Try calling right at 8am but if that doesn't work, honestly just use a service like Claimyr. I wasted weeks trying to call myself when I could have just had them do it for me from the start.

I've been dealing with the exact same issue! Washington ESD's phone lines open at 8:00 AM Monday through Friday, but getting through is nearly impossible. I've had some luck calling right at 7:59 AM and hitting redial constantly until I break through the busy signals around 8:02-8:05 AM. Once you're in the queue, expect to wait 1-3 hours on hold, but at least you're making progress. Also avoid Mondays if possible - the call volume is absolutely insane after the weekend. Tuesday through Thursday around 10:30 AM or during lunch hour (12-1 PM) seem to have slightly better odds. Make sure you have all your documents ready - claim number, SSN, employment dates, etc. - because the agents work quickly and might disconnect if you're not prepared.

I've been dealing with partial unemployment for about 8 months now and wanted to share a few things I've learned that might help others. First, always file your weekly claim on the same day each week - I do mine every Saturday morning and it's become a routine. Second, if you have direct deposit set up, payments usually hit your account within 2-3 business days of filing. Third, keep a simple spreadsheet with your weekly hours and earnings - it makes filing so much easier when you have everything organized. One thing that surprised me was how supportive my coworkers were when they found out I was getting partial benefits. Turns out several of them had used it during previous slow periods. The program really does what it's supposed to do - helps you stay afloat during temporary reductions without having to find a completely new job. Don't let pride keep you from using a benefit you've earned through your work history!

I've been on partial unemployment in Washington for about 3 months now after my restaurant cut everyone's hours due to slower business. The process has been pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. A few things I wish I had known from the start: 1) You can actually start your claim on any day of the week when your hours get reduced - don't wait for a specific day. 2) The online system works best early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are using it. 3) Keep a simple notebook by your computer with your usual work schedule so you can quickly reference your hours when filing weekly claims. 4) If you pick up any odd jobs or gig work while on partial benefits, report every penny - even cash tips. The system is pretty forgiving if you're honest, but they're strict about unreported income. The financial relief has been huge during this slow period, and my manager was actually grateful that I found a way to supplement my income without having to quit and find another job. Don't hesitate to apply if you're in a similar situation - it's exactly what the program is designed for!

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. Got fired for "excessive absences" when I had to miss work for a kidney stone, stomach flu, and my kid's emergency surgery. I was terrified I wouldn't qualify for unemployment, but Washington ESD approved my claim after about 2 weeks of review. The key things that helped my case were: 1) I had called in properly each time, 2) I kept text messages showing I notified my supervisor, and 3) I had some medical documentation. Even though I didn't have doctor's notes for everything, the fact that my absences were legitimate medical issues and I followed company protocol made all the difference. File your claim right away and don't worry - genuine illness absences are NOT considered misconduct in Washington state.

I work for a local advocacy group and see cases like this all the time. What happened to you is unfortunately common but you absolutely have grounds for unemployment benefits. Washington state specifically protects workers who miss work due to legitimate illness. The fact that you followed proper call-in procedures each time is crucial - that shows you weren't being negligent or trying to abuse the system. When you file your claim, emphasize that you always notified your supervisor in advance and that your absences were due to actual medical conditions, not personal choice. Don't let your employer's attendance policy scare you - those policies can't override state unemployment law when it comes to genuine illness. I'd recommend filing your claim this week and gathering any documentation you have (texts, pharmacy receipts, anything that shows you were actually sick). You've got a strong case here.

I'm about 8 days into waiting on my pending claim and this entire thread has been such a lifesaver! It's so reassuring to see Isabella's update that her claim moved to processing - gives me hope that mine will follow soon. I've been doing all the right things (weekly claims, job searches, checking messages) but was starting to second-guess myself wondering if I missed something. The insight about multiple employers potentially causing delays really helps explain things too, since I had three different W-2s last year. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and timelines - it's amazing how much better it feels knowing this waiting period is completely normal and that I'm not alone in this situation!

I'm in a very similar boat - filed my claim about 16 days ago and still sitting at pending status. This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I was getting really anxious thinking I'd done something wrong, but seeing that 2-3 weeks is normal processing time makes me feel so much better. I've been keeping up with my weekly claims and job search requirements, but like everyone else here, the financial stress while waiting is intense. Isabella, congrats on your claim moving to processing - that gives me hope! For anyone else reading this later, I think the key takeaway is to stay patient during those first 2-3 weeks while making sure you keep filing weekly claims and meeting all requirements. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and creating such a supportive discussion!

I'm in a similar situation - week 23 and getting anxious about what happens next. Reading through all these responses is really eye-opening. I had no idea the pandemic extensions were completely gone. Has anyone looked into whether there are any state-specific programs or local resources that might help bridge the gap? I know it's not unemployment benefits, but maybe job training programs or other assistance that could provide some income while continuing to job search?

I'm currently at week 25 and this thread has been incredibly helpful, even though it's not the news I was hoping for. It's really frustrating that there's such a hard cutoff at 26 weeks regardless of individual circumstances or local job market conditions. I've been diligent about my job search activities but the market in my field is still pretty competitive. For those who mentioned other assistance programs like SNAP and WorkSource WA - do you know if there are income limits or other eligibility requirements I should be aware of? I want to start exploring these options now rather than waiting until after my benefits end. Also, has anyone had success with the training programs that might extend benefits that @Olivia Evans mentioned? I'd be interested in learning more about what types of programs qualify and how to get approved.