Reconsideration (Monetary Issues): If the failure was due to incorrect wages or missing employment history on your Monetary Determination letter, you should fill out a Request for Reconsideration or a Wage Protest form and submit proof of your wages (like pay stubs or W-2s).

It is strongly recommended to deal with the old claim (appeal/reconsideration) before attempting a new one, as the original “fail” reason may affect any new application.

Scenario 3: Your Previous Claim’s “Benefit Year” Has Ended

A standard unemployment claim is valid for one year (52 weeks) from the date you filed it. If more than a year has passed since you initially filed your claim, it has expired, and you will need to file a new initial claim (also called refiling).

What to do:

1. File a New Initial Claim: Go to your state’s UI website and look for the option to “File a New Unemployment Insurance Claim.” This will start the entire process over and determine if you meet the wage requirements for a new “base period.”
2. Gather Required Documents: You will need current information for all your employers from the last 18 months, including their names, addresses, and dates of employment.

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Immediate Action Steps to Take

Since unemployment is governed by the state where you worked, the fastest and most efficient way to proceed is to contact your state’s Department of Labor or Employment Security Department.

1. Identify Your State’s Agency: Find the official website for the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked.
2. Contact a Claims Representative: Look for a phone number or secure online messaging system on their website. Explain that you had a prior claim that did not process and you need to know whether to reopen/restart or file a new initial claim.
3. File Immediately: It is crucial to file your claim (or reopen it) during your first week of unemployment, as benefits are not typically paid for weeks before you apply.

Key Information You Should Have Ready

• Your Social Security Number.
• Your address, phone number, and email.
• Employment information for all jobs worked in the last 18 months (employer name, address, phone number, start/end dates, and reason for separation).
• Your last claim’s filing date (if you remember it).