Washington Unemployment
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the ESD drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
ESD disqualified my claim saying I quit - filed appeal today - typical wait time?
My world is crashing down right now. I filed for unemployment on Jan 12th, 2025 after leaving my warehouse supervisor position. By Jan 27th all my claims went into adjudication status, which made me nervous but I kept filing weekly. Then this morning I logged in and EVERY SINGLE claim shows 'disqualified'! My employer is telling ESD I voluntarily quit for 'personal reasons' but that's complete BS. I was basically forced out after they changed my schedule to overnight shifts knowing I have sole custody of my kids and can't work those hours. I told them this repeatedly and they said 'figure it out or we'll have to let you go.' When I couldn't make the new hours work, my manager said 'we accept your resignation' even though I NEVER resigned! I filed an appeal this morning with all the documentation of the schedule changes and our conversations. I'm absolutely terrified about how long this will take. Bills are piling up and I've already burned through most of my savings. Has anyone gone through the appeal process? How long does it typically take before you get a hearing? And what are my chances of winning against their false claim that I quit?
Join the conversation
Quit food service job after 3 days - how to explain on ESD claim without mentioning working conditions?
I'm stressing about my unemployment claim right now. I started a job at a local restaurant that only lasted 3 days before I quit. The working environment was really problematic (no breaks during 10-hour shifts, unsafe kitchen practices), but when I brought it up to the manager, nothing changed. Since I don't have any documentation of these issues, I'm worried about mentioning working conditions on my ESD claim form. I've heard that voluntary quits without solid proof get automatically denied. Is there another honest way I can explain why I left this job without specifically citing the working conditions? Has anyone successfully navigated something similar? The last thing I need is to get hit with an overpayment notice months later because ESD doesn't believe my reasons.
Join the conversation
ugh the food industry is THE WORST for this kinda thing!! i worked at three different restaurants and they ALL pulled this stuff. pretty sure its illegal to not give breaks during 10 hour shifts but good luck proving it without documentation. the whole system is rigged against workers!!
You're right that Washington law requires a 30-minute meal break if working more than 5 hours, plus a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked. Definitely illegal to not provide these breaks.
Quick update for anyone else facing a similar situation. I filed my claim yesterday focusing on the hours discrepancy and mentioning that I tried to resolve the issue with management before quitting. My status now shows "adjudication in progress" so I'm preparing all the details I can remember about the job description from my interview. I'll keep this thread updated with how it goes. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Smart approach. Keep filing your weekly claims while in adjudication and prepare notes for yourself with specific details about what was promised versus what actually happened. Dates, names, and specifics will help your case if you get an adjudication interview.
ESD asking about job searches after my standby ended and I returned part-time - What should I answer?
I've been on standby status with ESD for the past 8 weeks while our company was doing renovations. My standby period officially ended last week, and my employer called me back but only for part-time hours (about 22 hours/week). When I filed my weekly claim yesterday, ESD asked whether I did my job searches for the week. I'm confused because I thought once you return to work - even if it's part-time - you don't need to do job searches anymore? I answered 'no' but now I'm worried I might get disqualified or have problems with my claim. Should I have been doing job searches even though I was called back to my regular employer? Has anyone dealt with this situation before?
Join the conversation
I dealt with the SAME EXACT garbage last year! The standby rules are different from regular UI rules and ESD does a terrible job explaining the transition. My claim got denied for two weeks and I had to appeal and wait THREE MONTHS to get my money back. This system is designed to make people fail, I swear. Just be super careful about documenting EVERYTHING from now on.
I'm sorry you had to go through all that! I feel lucky they gave me the waiver. I've already started keeping a detailed job search log in a spreadsheet so I can track everything carefully.
For those following this thread: here's what counts as a job search activity for part-time workers still receiving benefits: 1. Applying for a job 2. Attending a job fair 3. Creating a profile on a professional job-matching site 4. Taking a civil service exam 5. Participating in WorkSource workshops 6. Interviewing with potential employers Remember that WorkSource now offers virtual workshops that count toward your activities. This can be easier to fit around a part-time work schedule.
the worksource workshops are actually helpful sometimes. i did the resume one and it helped me get a better job than my part time gig.
Can't claim both FMLA and UI at same time - how to handle weekly claims during paternity leave?
I'm in a confusing situation with unemployment and FMLA. My brother-in-law just got laid off from his tech job (last day was June 3, 2025), but he's currently using his remaining 40 hours of paternity leave (FMLA). He already applied for unemployment benefits but knows he can't claim both at the same time. The problem is, he needs to file weekly claims to keep his UI claim active, but can't claim UI while receiving FMLA pay. Does anyone know: 1. Is there a way to submit weekly claims but indicate he's on FMLA for part of the week? 2. Should he just wait until his FMLA is completely used up before filing any weekly claims, even though his initial UI application is already approved? 3. Will his claim get messed up if he doesn't file for a week or two while on FMLA? We've been trying to call ESD for days but can't get through to anyone who can help. The website doesn't seem to have clear info about this specific situation. Has anyone dealt with something similar?
Join the conversation
Just to clarify my earlier response - yes, if it's PAID leave, he needs to report both the hours and the pay. The system is designed to track both how much money you receive and how many hours you were compensated for. One other thing to be aware of: if his final paycheck includes the FMLA pay, he'll need to report that on his weekly claim for the week in which he receives it (not when it was earned). ESD cares about when money is received, not when it was earned.
Thanks for the clarification! That makes sense. And good point about when the money is actually received vs. earned - I'll make sure he understands that too. This system really isn't intuitive at all.
i think everyones overcomplicating this lol. just be honest on ur claims and youll be fine! report any money u get, skip reporting for weeks ur fully employed (or fully on paid leave) and resume reporting when ur not getting any other money. ESD isnt trying to trick u, just be straightforward
DO NOT skip filing weekly claims! That's incorrect advice that could cause major problems. Even if you receive $0 in benefits for a week due to other income, you must still file your weekly claim to keep your claim active. If you skip filing, your claim may be closed and you'd have to reapply.
ESD showing adjudication after winning appeal - stuck in limbo for a week
I'm seriously confused and getting desperate. I had my appeal hearing with an Administrative Law Judge two weeks ago over a separation issue (was let go but employer claimed misconduct). I actually WON the appeal and got the official decision letter last Monday (4/3). But when I check my ESD account, it still says 'adjudication in progress' since 2/3, and I haven't received any payments yet. It's been a full week since the judge ruled in my favor! Does anyone know what this means? Is my former employer appealing the judge's decision? How long should this take to update in the system? I've got rent due and already had to borrow money last month while waiting for the appeal.
Join the conversation
have u checked ur correspondence folder in eservices? sometimes they send questions or need more info but dont email u about it
Just checked - nothing new there. Just the notice about my hearing date from last month. No updates since the actual hearing.
Update us when you get paid! I'm curious how long it'll end up taking in your case. It really seems to vary person to person.
Will do! I'm going to try calling that Benefits Accuracy Unit number tomorrow, and if that doesn't work, maybe try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll post what happens!
GalacticGladiator
not sure about appeals but i got disqualfied in december and just found a new job instead of dealing with esd. too much hassle tbh. goodluck
0 coins
Anastasia Romanov
AuthorI'm definitely job hunting like crazy, but the job market in my field is really tight right now. I need the unemployment to bridge the gap. But I'm glad you found something new - that's ultimately the best solution.
0 coins
StellarSurfer
One thing I forgot to mention in my first comment - prepare for your hearing like it's a job interview. Dress professionally (even for a phone hearing, it puts you in the right mindset), speak clearly and calmly, and stick to FACTS rather than emotions. The judge who handled my case seemed really impressed that I had organized my evidence chronologically in a binder with tabs and could immediately reference specific dates and conversations. Don't interrupt the employer's testimony even when they're lying - just make notes and address each point when it's your turn. One last thing - remember that the hearing is being recorded, so avoid swearing or getting emotional, no matter how frustrating it gets!
0 coins
Luca Greco
This is excellent advice. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) hear many cases every day, and being organized makes their job easier, which works in your favor. I'd add that you should practice your opening statement beforehand - you usually get 5 minutes to explain your side before questioning begins. Focus on the key facts that show you didn't voluntarily quit but were essentially forced out due to impossible conditions.
0 coins