how long did the appeal take? i filed one 3 weeks ago and still havent heard anything back

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm in almost the exact same situation - got denied for being 15 hours short of the 680 requirement. Reading through all this, I realized I never checked if they counted my paid sick days from when I had COVID last year. That was 5 days (40 hours) that should definitely be included. Also going to look into that alternative base year calculation since I picked up extra shifts in the most recent quarter. Filing my appeal this week - thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I just remembered something important - make sure you specifically address WAC 192-110-095(2)(b) which states one reason for backdating is "The individual did not know they were unemployed and eligible for benefits." This exactly matches your situation if you genuinely didn't understand you could receive benefits while job searching. Also, in your job search documentation, highlight that you were doing MORE than the minimum required activities. This shows you were acting in good faith and following what you understood to be the requirements. Beware that the judge might ask why you didn't research the unemployment process online. Have an honest answer prepared for this.

I had a backdating appeal hearing about 6 months ago with a very similar situation - I was laid off and spent weeks job searching without realizing I should have filed for unemployment immediately. The key thing that helped me win was framing it as a genuine misunderstanding about eligibility rather than avoidance of the system. During my hearing, I emphasized three main points: 1) I truly believed unemployment benefits were only for people who had stopped job searching, 2) I was actively doing everything I thought was required (job searching), and 3) I had no prior experience with unemployment so I relied on incorrect assumptions. The judge asked me directly why I didn't call ESD or research online, and I explained that I was focused entirely on finding work and operating under the misconception that filing for benefits would somehow conflict with active job searching. I think being honest about the confusion rather than defensive made a big difference. Your extensive job search documentation is actually a huge asset - it proves you weren't just sitting around doing nothing. Make sure to present it as evidence that you were fulfilling what you believed were your obligations during unemployment. Good luck with your hearing!

Just to summarize the key points: Yes, you're responsible for unemployment benefits even after closing. File your final reports properly with Washington ESD. Give proper notice to employees. Keep good records. And don't hesitate to contact Washington ESD directly if you have specific questions about your situation.

I went through a similar situation when I had to close my coffee shop last year. One thing I'd add is to make sure you document the reason for closure (rising rent costs in your case) in your final paperwork with Washington ESD. This helps establish that it's an involuntary business closure rather than voluntary, which can be important for your employees' unemployment claims and potentially for you if you ever start another business. Also, consider reaching out to your local SCORE chapter - they sometimes have resources for business closure assistance that I wish I'd known about earlier.

Best of luck with your move and job search! Even if the unemployment situation doesn't work out perfectly, you're making the right choice to support your family.

I'm in a similar situation and have been researching this extensively. One thing I discovered is that Washington ESD does have a provision for "domestic circumstances" under RCW 50.20.050, but it's interpreted very narrowly. However, there's also something called "interstate benefit payment plans" that might be worth looking into. Essentially, you might be able to file your initial claim in Washington based on your work history there, but then potentially transfer or continue receiving benefits while residing in Oregon if you meet certain criteria. The key is establishing your claim before you move and ensuring you're actively seeking work. I'd definitely recommend getting this confirmed directly with an ESD agent before making any decisions.

Just to summarize what everyone has shared (which is all good info): 1. You CAN still receive benefits if only one employer approves 2. Benefits will likely be calculated using only the wages from the approved employer 3. Quitting one job for a better paying job is usually considered "good cause" in Washington 4. You MUST continue filing weekly claims during adjudication 5. Keep doing your 3 job search activities each week and documenting them 6. Adjudication times vary but seem to be taking 3-5 weeks currently 7. If approved, you'll receive backpay for weeks claimed during adjudication The most important thing is to keep filing those weekly claims and doing your job search activities while waiting. If your claim goes into adjudication for a while and you need to speak with someone at ESD, that's when options like Claimyr might help you get through faster.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago and wanted to share my experience. I had three different employers during my base year - got approved by two but denied by the third (they claimed I was fired for misconduct, which wasn't true). ESD calculated my benefits based on wages from the two approved employers, so my weekly benefit amount was reduced but I still qualified. The whole adjudication process took about 4 weeks, which felt like forever when you're waiting for income. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you're keeping detailed records of EVERYTHING during this process. Save all your correspondence with ESD, document your job search activities thoroughly, and keep notes about what each employer told you during your separation interviews. If you do end up needing to appeal anything later, having good documentation makes a huge difference. Also, don't panic if your online account shows confusing status updates during adjudication - mine went back and forth between "pending" and "under review" multiple times before finally showing approved. The system isn't great at showing what's actually happening behind the scenes. Hang in there! It sounds like you have a good case, especially since you quit the retail job for better pay and were laid off from the warehouse job through no fault of your own.