My brother works for another WA state agency and told me that ESD's phone systems are actually completely overwhelmed most days. It's not just a recording - they literally cannot handle the call volume with their current staffing. He said the best strategy is to try calling on the half-hour rather than on the hour (like 8:30, 9:30, etc) because most people call right when they open or at the top of each hour. Also, their systems do maintenance overnight and sometimes there are fewer agents in the first 30 minutes they're open because everyone's logging in and getting situated. I got through last month using this approach, calling at 8:45am on a Wednesday.

i tried the half hour trick today and it worked!!! got through after only 3 attempts calling at 10:30. waited on hold for 25 min but finally spoke to someone who actaully helped fix my claim!!!! tell your brother THANK YOU

When this happened to me with my unemployment claim (different from PFMLA I know but same department), I ended up having to go to the WorkSource office in person to get help. Sometimes the in-person option is the only way to cut through all the phone system nonsense. Not sure if that helps with PFMLA specifically though.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone dealing with this same issue in the future - I tried the email method through the secure portal AND called the main number this morning at 8:05am. Only had to wait about 30 minutes! Turns out they were trying to reach me because they needed clarification on the dates of my medical leave. The agent was able to see notes from the previous person who called me. All sorted now and my claim should be processed within 10 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

UPDATE: I finally got through today! I tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned in the comments and was connected to an ESD agent within about 90 minutes. The agent was actually super helpful - turns out my former employer did contest the claim saying I quit (I didn't), but the adjudicator hadn't processed all the documentation I uploaded at the beginning. The agent escalated my case and said I should have a decision within 3-5 business days. She also put a hardship flag on my account because of my potential eviction situation. Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll update when I hear about the decision.

i had something similar happen with my former job. they tried saying i was fired for misconduct when actually they eliminated my whole department!! make sure u have any emails or paperwork showing it was a layoff. the adjudicator might call u for a phone interview to explain ur side.

To follow up on my earlier comment, since your appeal was specifically about a 2020 claim, the judge's decision should make ESD process your claim under the rules that were in effect at that time. This includes: 1. Job search requirements were waived for much of 2020, so you likely won't need to provide that documentation 2. The additional pandemic benefits (FPUC $600/week, later $300/week) should apply to eligible weeks 3. Extended benefits like PEUC would apply if you exhausted regular UI However, be prepared for this to take time. ESD's systems weren't designed to retroactively process claims from years ago, especially for programs that no longer exist. Document everything and be persistent with your follow-ups.

ESD typically has 30 days to implement an OAH judge's decision. However, complex cases involving backdating to pandemic programs may take longer due to the technical challenges. If you haven't seen any action after 30 days, you should contact the Office of Administrative Hearings to inquire about enforcement of the decision. Remember to keep copies of the judge's decision letter and all correspondence with ESD about this matter.

For those still waiting, I just received an email update from ESD. They confirmed they've resolved the technical issue and all remaining delayed payments should process overnight tonight. They apologized for the delay and inconvenience.\n\nLooks like they're finally getting better at communicating these issues! The email mentioned they're implementing a new notification system to alert claimants about potential delays in the future.

Just got the email too! And my payment status just changed to \