Have you tried contacting your state representative? When my husband's claim was stuck for over a month, I emailed our state rep's office and they actually helped escalate the issue. Had it resolved within a week after that. Just a thought!

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! For anyone else struggling, here's what worked: I followed the advice to call right at 8:00am, but I also used a different phone than I had been using previously. Not sure if that made a difference, but I finally got into the queue instead of getting disconnected. Waited on hold for 47 minutes but eventually spoke with an agent who was actually very helpful. Turns out there was an issue with my ID verification that needed to be resolved. They're expediting my claim now and said I should see movement in the next 2-3 business days. Thank you everyone for the advice and support!

One more tip: after you finally get through to someone, ask for their direct extension number. Many agents will give you their direct line if you've had an ongoing issue, which lets you bypass the main system in the future. Also, be sure to document everything - the date/time of your call, who you spoke with, and what they told you. This can be extremely helpful if you need to escalate your claim later.

UPDATE: I finally got through! I used the tips about calling at 7:58am and selecting the payment issue option. Still had to wait 67 minutes on hold, but eventually spoke with someone who was actually really helpful. My claim was stuck in ID verification (even though I uploaded all my documents weeks ago), and they were able to push it through to the next step. Thank you everyone for your help! For anyone facing the same issue, persistence is key - and those early morning calls really do make a difference.

Just to add some clarity here - VA benefits and workers comp are reported differently on your taxes too. VA disability is usually tax-free while workers comp can affect your unemployment calculation. Thats why ESD asks about them seperately and why its important to answer accurately on which benefits your getting.

Update: I was able to get through to ESD this morning! The agent told me that VA benefits are definitely NOT considered workers compensation, and she helped me correct my weekly claim. She said this is actually a pretty common mistake, especially for veterans who are filing unemployment for the first time. My payment should process normally now with the correction. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Anyone know if this delay affects standby status too? I'm on standby with my employer and worried this might mess up my return to work date somehow.

UPDATE: Mine finally changed to 'paid' status this morning! So it took about 48 hours instead of the usual 24. Just wanted to let everyone know in case you're still waiting on yours.

my freind called our state rep's office insted of governor and got his claim fixed in like 2 days! find your rep here https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ mabye try both?

I had success with the governor's office after my claim was stuck for 9 weeks. The number is 360-902-4111. They took my information and within a week, ESD called me to resolve my issue. Just be prepared with your claim ID and a clear explanation of the problem. They can't work miracles, but they definitely can get someone at ESD to actually look at your claim instead of letting it sit in the system forever.