ESD provides a job search log form you can download from their website, or you can track your activities in eServices directly. I personally prefer keeping my own detailed spreadsheet AND entering the info in eServices each week.\n\nOne more important thing - after you file your first weekly claim, watch your correspondence inbox in eServices carefully. They often send important follow-up questions that can delay your payments if not answered promptly.\n\nOnce everything is set up correctly, payments are usually very consistent - they'll arrive the same day each week as long as you file your weekly claim on time.

I really appreciate all this information! I just filed my back weeks and set a calendar reminder to file every Sunday morning from now on. Such a relief to understand how this all works now. Thank you everyone for your help!

This happened to my cousin and he just gave up and started making payments cuz they were gonna garnish his wages anyway. ESD is such a joke sometimes.

I'm trying not to give up because I really believe this overpayment wasn't my fault - they miscalculated my eligibility after telling me I qualified. But it's so exhausting fighting this system for years.

mines just went thru like literally 5 mins ago! check yours

Next time file BEFORE the holiday if possible. I always file on Sunday night to get ahead of the Monday rush too. Little tricks you learn after dealing with ESD long enough...

You got lucky they processed it so fast!!! The system is still a MESS

This is a good reminder for everyone claiming UI while working part-time: always report ALL earnings for the week you worked (not when you get paid). Even training hours, orientation, paid meetings, etc. all count as earnings. When in doubt, report it - it's much easier to handle properly upfront than to deal with adjustments later.\n\nGlad to hear your situation is being resolved smoothly!

try calling at exactly 8:01am and hitting 9 to skip the intro message then 1-2-3-2 in that order. sometimes works to get a person instead of the stupid robot

Have you checked your spam folder for emails from ESD? Sometimes they send important notices that explain the denial reason but they get filtered. Also, did you verify your identity through ID.me? That's another common holdup that doesn't always show clearly in the system.

If you need to talk to someone at ESD to get specific answers about your situation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation and needed clarification on exactly how my part-time work would affect my benefits. Spent days trying to get through on the phone with no luck, then used Claimyr and got a callback from ESD within an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent was able to look at my specific claim and explain exactly how my earnings would affect my benefits and what I needed to do to remain eligible.

Don't forget that you MUST report ALL earnings IN THE WEEK YOU EARN THEM, not when you get paid. If your pay period ends on a different day than ESD's week (Sunday), this gets confusing. I messed this up and had to repay benefits + penalty.

One detail others haven't mentioned - if you file your weekly claim on Sunday (which is what ESD recommends), and it gets processed Monday, with CashApp you'll typically see the funds by Wednesday or Thursday. Just letting you know so you can plan accordingly. Also, make sure your CashApp account is fully verified with your ID and everything, otherwise there might be deposit limits that could affect receiving your full benefit amount if it's substantial.

I work at WorkSource (connected to ESD) and while we don't handle the payment side directly, I can tell you that we've heard mixed experiences with CashApp for unemployment deposits. Most people report it works fine with the 2-3 day timeframe others mentioned, but we've seen more verification holds with cash apps compared to traditional banks. If you do experience any issues, don't wait - contact both CashApp AND ESD. Sometimes ESD can provide verification of the payment that helps resolve CashApp holds faster. Also, you can always switch your payment method in eServices for future payments if needed.

One important thing to understand about the 'waiting on information' status - it doesn't automatically update even when information is received. I've seen cases where the claim shows that status for days or weeks after all information was actually received, simply because no one updated the status indicator. The only reliable way to know what's actually happening is to speak with an agent directly.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent told me they were waiting for income verification from my previous employer, who apparently never responded to their request from August. The agent said since it's been over 30 days with no employer response, they can process my claim based on the documentation I provided. She said I should see a decision within 5-7 business days! I'm so relieved!!

To add to what others have said - all WorkSource locations offer the same mandatory workshops required for unemployment benefits. The Job Hunter Workshop is standardized across all locations. However, different WorkSource centers may schedule these workshops on different days of the week, so when you call to transfer, ask specifically about when the next Job Hunter Workshop is available at the Vancouver location so you can make sure to attend on time. Also, make sure to bring your ESD letter with you to the new location as proof that you were required to attend. Some workshop facilitators will want to see the original notice.

UPDATE: I just called the Bellingham WorkSource office and got everything transferred to Vancouver! The woman I spoke with (Jennifer) was super helpful and said this happens all the time. She emailed me confirmation and everything. The Vancouver office has the same Job Hunter Workshop this Friday at 10am, so I'm all set. Thanks everyone for your help!

Yes definitely do job searches right now! You need 3 per week even during adjudication. They can be applying to jobs, making a profile on job sites, going to workshops at worksource, etc. If u need more ideas look at the ESD website under job search requirements. U can enter them in eServices each week or keep track on paper with the form they have. But if u get approved and haven't done them u might end up disqualified anyway!

I had a similar situation and what helped me was writing down a clear timeline of events, including exact dates and names of who communicated what to me. The more specific details you can provide, the better. Good luck with your claim! It's so stressful waiting but the backpay will be worth it when it finally comes through.