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I'm in the EXACT same boat right now!!! 6 weeks pending, Governor's office "escalation" 2 weeks ago, called by ESD last Thursday with promises to fix it "immediately" and STILL NOTHING!!! This system is BROKEN. My car payment bounced yesterday and now I'll have late fees on top of everything else. I'm filing a formal complaint with the state auditor's office because this is beyond unacceptable. We need to start making more noise about this systematic failure.
Filing with the state auditor is actually a good idea. They've been investigating ESD's processing times since the 2024 system upgrade that was supposed to improve things but clearly made them worse. You can submit a complaint here: https://sao.wa.gov/report-a-concern/
UPDATE: My claim that was pending for 5 weeks finally got resolved today! Here's what worked: I called my state representative's office (not the Governor) and explained the situation. Their constituent services person made a call directly to their ESD liaison (apparently each rep has one), and my claim was processed within 24 hours. Might be worth trying if the Governor's office route isn't working fast enough. Good luck!
Everyone has been so helpful - thank you! I'm going to apply right away and make sure I do those weekly claims even during severance. One last question: if I get a job offer during my severance period but the start date is after my severance ends, will I still be eligible for unemployment for those weeks between severance ending and my new job starting?
Yes, you would be eligible for those weeks between severance ending and your new job starting, as long as you continue meeting all other requirements (filing weekly claims, conducting job searches, being able and available for work). Just make sure to accurately report your job acceptance and future start date when it happens.
jut wondering - do you have to pay taxes on unemployment benifits? and do they take taxes out or you have to pay them later? trying to figure this out for my budgeting
Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. When setting up your claim, you'll have the option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes (there's no state income tax in WA). If you don't choose withholding, you'll need to account for taxes when filing your annual return. Many people don't realize this and end up with an unexpected tax bill.
Just a quick update - I checked with a contact at WorkSource about this "user ID disqualification" issue, and there's been a known bug in the system affecting some claims filed since January 2025. Essentially, if you created your SAW account on the same day you filed your initial claim, a data syncing error can occur that incorrectly flags the account. The fix usually requires an Identity Management specialist to manually match your records, but getting through to one is the challenge. If you do manage to reach ESD, specifically ask them to check for "SAW account synchronization issues" and request an IM specialist review.
dont forget to keep filing ur weekly claims even while all this mess is happening!!! if u stop filing weekly claims u might lose benefits for those weeks even if they fix the ID problem later
my cousin had the same problem last month and she went to her local WorkSource office in person and talked to someone there. they couldn't fix her claim directly but they had some special email or something to contact ESD staff that actually got a response. might be worth trying that before governor stuff.
Just to provide a bit more context that might help: When a claim is stuck in adjudication for that long, it's usually for one of three reasons: 1) Identity verification issues, 2) Employer dispute about separation reason, or 3) Able & available/job search compliance questions. Do you know which category your issue falls into? If it's identity verification, the Governor's office rarely helps with those due to security protocols. For employer disputes, your state representative is usually more effective. For job search compliance issues, the WorkSource suggestion above is your best option. Understanding what's holding up your claim can help you target the most effective solution.
I'm pretty sure it's an employer dispute. My former employer contested my claim saying I quit, but I was actually laid off when they eliminated my position. I submitted documentation showing this (the layoff notice they gave me), but it's been sitting in adjudication ever since. Does that change who I should contact?
Yes, that definitely helps clarify. For employer disputes, your state representative's office is typically most effective. They can directly contact ESD's legislative liaison, who has authority to investigate why adjudication is taking so long. Make sure to tell your representative's office specifically that this is an employer dispute case where you've already submitted documentation. Also mention the financial hardship and potential eviction to emphasize urgency. If you have your layoff notice, attach a copy to your email to the representative.
Jacob Lee
As others have mentioned, WorkSource is your best bet for in-person help. I know the Tacoma location has specific hours for unemployment assistance. Also, if you're really struggling with the online application, you might qualify for assistance through their Priority service if you have limited English proficiency, disability, or technology barriers. Call the office directly to ask about this option.
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ApolloJackson
•What counts as technology barriers? Cause I definitely have those lol. My internet keeps cutting out and my computer is like 10 years old.
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Isabella Russo
Technology barriers can include lack of reliable internet access, not having a computer/smartphone, or inability to use the online system due to skills/knowledge. Definitely mention this when you contact WorkSource - they may be able to provide additional support or priority assistance.
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ApolloJackson
•Ok thanks for the advice everyone. Im gonna try WorkSource tomorrow and if that doesnt work will try that phone service someone mentioned.
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