when I got laid off in November I thought standby meant I didn't have to do job search but that was wrong!! had to appeal and it was such a mess. make sure you understand all the requirements

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'll definitely file my weekly claim this Sunday and keep doing my job search activities. I just wish ESD made all this clearer when you first apply. I've set a reminder on my phone for Sunday so I don't forget to file. One more question - how long does it typically take to get the first payment after the waiting week?

I'm in a similar situation! I did yard work for a neighbor and wasn't sure how to report it. The ESD website is SO confusing. Did your benefit amount get reduced by exactly how much you earned from the subbing job? That's what I'm worried about - if I report $50 for mowing a lawn, do they just subtract that from my weekly benefit?

One additional note - make sure you're also listing this work as one of your job search activities for the week! Many people forget that work you actually perform (even part-time or one-day) counts as a job search activity. This helps you meet your 3 required activities per week.

Just to clarify on the out-of-state job search question - yes, job search activities in your current state DO count toward Washington's requirements as long as they're properly documented in his eServices account. The key is that he needs to be able and available for work, and actively seeking employment. Regarding the "needs additional information" status - one other place to check is the "Upload a Document" section in eServices. Sometimes there will be categories of documents they're requesting there, even if it's not clearly communicated elsewhere. Also, while checking the phone hours is important, do be aware that the call volumes are highest right when they open. Sometimes calling mid-day (around 1-2pm PST/4-5pm EST) can have slightly better results as the morning rush has subsided.

just wanna say i feel ur pain... ESD is the WORST!!! moved from seattle to phoenix last year and had to deal with them remotely for 2 months. nightmare. good luck!!!

i know this is kind of random but is anyone else noticing that ALL wa state agencies are impossible to reach lately?? i had same issue with DOL for a drivers license problem and then my mom couldnt get thru to HCA for medicaid questions. is this just how government works now or what??

To specifically address the PFML phone system issues, I recommend the following steps that have worked for others: 1. Try calling on Tuesday or Wednesday mid-morning (10-11am). Their highest volume is typically Mondays and Fridays. 2. If you get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message, hang up and immediately redial rather than waiting on hold. Sometimes you'll get a different message and can enter the queue. 3. If you have the option, use a landline rather than cell phone - the connection is more stable and less likely to drop. 4. When you do get through, immediately ask the agent to note in your file that you've experienced disconnections. This helps document the issue. 5. As a last resort, contact your state representative's office. They often have constituent services that can help navigate state agencies.

One more tip - if you're going to use video, check what will be visible behind you. You want a neutral, professional background if possible. Some people don't think about this and end up with messy rooms or inappropriate items visible during important hearings. MS Teams does have background blur or replacement options if needed. Also, when it comes to the actual hearing, let the judge lead the process. Don't interrupt other speakers, even if they say things you disagree with. Write down points you want to address and wait for your turn. Judges appreciate participants who respect the process. Good luck with your appeal!

Since your case involves training issues, I'd recommend having the following ready for your hearing: 1. A timeline of your employment showing when training was promised vs. delivered 2. Any emails or communications requesting additional training 3. Job description documents showing required skills 4. Performance metrics showing any improvement trends over time 5. Names and titles of who provided (or failed to provide) training The judge will be looking for specific evidence rather than general statements. Instead of saying "I never received proper training," be prepared to say "On March 15, 2025, I requested training on the new CRM system as shown in exhibit A, but was told by supervisor Jane Smith that there was no time for training and I should figure it out myself." Also, if you haven't already, submit all your evidence to OAH in advance according to their instructions. Typically this needs to be done at least 7 days before the hearing.

tell him check out warehouses, my buddy was in tech and couldnt find anything so he did amazon warehouse for like 6 months, decent pay and they hire everyone

One more thing - when your brother reports his part-time earnings to ESD, he needs to report GROSS earnings (before any deductions), not net pay. I've seen people get hit with overpayment notices because they reported the wrong amount. Also, your brother might benefit from connecting with WorkSource. They can help with job searches in his field and sometimes have special programs for people transitioning between careers. With his tech background, they might be able to connect him with short-term contract work that pays better than retail while he searches for a permanent position.

not sure if this helps but my cousin told me some temp agencies are really hiring right now especially if u have accounting background. might be worth checking out while u look for permanent stuff?

Just following up - did you contact WorkSource about the Training Benefits program? I'm curious if you found any good options. The application deadline is important since you only have two payments left, so hopefully you were able to get some guidance.

btw make sure ur still doing the required job search activities (3 per week) even while in adjudication!!! So many ppl get their claims denied bcuz they didnt do this while waiting. u dont wanna finally get thru adjudication only to be denied for not meeting job search requirements!

If your adjudication is taking longer than expected, it might be because they're waiting for information from your previous employer. It's worth calling your former employer's HR department to make sure they've responded to ESD's request for information. Sometimes following up directly with them can speed things along.

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their help! I went to WorkSource and got connected with their Dislocated Worker program. They're helping me enhance my resume and connected me with some temp agencies that work specifically with admin assistants. I also applied for food benefits and energy assistance. I also managed to get through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. The agent was super helpful and confirmed I can't get an extension but said I should continue filing weekly claims even after my benefits run out (something about keeping my claim active for tax purposes and in case any emergency extensions get approved later). Still stressed about money but at least I have a plan now. Thanks again everyone!

My cousin works at a staffing place and says the admin market is picking up for summer when people take vacations. Dont give up!!

The ESD system is DESIGNED to be difficult to navigate. They WANT people to give up so they don't have to pay out benefits. I've been through 3 claims over the years and every single time they find some ridiculous reason to put you in adjudication. Last time they claimed I didn't provide enough job search evidence even though I uploaded everything correctly!!! Took 12 weeks and threatening to contact my state representative before they finally paid me what they owed. The whole system is broken and nobody in Olympia seems to care.

FINAL UPDATE: My claim was approved today and all my pending payments were released! $4,870 total for the 4 weeks. Such a massive relief. For anyone else stuck in adjudication, definitely check your notices for any fact-finding questionnaires and make sure to respond to those ASAP. That was the main holdup for me. Thank you all again for your advice and support during this stressful time!