UPDATE: My payment just processed normally this morning! Looks like adding the part-time work didn't cause any delays for me. They did reduce my benefit amount based on what I earned, but that's expected. Thanks everyone for the advice and sharing your experiences!

my sister had issues when she started working part time but it was because she made a mistake on her hours... she accidentally put 71 hours instead of 17 hours (typo) and that triggered some kind of review. just double check everything before you submit and you should be fine

Update: I had my hearing yesterday and my employer didn't show up! The judge was really thorough though and asked me a ton of questions about the circumstances of my termination. They had the written statement from my employer claiming I ignored safety protocols, but I was able to explain that I'd actually requested additional training on the new procedures multiple times (and had emails to prove it). The judge seemed pretty receptive, but said I'll get the decision in 7-10 days. Fingers crossed!

Final update: I WON MY APPEAL!!! The decision came in the mail today - the judge ruled that my employer failed to establish that my actions constituted misconduct as defined under Washington unemployment law. I'll be getting backpay for all 10 weeks I've been waiting (about $6,240). Thank you all so much for your advice and support. For anyone else going through this, definitely bring all documentation and be prepared to clearly explain your side even if the employer doesn't show up.

Everyone keeps talking about Training Benefits but NOBODY mentions the Commissioner Approved Training program which is different!!! CAT doesn't extend your benefits but it DOES waive the job search requirement while you're in school/training. Training Benefits actually gives you additional weeks. ESD doesn't make this clear AT ALL and their own workers sometimes confuse the two programs!!

One last thing I want to mention - if your benefits do run out and you still haven't found work, make sure you connect with your local WorkSource office. They offer free employment services, resume help, interview practice, and sometimes have connections with employers that aren't advertising positions publicly. Also check if you qualify for other assistance programs like Basic Food (SNAP) or other support while continuing your job search. Better to research these options now rather than waiting until you're in a financial emergency.

I had problems with my direct deposit too! But mine was because I accidentally put my savings account number instead of checking. I spent WEEKS trying to fix it myself online. Kept getting error messages. Nothing worked! Finally broke down and called the main ESD number 100 times before getting through. The lady was actually super nice and fixed it in 2 minutes. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person.

Just to follow up on your situation - when did you initially file your claim? If it was very recent, the system is actually working as designed. The 'verification pending' status is normal protection against fraud. But if it's been more than 10 business days AND you haven't received a KeyBank debit card in the mail (which is ESD's default payment method until direct deposit verifies), then you should definitely contact them. Also, make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even while waiting for payment method verification. Payments will be retroactive once everything is verified.

I had a somewhat similar situation last year. What fixed it for me was going to my state representative's office. They have constituent services staff who can cut through ESD bureaucracy FAST. I was stuck for 2 months trying on my own, representative's office fixed it in 4 days. Google your district and state rep and send them an email explaining the situation.

Update us on what ends up working! These stories help others who run into the same ridiculous issues with ESD's broken system.

did u make sure ur doing all ur job search requirements? my buddy got denied 4 weeks straight bc he wasnt logging his job searches right

UPDATE: I got through!!! Used Claimyr and was connected to an ESD agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a weird flag on my account because my previous claim from 2023 hadn't been properly closed in their system. The agent was able to fix it right away and process all my denied weeks. She said the payments should hit my account in 48-72 hours. So relieved! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

One more thing to try - check if you can make an in-person appointment at your local WorkSource office. They can sometimes look up your claim status and identify issues that aren't visible on the portal. I've seen people get their pending issues resolved much faster with in-person help than trying to call the main ESD line.

update: i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned and actually got thru to ESD! turns out i had an identity verification issue that never showed up in my portal. they fixed it and said my claim should move forward in 72 hrs. might be worth trying for u too

the esd system is DESIGNED to screw us over!!!! they DELIBERATELY delete evidence and then claim we committed fraud. its a SCAM to get more money back from people who are already struggling. the whole system needs to be investigated!!!

One more piece of advice - keep detailed notes of EVERY interaction you have with ESD from now on. Date, time, name of representative, what was discussed, confirmation numbers, everything. These notes can be admitted as evidence in your hearing. Also, be aware that there are two levels of appeal - if you lose at the OAH level, you can appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office, and then to Superior Court if necessary (though that's rare). The most important thing right now is getting that appeal filed within your deadline. You can always supplement with additional evidence later.

Just to give you some peace of mind - I checked the ESD handbook and this type of adjudication is usually classified as a 'non-separation issue' which typically takes 7-10 days to resolve. Much faster than the initial claim adjudication which can take weeks. If you're able to get through to an agent using that service someone mentioned or just by persistent calling, ask them specifically to note that your move didn't affect your availability for work and that you've been continuing your job search activities without interruption.

I'm an employment counselor, and I see this situation frequently. Here's what's happening: When you change addresses across different geographical areas, ESD's system automatically flags your claim for a quick review to ensure you're still meeting the "able and available" requirements in your new location. This doesn't mean your benefits will be stopped permanently. What to do: 1. Continue filing weekly claims without interruption 2. Document your job search activities thoroughly (all 3 per week) 3. If possible, upload proof of your new address to your eServices account 4. Contact ESD to explain that your move hasn't affected your ability to search for work Most of these reviews resolve within 7-10 business days without requiring additional information from you. However, contacting them to explain the situation can sometimes expedite the process.

Does anyone know if you can still file weekly claims while waiting for the appeal to be resolved? I'm in a similar situation and confused about whether I should keep claiming each week.

Update: I was able to get through to ESD using Claimyr and they fixed the technical issue on my account. Just submitted my appeal online and got a confirmation number! The agent said this happens sometimes when there are multiple issues being processed on one claim. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! Now I just need to prepare for the hearing...