Hey everyone! Just wanted to update after talking to my adjudicator directly. She confirmed that yes, my employer will see most documents I submit, but she also said I can request certain sensitive items be marked for "adjudicator review only" if they contain personal information beyond what's needed for the claim decision. I ended up submitting everything including the texts since they directly relate to why I left. The adjudicator actually thanked me for being thorough with my evidence. Still waiting on the decision, but feeling better about the process now. Thanks for all the advice!

Wait, I'm confused - are you the same person as William Schwarz who originally posted this question? Your username shows as Zoey Bianchi but you're saying "my adjudicator" and "I ended up submitting everything" like you're the OP. Just want to make sure I understand who's giving this update! Either way, thanks for sharing the info about the "adjudicator review only" option. That seems like a good middle ground for sensitive documents that are relevant to the case but might cause problems if shared with the employer.

did u check ur eservices account? sometimes the decision shows up there before u get the mail. just login and look under 'letters' or 'decisions' tab

I went through a similar situation about 6 months ago! My employer also didn't show up to the OAH hearing, and I was so nervous testifying alone. The good news is I won my case and got about 9 weeks of back pay. From what I learned during my experience, employers often don't show when they realize their documentation isn't strong enough to defend their position. The fact that you brought performance reviews and had approved medical leave documentation sounds really promising. One tip - keep checking your eServices account daily, but also watch your mail carefully. My decision letter actually arrived a day before it showed up online. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but it sounds like you prepared well and presented your case thoroughly. Fingers crossed for you!

btw another option nobody mentioned is deferring student loans while ur unemployed. helped me survive the gap between benefits. just saying

As someone who just went through the TB application process successfully (started in January 2025), I want to emphasize how important it is to get started IMMEDIATELY even with just one week left. Here's what saved me: 1. I applied online through eServices the same day I realized I was cutting it close 2. Called WorkSource first thing Monday morning - they were much easier to reach than ESD and helped me gather the labor market data I needed 3. Got a letter from my chosen training program (community college IT program) confirming enrollment dates and program details 4. Submitted everything within 3 days The key thing that worked in my favor was demonstrating "good cause" for the late application - I explained that I was unaware of the deadline requirement and had been actively job searching until I realized additional training was necessary. Even if your regular benefits end, DON'T PANIC. Keep filing your weekly claims and get that application submitted. The worst they can say is no, but if you don't try, you definitely won't get approved. IT Security is definitely considered in-demand, especially with all the cybersecurity issues lately. One last tip: when you call ESD (or use Claimyr), specifically ask to be transferred to the "Training Benefits unit" rather than general customer service. They're more knowledgeable about the specific requirements and deadlines.

Update? Were you able to reach someone at ESD? If your claim is related to a construction management layoff, they might also be verifying your work hours across multiple projects. Construction claims can be more complex because they often review multiple employers during the base year.

That's fantastic news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and get some answers. It's really frustrating that employers sometimes try to contest legitimate layoffs, but it sounds like you have solid documentation to prove your case. Hopefully this gets resolved quickly and you can finally get those weeks of benefits you've been waiting for. Thanks for updating us - it gives hope to others dealing with similar issues!

Update for anyone still following - I finally got through to Washington ESD and confirmed that I have been paying voluntary contributions through my business. Going to start the application process this week.

Just wanted to add that if you're self-employed and considering applying, make sure you understand the base period requirements. Washington ESD looks at your earnings from 5 quarters ago, not your most recent income. So even if your business just failed recently, they'll be calculating benefits based on what you earned over a year ago. This caught me off guard when I applied - I thought they'd use my recent high-earning quarters, but the system doesn't work that way. It's worth checking what your base period earnings look like before you invest time in the application process.