Has anyone had any luck with the online chat support thing on the ESD website? I tried it yesterday but gave up after being #147 in queue for like 2 hours.

Just an update - after trying all the usual routes with no success, I ended up: 1. Using Claimyr to get through to ESD 2. Finding out my claim was stuck in identity verification 3. Having them escalate it to a specialist They resolved it that day and my payments started processing the next business day. Sometimes you just need to get a real person on the phone who can actually see what's happening behind the scenes.

Congratulations on your approval! Your case actually illustrates an important point about Washington's unemployment system. Under RCW 50.04.294, "misconduct" has a specific legal definition, and ordinary performance issues generally don't meet that threshold. Misconduct requires a willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interest, deliberate violations of reasonable rules, or carelessness that shows an intentional disregard of the employer's interest. Simply failing to meet increasing quotas or production standards doesn't typically qualify as misconduct unless there's evidence you were deliberately underperforming. That's why you were ultimately approved despite the employer terminating you for performance reasons.

OMG I CANT BELIEVE THE GOVERNORS OFFICE THING WORKED FOR ME TOO!!!! applied in December and nothing happened for 10 weeks, called the governors number last thursday and my claim was processed yesterday!!!!! everyone stuck in pending should try this!!!!!

wait does anyone know what happens if u miss the sunday deadline?? like if u file monday does it take longer??

I think the whole 48 hour thing is just what they tell us. I've had it process in 24 hours sometimes and other times it takes 72+. Doesn't seem to matter if I use phone or online. Pretty sure it depends more on how busy their system is that week.

There seems to be some confusion about the regulations. While being a union member doesn't waive the 680-hour requirement, there IS something called the "alternate base year" calculation that might help. If you don't qualify using the standard base year (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters), ESD can use the alternate base year (the 4 most recently completed calendar quarters). This might capture more work hours for you and potentially qualify you. But again, you still need 680 hours total - that part doesn't change. Also, check with your union welfare office. Many unions have hardship funds or other assistance programs specifically for members between jobs who've exhausted benefits. The hall should have information about these resources.

Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after using Claimyr) and got confirmation that there's no union exception to the 680-hour rule. The agent checked my account and I only have about 450 hours in my base year. She suggested I look into the Commissioner Approved Training program if I want to take some classes while waiting to build more hours. Thanks everyone for your help - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.

Quick question - have you uploaded your paystubs from those weeks to your ESD account? That can sometimes speed up the verification process since they can confirm your hours worked without having to contact your employer.

You can upload documents through your eServices account by going to your dashboard, selecting "Upload Documents" from the menu, and then choosing "Verification Documents" as the category. Make sure to include both paystubs showing the different locations you worked at during that 41-hour week, and it's helpful to include a brief note explaining that these relate to your current adjudication issue.