wait u said ur filing weekly claims right? im confused, i thought u cant file weekly when ur in adjudicatn??

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me! I tried several of the suggestions here: 1. First, I sent the hardship message through the ESD portal - no response after 3 days 2. I tried calling at 7:59am - still couldn't get through after multiple attempts 3. I used Claimyr as suggested above and actually got through to a real person! The agent explained that my claim was flagged because I had worked remotely for a company in another state for 3 months last year, which triggered an interstate wage investigation. She expedited my review and my claim was approved just two days later! I received all my back payments yesterday (about $5,800 total for the weeks I'd been claiming). Such a relief! Thanks to everyone who offered advice here.

If she's a student with limited availability, that does complicate things. Here's what she should know: 1. Being a student doesn't automatically disqualify her, but she must be available for work during hours customary for her occupation 2. If she restricts her availability too much, ESD may determine she's not truly available for work 3. She should be honest about her availability restrictions on her application 4. There is a specific question about school attendance on the weekly claim Some students do qualify for partial benefits, especially if they're willing to work evenings, weekends, or other shifts outside of class time. ESD evaluates these cases individually, so the best approach is to apply and be completely truthful about her situation.

Being available Friday-Monday (4 days a week) should be sufficient availability for many jobs, especially in retail or food service. When she files her weekly claims, there's a specific question asking if she had any school attendance that affected her ability to work. She should indicate "yes" and explain her situation. I recommend she also check the "Worker Retraining" programs through WorkSource. Some students qualify for special unemployment benefits if they're enrolled in approved training programs that lead to in-demand careers. It's a separate program, but worth looking into if her studies align with qualifying fields.

Regarding your questions: 1. Job search requirements: When you're working full-time hours (32+ hours/week) and not receiving UI benefits, you are NOT required to conduct job searches. However, in weeks where your hours drop below full-time and you receive partial benefits, you would need to complete and document your 3 job search activities. 2. Documentation: Yes, an offer letter that explicitly states the temporary/seasonal nature and end date is ideal. If your offer letter doesn't include this information, request an email confirmation from HR or your manager that clearly states the position is seasonal with the expected end date. Save this documentation - it will be crucial if your claim gets flagged for review when the seasonal work ends.

LOL everyone here giving different answers just shows how messed up the unemployment system is! I've been through 3 different claims and gotten 3 different outcomes from ESD for basically the same situation each time. It all depends which agent reviews your case and what mood they're in that day 🙄 But seriously, just make sure EVERYTHING is documented. Save emails, take screenshots, get the seasonal nature in writing. When your seasonal job ends, you might get put in adjudication anyway (I did), but if you have documentation you'll eventually get approved.

I did one of these in February and they sent the link like an hour before lol. But my friend had hers last week and never got a link and her benefits got put on hold! So definitely call them if you don't see an email soon.

Just wanted to follow up and see if you got your Zoom link for the WorkSource appointment? Hope everything worked out!

yeah my brother had almost the exact same thing happen and he got approved but had to wait like 4 weeks. just keep doing the job search stuff and filing every week

Yes, absolutely continue filing weekly claims and completing your three job search activities each week, even during weeks when your benefits might be reduced or zeroed out due to severance allocation. This maintains your claim as active in the system and establishes your eligibility for those weeks once the severance allocation period ends. If you don't file for a week, you can't receive benefits for that week later, even if you would have been eligible after adjudication is complete. Missing weekly claims is one of the most common mistakes that leads to benefit payment delays.

i was on unemployment last year and my brothers on it now and we both noticed that sometimes the website says one thing but the reality is different the whole system is super confusing and outdated tbh. my brother had a similar thing where they said hed be paid but the website didnt change for like 3 days but he did get paid eventually.

UPDATE: You guys were right! The money hit my account this morning even though the website STILL says disqualified. So relieved right now. Thank you all for the reassurance and advice. For anyone else in this situation - trust what the agent tells you if they specifically mention processing the payment that night, even if the website doesn't update!

One more thing to be aware of - ESD has specific requirements about what counts as a "job search activity" for self-employment. According to their guidelines, these typically need to be: 1. Specific actions that directly establish your business (like your notary application, getting business licenses, etc.) 2. Activities that would reasonably lead to income-producing opportunities 3. Properly documented with dates, time spent, and outcomes General research probably won't count, but completing required notary training, submitting your application to become commissioned, and setting up your business license should all qualify as concrete steps toward establishing self-employment. Also look into WorkSource's self-employment resources - attending one of their small business workshops definitely counts as a job search activity and they can give you additional guidance.

wait so ur saying i could have been counting stuff for my etsy shop this whole time??? ive been doing random job applications i dont even want just to keep my benefits going

Have you tried contacting your state representative? I was stuck in limbo for WEEKS with my claim last year, and after exhausting all options, I emailed my state rep's office. Their constituent services person contacted ESD on my behalf, and miraculously my issue was resolved within 48 hours. Just Google "[your county] state representative" and most have contact forms specifically for helping with unemployment issues.

ESD claims specialist here. For "able and available" flags specifically, you should: 1. Submit documentation through your eServices account explaining your situation 2. Continue filing weekly claims while the issue is being resolved 3. Keep detailed records of all your job search activities If you need to speak with someone directly, the least busy call times are typically Tuesday-Thursday between 1:30-3:30pm. The morning rush is when most people call. Also, if you're using a cell phone, try calling from a landline if possible - for some reason our system connects landline calls more consistently. The "able and available" flag is usually a quick fix once you reach someone, so don't panic. Your benefits aren't lost - they'll be paid retroactively once the issue is resolved.

u should also call ur state rep!! my friend got stuck with esd issues and her state rep helped push it thru faster!

IMPORTANT: I forgot to mention - make sure when you file your claim you include that you're in a UNION and provide your local number!! There's a specific section in the application for union members, and it changes how they process your claim. I almost missed this part and it would have caused huge problems.

Just to add some additional helpful information: The Working Family Tax Credit application typically opens in February each year. You'll need to file through the Department of Revenue website, not through your regular tax return (Washington doesn't have state income tax). You'll need: 1. Your federal tax return information 2. Proof of Washington residency 3. Your Social Security Number or ITIN 4. Direct deposit information (if you want faster payment) For anyone currently on unemployment, remember that while your UI benefits don't count as earned income for this credit, they do count toward the maximum income threshold. Also, if you're currently on standby status with your employer or have a definite recall date, that doesn't change anything about your eligibility for this tax credit.

The application deadline is typically December 31st of the year after the tax year. So for the 2025 tax year, you'd have until December 31, 2026 to apply. But I wouldn't wait that long - the sooner you apply after February when applications open, the sooner you might receive your credit.