My son had almost the same thing happen last month. His training hours were super unpredictable too. The most important thing is being consistent with how you report. Pick either when you work the hours OR when you get paid, and stick with it. ESD doesn't really care which method you use as long as you're consistent about it.

I filed my claim yesterday and followed everyone's advice. I reported that I'm working, listed all 13 hours, calculated my gross earnings, and I made sure to complete my job search activities too. The system calculated a partial benefit amount just like you all predicted! I'm keeping detailed notes of all my training hours too. My schedule for this week is still pretty limited (just Thursday and Friday), but they said after that I should finally get a regular schedule. Thanks again for all your help!

my sister went thru this with TCC nursing program last quarter and said dealing with esd was WAY harder than nursing school lol. make sure u check ur eservices messages like everyday because sometimes they send important notices there instead of mail and if u miss them ur in BIG trouble. happened to her and she almost lost benefits

One important thing no one mentioned - when you're in approved training, your job search requirements change but don't disappear completely. Instead of regular job searches, you'll need to submit academic progress reports. TCC should provide these at mid-term and end of quarter. Missing these is the #1 reason people in training programs suddenly find their benefits suspended.

Quick update on this topic based on recent changes: As of 2025, ESD is required to pause garnishments once they receive proof of both payment AND appeal filing. The key is getting that proof to the right department. Use the secure message portal and specifically state "REQUEST TO PAUSE GARNISHMENT PENDING APPEAL" in the subject line. Reference both your payment confirmation and appeal number in the message. This new process was implemented after a class action lawsuit last year forced ESD to improve their procedures.

hey just wondering did it work? did they garnish u again or did u get them to stop it?

anyone know if the 4 week thing applies when they cant contact YOU?? my phone has been acting up and im worried i missed calls from esd

Update: Good news everyone! One of the payments just showed up in my account this morning. It took about 72 hours from when it disappeared from adjudication to when the money arrived. The ESD website still doesn't show it as paid in the system yet, so definitely check your bank accounts like someone suggested! Still have two weeks in adjudication, but progress is progress. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

my cousin works at esd (not supposed to tell anyone that lol) but she says theyre SUPER backlogged right now cuz of budget cuts and staff shortages. claims that used to take 3-4 weeks now take 6-8 sometimes. its not ur fault just fyi

One more thing - when you do get through to ESD, ask specifically about the Domestic Violence Unemployment Benefits provisions. There are special considerations for DV survivors under Washington law, including potentially waiving certain requirements. Also ask about backdating your payments to when you first applied once your claim is approved. The adjudication process for DV cases does tend to be more complex because they need to verify your situation while also protecting your privacy, but they should prioritize these cases when possible. If your shelter has legal advocates, they might be able to help navigate this process with you.