why is esd so impossibly bad at everything????? ive been on unemployment 3 times and every single time theres some kind of stupid system problem that takes weeks to fix. its like they WANT us to make mistakes so they can deny benefits. absolutely maddening.

I wanted to follow up on this thread. OP, if you get through to ESD, make sure to ask them specifically about a "BYE date adjustment" - using that exact terminology. The claims specialists know this procedure, but some of the frontline agents may not. Also, just to clarify something important: when you file for those weeks before you were laid off, be 100% honest about your work status. Don't try to game the system by reporting you weren't working if you were. That could lead to an overpayment determination or worse, fraud allegations. Lastly, document everything. Keep track of all communications, including dates and times of calls, names of representatives you speak with, and confirmation numbers for any changes made. This will be invaluable if there are issues later.

Sorry to hijack but this reminds me of my appeal from last month! I was so nervous I couldn't sleep for days, and then when I finally got the decision (took 5 days), I won but they miscalculated my backpay amount. Had to call 27 times to get them to fix it. Now dealing with a whole new issue about my job search requirements. Does the nightmare ever end with ESD??

I want to address something important: the length of deliberation time is NOT directly correlated with whether you win or lose. I've seen quick denials and quick approvals. I've also seen lengthy deliberations for both outcomes. A more complex case typically requires a more detailed written decision regardless of outcome. The judge needs to cite specific regulations, address each piece of evidence, and create a legally sound document. This takes time. What you can do now: 1. Continue filing weekly claims 2. Check both your mailbox and online portal daily 3. Prepare documents for a further appeal if needed (you'll have 30 days if you need to appeal to Commissioner Review) 4. Look into temporary assistance if you're in immediate financial need Hang in there - a week is completely within normal timeframes for appeal decisions.

Just to add something important here: WorkSource workshops absolutely DO count as job search activities! They're actually one of the best ways to fulfill the requirement when you're working partial hours because: 1. Many workshops are available online now 2. Some are offered evenings/weekends 3. One workshop counts as one activity 4. They're free You can register for them through WorkSourceWA.com. Using these for 1-2 of your activities each week can make the job search requirement much more manageable while working part-time.

Update: I used Claimyr today and finally got through to ESD! The agent confirmed I DO need to do job searches even with partial employment since my standby was denied. She also explained I can reapply for standby if my return to full-time date is within 4 weeks now. For anyone else in my situation - they said workshops definitely count and recommended keeping extra detailed records of all job search activities. Thanks everyone for your help with this!

i think i know whats happening - did you put in the decimal point when entering your hours? like did you type 12.00 instead of just 12? i did that once and it messed up my whole calculation

Quick follow-up: If this was indeed caused by entering your hours as 12.0 (which the system might have read as 1.20 hours instead of 12 hours), you should explain this specifically when you talk to an ESD agent. They see this error frequently and can quickly correct it without going through a lengthy adjudication process. Just make sure to have your exact earnings information ready when you call.

When i was in adjudication for 5 weeks last year I finally got through to someone who told me they needed additional income verification that they never bothered to request from me! Check your notices tab on eServices and see if there's anything there you missed. Sometimes they send requests for info but don't make it obvious.

One thing I learned the hard way: even though your employer has 10 days to respond to ESD about your claim, they can actually contest it MUCH later, which can trigger adjudication weeks after you start receiving benefits. Make sure you're carefully tracking your available balance in case you suddenly get disqualified and have to pay everything back. I've seen it happen to coworkers.