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Just remember that missing weekly claims can mess up your whole benefit year. I missed two weeks in a row once and it took forever to get it sorted out. Don't make my mistake!
I just went through this same process a few weeks ago and totally understand the confusion! Here's what worked for me: Set up a Sunday routine where you log into the SecureAccess Washington portal around the same time each week. Have a notebook ready to jot down your job search activities as you do them throughout the week - it makes filing so much easier. The questions are pretty straightforward once you do it a couple times. Don't stress too much about it, just be honest and consistent with your answers. You've got this!
Bottom line: it's possible but complicated. If you have qualifying wages from regular employment and can handle the reporting requirements, partial unemployment while doing gig work can provide some financial stability. Just be prepared for potential delays and keep excellent records.
Good luck! Don't hesitate to use resources like Claimyr if you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD.
I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I want to add is that it's worth checking if Washington ESD has any specific guidance for DoorDash drivers on their website. I know some states have updated their policies for gig workers since the pandemic. Also, has anyone tried calling the WorkSource centers directly? Sometimes they can provide clearer guidance than the main ESD phone line, and they help with the job search requirements too.
That's a great suggestion about WorkSource centers! I hadn't thought of calling them directly. The main ESD line is always so backed up. Do you know if they can actually help with filing claims or just the job search part? I'm still trying to figure out all the requirements before I submit my application.
WorkSource centers can definitely help with understanding the job search requirements and registering in their system, which is mandatory for UI benefits. They can't file your actual claim for you, but they can walk you through what documentation you'll need and help clarify the work search activities that count. Some locations even have staff who specialize in helping gig workers navigate the system. I'd recommend calling ahead to see if they have anyone with that expertise available.
I've been calling at exactly 7:29 AM, then immediately redialing if I get the busy message. Sometimes it takes 15-20 attempts, but that timing worked twice for me. The worst part is that once the claim is approved, it's literally just a button they push on their end. My adjudicator said it took her about 2 minutes to actually review and approve my claim once she got to it in the queue.
I'm going through something very similar right now - laid off from a healthcare company 4 weeks ago and still stuck in pending despite having all my documentation uploaded and my employer confirming they won't contest. The lack of communication from ESD is the most frustrating part. You literally have no idea if your case is being worked on or just sitting in a digital pile somewhere. I didn't know about the Governor's office option until reading your post - thank you for sharing that! I'm definitely going to try that route if I don't hear anything by next week. The phone system is absolutely useless. I've probably called 100+ times and never gotten through to a human. Really hoping your escalation works quickly. Keep us updated on how it goes - this whole thread is giving me some hope that there are ways to get unstuck from this broken system.
Emma, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too! The lack of communication really is the worst part - at least if they told us "your claim will be reviewed in X weeks" we could plan accordingly. Definitely try the Governor's office - the staff member I spoke with was really understanding and seemed to genuinely want to help. I also learned from this thread to double-check ALL the tabs in eServices for any hidden questionnaires or requests. I'll definitely keep everyone updated on how the escalation goes. Hopefully we'll both be approved soon and can put this nightmare behind us!
Just want to add - make sure you're emotionally prepared for this process. Dealing with Washington ESD can be stressful even when you have a strong case. Having good documentation helps but the waiting is still tough.
Final thought - consider the timing of when you quit. If you can, try to quit at a time when you'll have the best chance of finding new employment. The job market varies throughout the year.
NeonNomad
I've been going through the same process and wanted to share what helped me. When you're in the claim status section, also pay attention to any "determination" letters that might be posted - these show up in your correspondence section and explain exactly why there might be delays or what additional steps are needed. I missed one initially and it delayed my claim by an extra two weeks. Also, if you have any questions about specific codes or status messages you're seeing, write them down before calling - it helps the agents assist you more quickly when you do get through.
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Giovanni Moretti
•This is really good advice about the determination letters! I just checked my correspondence section again and there actually is a letter there that I missed before. It's asking for additional wage information from my previous employer. No wonder my claim has been sitting in adjudication - I need to respond to this ASAP. Thanks for mentioning to look specifically for those determination letters, I would have kept waiting and wondering what was taking so long.
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Kai Rivera
Just wanted to add my experience - I was in a similar situation last month and found that creating a simple checklist helped me stay on top of everything. I check: 1) Claim status for any changes, 2) Correspondence section for new letters, 3) Payment history to track any issued benefits, and 4) Outstanding issues section. I also keep a notebook with dates of when I check and any status changes I notice. It's been super helpful for tracking progress and having specific details when I need to call. The Washington ESD system can be overwhelming but having a routine makes it much more manageable!
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