One last tip - if you run into any issues during the application process or afterward, don't hesitate to call Washington ESD for help. Yeah, it can be hard to get through, but the agents are usually pretty helpful once you reach them. Or try that Claimyr thing if the regular phone lines aren't working.

Just wanted to add that if you're still employed but expecting a layoff, you can't file for unemployment until you're actually unemployed. I made that mistake thinking I could get ahead of it when my company announced layoffs were coming in a few weeks. Washington ESD told me I had to wait until my last day of work to file. Also, make sure you keep documentation of your layoff - termination letter, final paycheck stub, etc. It can help speed up the verification process.

UPDATE: I went to my local WorkSource office this morning with my driver's license and SS card. The staff there were really helpful and called ESD on their direct line. They verified my identity and unsuspended my account while I waited! I was able to log in and file my new claim as soon as I got home. For anyone with the same issue - definitely try the WorkSource office route. Way easier than battling the phone system.

This is such valuable information! I'm bookmarking this thread because I have a feeling a lot of people are going to run into this same issue as more companies do layoffs. It's really helpful to know that WorkSource offices have direct lines to ESD - that seems like the best kept secret for actually getting help with account issues. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions!

Quick update - I tried Claimyr after seeing it mentioned here, and it actually worked! Got connected to an ESD agent in about 45 minutes this morning. The agent was able to push through my identity verification after reviewing the documents I had already uploaded. My claim status changed from 'pending' to 'processing' while I was on the phone with her. Just wanted to share since I know how frustrating this whole process is!

I'm dealing with the exact same identity verification nightmare! Been stuck for almost 3 weeks now with documents uploaded but no movement on my claim. Reading through all these responses is giving me some hope though - definitely going to try that direct ID verification number (360-486-2822) first thing tomorrow morning. The Claimyr service sounds interesting too, might be worth the cost if it actually works. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips, this community is literally the only place I've found actual helpful advice about navigating ESD's broken system!

Bottom line - keep detailed records, be honest about your job search activities, and don't try to game the system. The audits are real and the penalties for not having documentation are severe.

I've been on unemployment for about 3 months and this thread is making me realize I need to step up my documentation game. I've been keeping basic records but nothing as detailed as what you all are describing. Does anyone have a template or specific format they use for tracking their work search activities? I want to make sure I'm capturing all the right information in case I get selected for an audit.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago. The OSI verification process is definitely scary when you first see that message, but it's way more common than you'd think. In my case, it was triggered because I had recently gotten married and changed my name, but hadn't updated it everywhere yet. One thing I learned that might help others - when you finally get through to OSI, they can actually expedite your case if you explain that you have immediate financial hardship (like rent due soon). They have a priority queue for people in urgent situations. Also, make sure to ask for a case reference number when you speak with them so you can follow up if needed. The whole ordeal took about a week from start to finish for me, and I did get all my back benefits once it was resolved. Hang in there - it's stressful but very solvable!

I went through this exact same situation in December! Got the OSI message and completely panicked thinking I was being investigated. Turns out it was just because I had recently updated my address with the post office but not with all my other accounts, so there were mismatches in their system. A few tips that helped me get through faster: - Call right at 8:00 AM sharp when they open (as others mentioned) - Have ALL your documents ready before calling: driver's license, social security card, recent paystubs, utility bills - Write down exactly what information you entered on your claim so you can reference it - Be prepared to potentially email documents while you're on the phone with them It took me about 12 attempts over 3 days to get through, but once I did, the actual verification only took about 15 minutes. The agent was actually pretty nice and explained everything clearly. Got my benefits approved 4 days later with full back pay. Don't let the scary language in that message freak you out too much - it's really just their standard identity verification process, not an actual fraud investigation. You'll get through this!