dont 4get that u also gotta do the job search requirements, its like 3 activities a week in washington. dunno what arkansas requires but make sure u keep track of everything!

One more important thing to consider - once you determine which state to file in, you'll need to make sure you're following that state's weekly claim filing and job search requirements. Washington requires 3 job search activities per week that you must document and be ready to present if audited. They can deny benefits retroactively if you haven't been maintaining proper job search records. Also, when you apply with Washington ESD, be completely transparent about your Arkansas residency. Trying to hide that fact could lead to an overpayment determination later if they discover it.

im on week 6 of waiting for my first payment lol. approved doesnt mean anything. welcome to the washington esd system!

Just to follow up on this thread - one common reason for payment delays after approval is the bank verification process. ESD sometimes does micro-deposits to verify your account before sending the full payment amount. Check your bank account for any small deposits (usually less than $1) from Washington State. Also, if you have any previous employers contesting your claim, that can cause delays even after initial approval. The status might show approved while they're still resolving an employer dispute in the background. For weekly claims after your first payment, the standard timing is processing on Sunday/Monday and deposit by Wednesday/Thursday if there are no issues.

my brother had this happen when he got a job at walmart after being laid off from boeing. he filed his final week and reported the hours and got like $75 instead of his full amount but at least it was something. def file your claim man

Just to clarify a few things that have been mentioned: 1. Yes, file your claim and report all hours/earnings 2. ESD deducts 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount 3. You should answer the job search questions accurately - if you consider yourself still looking for work (which makes sense given the pay cut), then answer accordingly 4. Your claim remains active for your benefit year 5. If your hours increase to full-time at this job, you'd be considered fully employed even if the pay is low Hope this helps clear up any confusion!

Just adding another data point - I've been trying to submit my weekly claim since Sunday and encountering the same CAPTCHA and technical error issues. Just tried again five minutes ago (Tuesday morning) and FINALLY got through! The site seems to be working intermittently. My advice is to keep trying different times of day. The system seemed much faster around 10:30 AM today.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know we finally got through! Used Microsoft Edge as suggested and tried at 11:30 AM today. The CAPTCHA worked on the first try and we were able to complete the initial application. Site was still running slow but at least it worked. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and commiseration!

My sister had her baby last year and went through the same thing with unemployment. The job search part moved somewhere else but she still had to do it. I think its all a part of the new system they're rollng out gradually. Something about making it easier for employers to verify applications too I think she said.

Just to follow up on this thread - there's actually a benefit to this change that isn't immediately obvious. The separate job search log allows you to enter activities throughout the week as you complete them, rather than having to remember all details when you file your weekly claim. It also lets you copy previous job search entries if you're applying to multiple positions at the same company, which saves time. The new system also allows for more detailed documentation, which can be helpful if you ever have to prove your job search activities during an audit or appeal. You can upload screenshots or confirmation emails directly to each job search entry.

One more important thing: make sure you're still doing your required job search activities each week (3 per week). Even if you're doing freelance work, you still need to be looking for full-time employment unless you have an approved Standby status. A lot of people get tripped up on this and end up with disqualified weeks.

Do they deduct 100% of ur freelance earnings from ur benefits? The whole system is so unfair to freelancers!!

I don't think contacting the Governor is the best approach for everyone. I was in a similar situation last month, and what worked for me was finding my state representative's contact info and reaching out to their office. My rep has a staff member who specifically handles ESD issues, and they were able to move my claim through within a week of contacting them. It's unfortunate that we have to resort to political pressure to get our claims processed, but at least there are options when you're stuck in pending status for weeks.

Im just wondering why they make this process so DIFFICULT??!! We worked and paid into the system but when we need help its like pulling teeth to get it!!! The system is designed to make people give up. I had a friend who just stopped trying after 2 months of trying to get his claim fixed.

Just checking back - any update? Did your payments start processing yet?

this happned to my sister too but they had a seperate issue with her job separation that wasnt showing up anywhere in her acount. turns out her employer said she quit but she was laid off. had to do a whole nother adjutication for that. check if your employer sent something weird to esd maybe?

NOBODY KNOWS HOW ESD ACTUALLY WORKS!!! One week everything processes super fast, next week identical claim sits pending for days. One agent tells you one thing, another says completely opposite. It's all just random chaos and we're all just guessing!!!! 😫

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Just wanted to update - the money actually hit my account early this morning (Wednesday), so it seems like the 'paid' status on Monday was indeed legitimate despite the holiday. The process was much faster than I expected!

have u tried calling super early? like right when they open at 8am? thats how i got thru eventually

Update: I called the Tacoma WorkSource and they said they don't have ESD reps on site regularly. But they did tell me about a virtual appointment option I hadn't known about before. Apparently you can schedule a phone appointment through WorkSourceWA.com, but the slots fill up super quick. I'm going to try that and also reach out to my state rep like someone suggested. Will update if anything works!