Just wanted to add one more important tip - make sure to take a screenshot of your final weekly claim submission showing that you reported your return to work. It's good backup documentation in case there are ever any questions about when and how you properly closed your claim. I always save screenshots of important ESD submissions just in case their system has issues or records get mixed up somehow.

Great advice about taking screenshots! I learned this the hard way when I had an issue with a previous claim and had no way to prove what I had submitted. Now I screenshot everything important - claim submissions, confirmation pages, determination letters, the works. Washington ESD's online system isn't perfect and having your own digital paper trail can be a lifesaver if you ever need to prove you followed proper procedures. It takes two seconds but could save hours of hassle later.

Congratulations Santiago! This is exactly what happened to me last month - went from disqualified to processing to paid within a week. The fact that yours changed so quickly after uploading those job search documents is a really good sign. ESD's system is painfully slow but when it finally moves, it usually means they've cleared whatever was holding up your claim. Keep filing your weekly claims even while it's processing - you don't want to miss any weeks! Hope you get that back pay soon, 8 weeks is a lot to catch up on.

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation - been stuck on "disqualified" for about 3 weeks now after they said I didn't meet work search requirements. I submitted all my job applications and interview proof but haven't heard anything back yet. Seeing Santiago's success story gives me hope that maybe they're just really backed up reviewing documentation. Did anyone else find that uploading documents through the ESD portal actually worked better than mailing them in? I'm wondering if I should try resubmitting everything online just to be safe.

Applied for both last year during covid. The process is definitely doable but expect it to take time. Both agencies are understaffed and overworked so be patient but persistent.

Mae, I'm in a similar situation and have been researching this extensively. You absolutely can get both, but here's what I've learned: DSHS will count your unemployment as income when calculating your TANF eligibility, which will reduce your cash aid amount but not necessarily eliminate it. The key is being completely transparent with both agencies from day one. I'd recommend applying online for TANF through Washington Connection if possible - it's faster than waiting on hold. Also, don't forget to ask about emergency assistance programs and childcare subsidies when you apply, as those income limits are often higher and could provide more relief than the cash assistance itself. The paperwork is overwhelming but totally worth it when you have kids to support.

One more thing to consider - if you haven't already, check whether your case might qualify for free legal assistance. The Unemployment Law Project sometimes takes cases for appeals to the Commissioner, especially if there appears to be a clear legal error in the judge's decision. Worth checking if you qualify for their help.

I successfully won my Commissioner's Review appeal in 2024! Similar situation to yours - I was laid off during company restructuring but employer claimed it was performance-related at the hearing. The OAH judge completely ignored the company's internal layoff documentation I submitted and sided with their verbal claims. What saved me was being extremely specific in my appeal about exactly which evidence the judge failed to consider. I created a side-by-side comparison showing: - What the judge wrote in their decision - The specific documentary evidence that contradicted those findings - The exact exhibit numbers from my hearing submission I also cited RCW 50.20.066 regarding burden of proof for misconduct claims since the judge seemed to shift that burden incorrectly. The Commissioner overturned the decision 6 months later, finding the judge "failed to adequately consider contemporaneous documentary evidence." I got all my benefits restored plus the overpayment waived. Your case sounds very similar - focus on the specific evidence the judge ignored rather than trying to re-argue the whole case. You've got this!

This thread should be pinned as a warning to others. These unemployment benefit guide scams are everywhere and people need to know the warning signs.

Thank you for sharing this experience! These scams are unfortunately very common right now. As someone who's been through the Washington ESD process, I can confirm that legitimate help never requires upfront payment or sensitive personal information. The fact that they contacted you first via text claiming ESD affiliation is a major red flag. For your 6-week adjudication delay, I'd recommend documenting everything in writing through your SecureAccess Washington account and considering the legitimate calling assistance services others mentioned. Your gut instinct to question this was absolutely right - these scammers specifically target people frustrated with the system's delays.