This is exactly what happened to me last month! Got my approval letter but was stuck in processing for 5 weeks. Turns out ESD had flagged my claim for additional documentation that I never received notice about. The system glitch that prevents them from sending proper notifications is apparently a known issue but they haven't fixed it yet. I ended up having to physically go to the WorkSource office in my area - they were able to see the hold on my account immediately and help me submit what was needed. If calling doesn't work, that might be another option. The in-person staff can often see issues that don't show up in your online account. Really hope you get this sorted out soon - the stress of waiting for benefits you've already been approved for is awful!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with something similar - got my approval letter 4 weeks ago but payments are still stuck in processing. After reading everyone's experiences here, it's clear that identity verification issues are way more common than ESD communicates. I've been calling for weeks with no luck getting through, but now I have a better strategy: call right at 8am and specifically ask about identity verification holds. I also didn't know about the WorkSource office option - that could be a lifesaver if the phone lines stay jammed. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions. It's frustrating that we have to crowdsource this information because ESD's communication is so poor, but at least we can help each other navigate this broken system!

Bottom line - file TODAY if possible. The Washington ESD system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Even if you were fired, you probably still qualify unless it was for something really serious.

I work in HR and can confirm - you absolutely should file immediately. There's no waiting period to submit your application, and every day you delay potentially costs you money. Since you mentioned it was for attendance issues rather than something like theft or violence, you'll likely qualify even though you were terminated. The key is being honest about why you were fired when they ask. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify the details, so make sure you have documentation about any safety complaints you made. That could actually work in your favor if they retaliated against you for reporting legitimate concerns. Get that application in tonight!

While you're working on your appeal, don't forget to keep applying for jobs and doing your job search activities. If you win the appeal, you'll need to show you were meeting the job search requirements for all those weeks to get paid for them. The system is definitely frustrating, but staying on top of all the requirements will help if you eventually win.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this financial stress on top of an unfair decision. One thing I wanted to add - when you're writing your Petition for Review, make sure to cite specific WAC sections that support your case. For example, if this was a misconduct case, WAC 192-150-200 outlines what constitutes misconduct and the burden of proof requirements. Also, if your employer gave contradictory statements between what they told ESD initially versus their hearing testimony, that's a huge point in your favor. The Commissioner's office takes inconsistent employer testimony very seriously. Keep your chin up - the fact that you have documented evidence and clear employer contradictions gives you a much stronger case than many people who appeal. Focus on the legal errors and factual inconsistencies rather than the emotional impact (as hard as that is), and you'll have the best shot at success.

I'm 68 and just wanted to add my experience to this helpful thread! I was laid off from my retail management position 3 months ago and was terrified about how collecting unemployment might affect my Social Security benefits. Like many of you, I got conflicting advice from everyone - some said I'd lose my Social Security, others said I couldn't get unemployment at my age. Turns out both were completely wrong! I've been successfully collecting both for 12 weeks now with zero issues. The Washington ESD online system even has a helpful dropdown menu specifically for Social Security when you're reporting other income, so they clearly expect people to be in this situation. The hardest part was honestly just getting past my own fear and misconceptions about the system. To Sofia and everyone else in similar situations - don't let age discrimination fears or misinformation from well-meaning people stop you from getting benefits you've earned. The job market is tough enough for older workers without voluntarily giving up financial support that's rightfully yours!

I'm 67 and went through this exact situation earlier this year when my company downsized. I was collecting full Social Security and was so confused about whether I could also file for unemployment - everyone seemed to have different opinions! After finally getting through to Washington ESD (took multiple attempts), I can confirm you absolutely can collect both. I successfully received unemployment benefits for about 16 weeks while also getting my Social Security. The key things I learned: 1) Always report your Social Security as "other income" on your weekly claims - there's even a specific option for it in the dropdown menu, 2) Your Social Security won't reduce your unemployment benefits at all since it's retirement income, not wages, and 3) You still need to meet all the regular unemployment requirements including the 3 weekly job search activities. Sofia, don't let your neighbor's misinformation cost you benefits you've earned! At our age, having both income sources while job hunting is really important. The Washington ESD system is actually set up to handle this situation - they clearly expect people to be collecting both. Good luck with your claim!

I'm in a similar situation - got a level 3 closure notification two days ago and have been anxiously waiting to see what it means. From reading all these responses, it sounds like most people with level 3 closures end up getting approved, which gives me some hope. The fact that they did such a thorough investigation suggests they're taking these cases seriously. Has anyone here had experience with how long it typically takes for the determination letter to arrive after seeing the level 3 closure status?

I'm also dealing with a level 3 closure that just showed up yesterday! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so helpful - way better than trying to decipher the cryptic Washington ESD website. It sounds like most level 3 cases end up being approved based on what people are sharing, which is encouraging. I've been waiting about 6 weeks for my separation issue to get resolved, so seeing any kind of movement feels like progress. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and outcomes - it helps to know we're not alone in this confusing process!