Based on your timeline, I'd suggest waiting until December 19th (4 weeks from filing) before escalating. However, there are two productive steps you can take now:\n\n1. Check if you have access to your former employer's response in your ESD account. Sometimes the system shows what information they've provided.\n\n2. Prepare documentation proving you never received formal warnings or performance improvement plans. This will be valuable if there's a discrepancy between your account and your employer's.\n\nIf you haven't heard anything by December 19th, that's when I'd recommend calling to request an update and possibly escalation. When you call, specifically ask if they're still waiting for employer information or if something else is causing the delay.

This is really helpful advice. I'll check my ESD account more thoroughly to see if I can find my employer's response. I don't think they've submitted anything yet or the status would have changed, right? \n\nI've already gathered my emails showing positive feedback from my boss just two weeks before firing me, so hopefully that helps my case.

My roomate had to call ESD about changing her career path like 7 times before she got someone who actually knew what they were talking about!! First person told her to just update her work search preferences but that was TOTALLY wrong advice.

Final piece of advice: When your daughter applies for Training Benefits, she should request the maximum training time available (26 weeks in 2025). Nursing programs often take longer than this, but she can potentially qualify for extensions if she maintains satisfactory progress. Also, make sure she understands that during approved training, she's exempt from job search requirements, but must submit school progress reports every 4 weeks instead.

Glad you got through! One other thing to note - make sure you're still meeting the job search requirements while this is being resolved. The current requirement is 3 job search activities per week that you must document in your weekly claim. Missing these can result in disqualification regardless of what's happening with your wage dispute. Good luck!

Definitely doing that! I've been tracking everything in a spreadsheet - applications, interviews, resume submissions, WorkSource workshops, etc. Not taking any chances with my benefits, especially while I'm trying to get them increased.

My wife works for DSHS (different department but they hear things) and said ESD is migrating some payment systems this week which is causing delays across all benefit programs, not just unemployment. Apparently it's a planned update but they did a terrible job communicating it to claimants. Totally typical bureaucratic mess up! She said most payments are delayed 2-3 days but should all be processed by Thursday at the latest. Something about fiscal year reporting requirements and database merges... IDK all the technical details honestly.

mines just hit my account! check yours

i had a hearing too few months back it was cause i got sick not related to kids though but anyways mine took like 35 minutes or so they just asked basic stuff no need to be nervous they just wana hear your side of things my employer didnt even call in

Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention - make sure to dial in about 5-10 minutes early to the hearing. There's usually a virtual waiting room, and being punctual makes a good impression. Also, have a quiet place for the call if possible, and take notes during the hearing. If the judge uses any terminology you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Good luck with your hearing!