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Since you mentioned you're in tech, have you checked out WorkSource's IT/tech retraining programs? Some of them qualify for Training Benefits and they can sometimes help place you in jobs after completion. They also have workshops specifically for tech workers transitioning to adjacent fields. It's worth connecting with a WorkSource specialist - they have more detailed information about potential benefit extensions and training programs than what's publicly available on the ESD website.
Something to consider: if your benefits will exhaust soon, you might qualify for other assistance programs while you continue your job search. Specifically: 1. SNAP benefits (food assistance) 2. Housing assistance through your county 3. Healthcare coverage through Apple Health 4. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (if you have kids) None of these are UI extensions, but they can help bridge the gap. The DSHS website has all the application info. Don't wait until your UI is completely exhausted to apply - the approval process can take weeks.
And good luck navigating THAT system!! DSHS is even WORSE than ESD if you can believe it. Took me 3 months to get SNAP approved and by then I had already found a new job.
The process has actually improved quite a bit since 2023. Most applications can be completed entirely online now, and processing times are down to about 2-3 weeks for SNAP. Housing assistance still has long waitlists though.
just got paid finally!! i submitted online last week but called ESD this morning after seeing this post. the lady checked my account and said something was "stuck" and she fixed it manually. money showed up 2 hours later!
Update from ESD: I just spoke with an agent again today, and they confirmed they're aware of the processing discrepancy between phone and online claims. They're working on implementing a fix by next Tuesday that should equalize processing times again. For anyone with urgent payment needs, phone claims are still processing faster for now. But if you can wait, the online system should be back to normal processing speeds by next week.
I'm kinda in the same situation but havent got my appeal date yet. Let us know how yours goes tomorrow if u dont mind! Good luck!
Will do! I'll update after it's over.
UPDATE: Had my hearing this morning and it went WAY better than I expected! The judge was actually really nice and just wanted to understand my situation. The whole thing took about 30 minutes. They asked when I dropped out, why I dropped out, and what jobs I've been applying for. I showed them my withdrawal email and my job search records. They said I should receive a decision within 10 days but seemed pretty positive about my case. Thanks everyone for all your advice - it really helped calm my nerves!
That's great news! Sounds like you were well-prepared. The 10-day wait for the decision is standard. In my experience, if the hearing went smoothly like yours did, it's usually a good sign. Fingers crossed for you!
thanks for the update! gives me hope for mine!
UGH the ESD payment system is SO BROKEN!!! My payments have been randomly delayed THREE TIMES this year with NO EXPLANATION!!! One time they told me it was "system maintenance" another time they said it was a "verification hold" and another time they just said "these things happen" 🤬 The worst part is you can NEVER get someone on the phone when you ACTUALLY NEED THEM!!! Meanwhile bills don't wait and landlords don't care about ESD's problems!!!
While the system definitely has issues, I've found that most payment delays are actually resolved within 5 business days. For the OP, since the processing date was the 27th (Monday after Thanksgiving), and today is just December 2nd (Saturday), that's really only 4 business days when you account for the weekend. I'd suggest waiting until Tuesday before assuming something is wrong with the payment. Also, make sure your prepaid card hasn't expired or been locked for security reasons - that happens more often than people realize.
UPDATE: I called my prepaid card bank this morning and they told me there's an incoming ACH deposit pending for tomorrow morning! No idea why it took 6 business days when it usually takes 1-2, but at least it's coming. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions. The holiday delay must have been longer than I expected.
Glad to hear it's on its way! The Thanksgiving holiday definitely threw things off. For future reference, most banking holidays can add 1-3 extra business days to processing times, especially for government payments. I always try to submit my weekly claim extra early during holiday weeks to account for this.
nice!! always good 2 check with the bank too not just esd
Victoria Jones
To answer your question about specific percentages - ESD doesn't publish an exact percentage that automatically qualifies as "substantial," but based on previous cases, a 20%+ reduction is generally considered significant enough to justify refusing work, especially if you can demonstrate that it would create financial hardship. When you file your claim, you'll need to explain the situation during the application process. There's a section asking if you've refused any work, and you'll need to provide details about why the work wasn't suitable specifically because of the wage reduction. Be factual and specific - don't just say it was "unfair" but instead focus on the concrete financial impact.
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Mateo Silva
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. I'll make sure to focus on the concrete financial impact when I file if I end up turning down the offer.
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Cameron Black
hey just wondering did u decide what ur gonna do yet? im in a similar spot rn and trying to figure out my options too
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Mateo Silva
•I'm meeting with my manager tomorrow to discuss if there's any room for negotiation on the pay. If not, I'm planning to decline the position and file for unemployment based on the advice here. I'll let you know how it goes!
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