Just wanted to add that if you're in a specialized field with limited local opportunities, you can expand your search geographically and include remote work options. I've been documenting remote job applications and they count the same as local ones. Also, don't forget that informational interviews are really valuable - they count as networking activities and sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even posted yet. I've had good luck reaching out to people in my field through LinkedIn for brief coffee chats about their company and industry trends.

Just a heads up for anyone dealing with work search requirements - I learned the hard way that you should also keep records of any job rejections you receive. During my audit, they asked about follow-up activities and outcomes for applications I'd submitted. Having email rejections or notes about phone calls where I was told the position was filled really helped demonstrate that I was actively engaged in the process, not just sending out applications and forgetting about them. Also, if you're using job search websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, take screenshots of your application confirmations because those emails don't always come through reliably.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD using the Claimyr service (thanks for that recommendation). Turns out it WAS a combined wage issue! My Oregon wages weren't showing up in their system because I answered a question wrong on my initial application. The agent was able to fix it right there on the phone and said my claim should update in 3-5 business days and switch back to processing. She also said I'll still get all my back weeks once it's approved. Such a relief!

Wow, what a journey! This thread is super helpful for anyone dealing with interstate claims. I'm actually in a similar boat - filed 6 weeks ago after moving from California to Washington and my claim is still "pending" with no updates. Reading through all this makes me think I might have the same combined wage issue. Did the ESD agent mention how common this problem is? It seems like their system should automatically flag when someone has worked in multiple states instead of just marking claims as invalid with zero explanation.

Been through this exact situation. The key is treating your resignation like you're building a legal case - document everything, follow proper procedures, and be prepared to clearly articulate why a reasonable person would have quit in your circumstances. Good luck!

This is such a difficult situation to navigate, especially when you're already stressed from a toxic work environment. One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep copies of everything in a safe place outside of work - don't rely on your work email or computer since you might lose access once you resign. I'd also suggest consulting with an employment attorney if possible, even just for a brief consultation to understand your rights. Some offer free initial consultations and can help you understand whether your situation truly meets the "good cause" standard before you take the leap. The financial uncertainty during the adjudication process is real, so having a solid emergency fund and a clear job search plan is crucial.

Thanks for posting about this. I just checked my credit report after reading your post and found some suspicious activity I need to investigate. Sometimes these things are connected.

This is such a helpful thread - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice! I'm feeling much more prepared to tackle this now. It sounds like the key steps are: 1) Call Washington ESD fraud hotline immediately, 2) Get an employment verification letter from my HR department, 3) Document everything with case numbers and timestamps, 4) Check credit reports and freeze them, 5) Contact IRS about potential tax issues, and 6) Consider using Claimyr if I can't get through by phone. I really appreciate this community having each other's backs on these scary situations.

I had this exact same confusion when I first applied! You definitely don't need the unemployment tax number as an employee - that's your employer's UBI number that they use for their quarterly tax filings. For a regular unemployment claim, you just need your own info (SSN, work history, etc.) and basic employer details like business name and address. Washington ESD can look up all the backend tax stuff themselves. Make sure you're on the claimant section of their website, not the employer portal - they look really similar and it's easy to accidentally end up on the wrong form asking for employer-specific information you wouldn't have.

I just went through this same confusion a few months ago when I first filed! You definitely don't need your employer's unemployment tax number (UBI number) for your personal claim - that's strictly for employers when they file their quarterly reports with the state. It sounds like you might have accidentally ended up on the employer portal section of the Washington ESD website, which happens to a lot of people since the navigation isn't great. For a regular unemployment claim, you only need your SSN, basic employer info (name, address), and your work history. Just make sure you're on the right page by going directly to esd.wa.gov and clicking "File for Unemployment Benefits" - that'll take you to the actual claimant application where you won't see any requests for employer tax numbers.