This is incredibly helpful information - thank you all so much! I had no idea about the appeal process or the new Data Correction Request form. I'm going to tackle this systematically: 1. File the appeal TODAY (still within my 30-day window) 2. Submit the new Data Correction Request form with all my paystubs 3. Keep filing weekly claims even while everything is pending 4. Request a wage investigation and hearing in my appeal It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops for what should be a straightforward data correction, but at least now I have a clear path forward. I'll update this thread once I hear back from ESD. Fingers crossed the new form speeds things up! For anyone else dealing with this - don't give up! The advice here shows there ARE ways to get these employer reporting errors fixed, even if ESD makes it unnecessarily complicated.

I went through something very similar last year and want to share what worked for me. The Data Correction Request form that Dylan mentioned is a game-changer - it didn't exist when I was dealing with my issue and I had to go through the full appeal process which took months. One tip I wish I'd known: when you upload your paystubs to the Data Correction form, make sure the file names are descriptive like "2024-Q1-Paystubs-CosmicCaptain.pdf" rather than generic names. The ESD processors apparently have an easier time matching documents to the right quarters this way. Also, if you have any timesheets or clock-in records from your employer (even informal ones like emails mentioning your schedule), include those too. The more documentation you have showing your actual hours worked, the stronger your case. The system is definitely broken and puts way too much burden on us to fix employer mistakes, but don't let that discourage you. With all the advice in this thread, you've got a solid plan. Keep us posted on how the new form works out!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! It's so frustrating that Washington ESD doesn't make this information easier to find. Reading through all these suggestions has been really helpful - I had no idea there were so many different places the UI number could be hiding. I'm going to start with searching my emails for "monetary determination" and "unemployment insurance" like someone suggested, then dig through all those official-looking letters I probably didn't read carefully enough. If that doesn't work, I might try the Claimyr service or go to a WorkSource office in person. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access our own benefits! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it makes me feel less alone in this bureaucratic nightmare.

I just went through this same nightmare last week! After trying everything suggested here, I finally found my UI number in the most random place - it was on a small receipt-like paper that came with my first unemployment payment (if you chose direct deposit, it might be in your email as a payment notification PDF). The UI number was listed as "Account ID" in tiny font at the bottom. Also, pro tip: if you're completely stuck, try calling the automated phone system at 1-800-318-6022 and press the option for "payment information" - sometimes it will read your UI number back to you if you enter your SSN and other identifying info. Don't give up! I know how stressful this is when you're worried about missing your filing deadline, but there are definitely solutions out there.

UPDATE: Mine just switched to 'paid' status! Looks like it was definitely just delayed because of the holiday. Thanks everyone for the reassurance. This system gives me so much anxiety sometimes.

Mine just updated to paid status too! What a relief. I've been unemployed for 4 months now and every single holiday creates this same panic spiral. You'd think I'd learn by now that it's just the processing delay, but when you're living paycheck to paycheck (or in this case, benefit to benefit), even a day delay feels terrifying. Really wish ESD would just put a simple notice on their website during holiday weeks saying "Processing delayed by 1 business day due to federal holiday" - would save so many people so much stress!

I'm so grateful to have found this thread! I just filed for unemployment with Washington ESD for the first time and was completely panicked when I saw "WW served" on my claim status. Like so many others here, I immediately thought it meant I was being served with some kind of legal notice or that I'd made a serious error in my application. The terminology is honestly terrible - why would they use such intimidating language for something that's just a standard part of the process? I spent way too much time googling and searching through their confusing website trying to figure out what it meant. It's such a relief to learn it's just the unpaid waiting week that everyone has to go through! Thank you to everyone who took the time to explain this clearly - you've saved me from so much unnecessary stress. This community provides better explanations than the official ESD website, which is pretty sad when you think about it. Now I know to just keep filing my weekly claims and that payments will start after this first unpaid week. Really appreciate all the helpful responses here!

I'm another newcomer who just went through this exact same confusion! Filed my first unemployment claim with Washington ESD about two weeks ago and when "WW served" showed up on my account, I immediately panicked and thought I was being served with some kind of legal document or penalty notice. The terminology is so unnecessarily scary when you're already stressed about being unemployed! I actually drove to my local library to use their computer thinking maybe there was an issue with my home internet affecting how my claim was displaying. It's honestly ridiculous that something so basic and universal isn't clearly explained anywhere on their official website. This thread has been such a huge relief - knowing it's just the standard unpaid waiting week that literally everyone has to go through makes me feel so much better. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and explain this in plain English! It's sad that we have to rely on community forums to understand basic unemployment terminology, but I'm grateful this resource exists. Now I know to just keep filing my weekly claims on time and wait for payments to start after this first week.

I've been documenting everything meticulously since day one - spreadsheet with dates, company names, positions, application methods, and follow-up notes. Even screenshot confirmations when I can. Reading about all these audits makes me glad I took it seriously from the start. One thing I'm curious about though - has anyone been audited more than once? Is it completely random or do they focus on certain types of claims?

From my experience, Washington ESD definitely checks work search activities, but it's not as scary as some make it sound if you're being honest and keeping good records. I was audited about 8 months into my claim period and they requested documentation for 10 weeks of work search activities. The key is being thorough - I kept a simple spreadsheet with company name, position title, date applied, method (online, email, phone), and any follow-up. They accepted everything without issues and the whole process took about 2 weeks. The auditor was actually pretty helpful and explained exactly what they look for. My advice: don't stress about it, just document everything as you go and you'll be fine if selected.