I went through this exact same situation last year - 7 weeks in adjudication hell with zero communication from ESD. What finally broke the logjam for me was filing a complaint with the Washington State Ombudsman's office (ombuds.wa.gov). They have a specific process for handling ESD delays and can actually compel them to respond within a reasonable timeframe. The ombudsman doesn't just make phone calls - they have statutory authority to investigate government agency delays and can issue formal findings. In my case, they contacted ESD directly and I got a resolution within 10 business days of filing the complaint. Also, if you're facing genuine financial hardship (which it sounds like you are), ask about emergency food assistance through DSHS while you're waiting. The situation sucks but there are resources to help bridge the gap. Hang in there - the system is broken but you will get through this!

I'm dealing with something similar right now - been waiting 4 weeks in adjudication with zero updates from ESD. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring (knowing I'm not alone) and terrifying (seeing how long some of you had to wait). The advice about contacting your state representative seems to be coming up a lot, so I think I'll try that route first. Has anyone had luck with emailing their rep's office versus calling? I'm wondering if having everything documented in writing might be more effective. Also @dcd982028ae3 - thank you for mentioning the State Ombudsman! I had never heard of that option before but it sounds like it might be the most powerful tool we have when ESD just completely ignores us. Going to bookmark that website for sure. This whole system is such a mess. How are people supposed to survive while waiting months for a decision on benefits they're legally entitled to? It's like they're hoping we'll just give up and go away.

I work for an employment law firm and see these interstate remote work situations frequently. Your mom is in a relatively straightforward case since she's been with the Washington company for 3 years as a W2 employee. A few additional points that might help: 1. Keep records of EVERYTHING - screenshots of her application, confirmation numbers, any correspondence. Interstate claims sometimes get lost in the system. 2. If Washington ESD determines Oregon should handle the claim, the transfer process usually takes 7-10 business days, but her claim date will be backdated to when she originally filed. 3. During the waiting period, she should still be actively job searching and keeping records - both states will require this regardless of who ultimately processes her claim. 4. Tech companies in Washington are generally good about not contesting legitimate unemployment claims, but having her employment contract and any layoff documentation ready is smart. The most important thing is filing quickly. Even if there's some back-and-forth between states, getting that initial claim date locked in protects her eligibility period. Best of luck to your mom!

Just want to add that she should also check if her company provided any severance documentation that mentions unemployment benefits or continuation of benefits. Sometimes Washington-based companies include specific language about which state to file in when they have remote workers. Also, since she's only getting 2 weeks severance, she'll want to file immediately - don't wait for the severance to run out. In Washington, you can file for unemployment even while receiving severance pay in many cases, though it might affect the timing of when benefits start. The key is getting that claim date established as early as possible.

I just wanted to add my perspective as someone who works in unemployment advocacy. The "Able and Available For Work -Hours" adjudication is one of the most common non-blocking reviews that ESD conducts, and you're absolutely right to be confused about why payments continue during the process. This type of adjudication typically gets triggered when there's any indication in your weekly claims that might suggest limited availability - even something as routine as mentioning a doctor's appointment or having to care for a family member on a specific day. The system flags these for human review to ensure compliance with the requirement that claimants be available for suitable work. Since your husband is still receiving benefits, it means ESD has determined this isn't an urgent issue that requires immediate payment suspension. However, I'd strongly recommend being proactive and uploading that letter explaining his availability. Make sure to include: - His general work schedule availability (full-time, part-time, specific hours) - That any mentioned limitations were temporary situations - Confirmation he's actively seeking and able to accept suitable employment - His willingness to work standard business hours for IT positions The fact that he's in IT actually works in his favor since most tech jobs have predictable schedules. Just document everything clearly and you should be fine. These reviews usually resolve within 4-8 weeks once documentation is provided.

I had this exact same situation happen to me about 4 months ago! The "Able and Available For Work -Hours" adjudication appeared on my account and I panicked thinking my benefits would be cut off, but like your husband, I kept receiving my full weekly payments throughout the entire process. In my case, it was triggered because I had mentioned in one of my weekly claims that I couldn't do job search activities on a particular day due to a family emergency. The ESD system automatically flagged this for review even though it was just a one-time thing. I ended up uploading a simple one-page letter explaining my general work availability (full-time, flexible hours, willing to work any shift) and clarifying that the situation I mentioned was a temporary emergency that wouldn't impact my ability to accept employment. The adjudication status stayed on my account for about 6 weeks total, but then it just disappeared and I never heard anything more about it. The key thing I learned is that as long as you're still getting paid, it's really just a routine review. But definitely upload that explanation letter - it shows you're being responsible and proactive about addressing their concerns. Keep it simple and honest about his availability for IT work.

I'm in a similar boat - filed about 10 days ago after my position was eliminated due to budget cuts at a nonprofit. Been in adjudication for over a week now with no communication from ESD whatsoever. What's really frustrating is that I called my former HR department and they confirmed they submitted their response within 48 hours of receiving the request. I've been trying to call ESD daily but like everyone else, just get the "high call volume" recording. The uncertainty is killing me - I have rent due next week and my emergency fund is almost gone. It's reassuring to read that others are going through this same process, but scary to see some of you waited 5+ weeks! One question for those who've been through this: do they typically call/email before making a decision, or does the status just change in your account one day? I'm checking my account multiple times daily and don't want to miss any communication from them.

I'm in week 3 of adjudication after being laid off from my marketing position due to company downsizing. Like many of you, I've been refreshing my account constantly and getting nowhere with phone calls to ESD. One thing that's helped my sanity a bit is creating a simple spreadsheet to track my weekly claim filings, job search activities, and any communications (or lack thereof) with ESD. It makes me feel like I'm doing something productive while we all wait in this limbo. Also wanted to mention - if you're struggling financially while waiting, check if your local food banks or utility companies have emergency assistance programs. I found out my electric company has a program that can defer payments for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're stretching savings. The backpay will come eventually, but in the meantime we still have to survive. Hoping everyone's claims start moving soon - this process is brutal on our mental health!

Remember to keep all your documentation from the school about your employment status. If Washington ESD questions your claim later, you'll need proof of what assurances you did or didn't receive.

I work as a classroom aide too and successfully got unemployment benefits last summer! The key thing that helped me was being very clear in my application that I only had verbal assurance from my supervisor about returning in the fall, not any written contract or formal letter. Washington ESD approved my claim within about 3 weeks. Make sure you emphasize that your position isn't guaranteed and you have no written documentation promising you'll be rehired. Also be prepared for the job search requirements - I applied to retail and office jobs during the summer even though I knew I'd likely return to the school. It felt silly but it's required to keep getting benefits. File as soon as possible because there is definitely a waiting period!