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I don't mean to go off-topic, but I'm in a similar situation with my husband's PCS orders to South Korea. Did you also have trouble with the "actively seeking work" requirements? How are you handling job searches from overseas? I'm worried about that part of my claim.
That's a good question! I've been applying for positions at the base Family Readiness Center and AAFES. There are also remote work opportunities with US companies that I'm pursuing. For job search activities, I'm counting online applications, networking with spouse employment groups, and attending virtual job fairs specifically for military spouses. You need to document 3 job search activities each week, and these all qualify.
One more thing to remember in your appeal: be sure to include the relevant parts of the UCMJ and Joint Travel Regulations that pertain to command-sponsored dependents. These federal regulations supersede state-level interpretations about your availability for work. Also, if you're having trouble getting through on the phone to discuss your appeal, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM Pacific time - that's when wait times are shortest.
Anybody else notice adjudication takes WAY longer now than it did during COVID times? Back in 2021 I got through adjudication in like 10 days. Now they're taking months for some people. It's like they went back to not caring once the pandemic spotlight was off them.
Update: I took everyone's advice and kept filing my weekly claims. I also sent an additional message with a clear explanation letter about the retirement withdrawal being one-time and emergency-based. Still waiting but at least I feel like I've done everything possible. Thanks for all the support and information - this community has been super helpful while I navigate this stress.
I work in HR and see this constantly with our former employees. The problem is often that employers report wages to ESD quarterly, and sometimes there are discrepancies in how those reports get processed. The most common issues are with multi-state employers, name discrepancies on paystubs vs. SSA records, or employers who changed payroll systems mid-year. My advice: Call ESD again and specifically ask for a "wage investigation" to be added to your adjudication. This flags your case in a specific way that ensures all your documentation gets properly reviewed. And make sure ALL your paystubs are clearly labeled with which employer they're from if you worked multiple jobs.
Have you considered looking into other benefits that might help bridge the gap? Sometimes when UI runs out, people qualify for programs like: - SNAP (food benefits) - Energy assistance programs - Temporary hardship assistance through DSHS Not ideal, but might help keep things afloat until work picks up again. Also, check with WorkSource - they sometimes have special programs for dislocated workers that include short-term financial assistance.
One more thought: since you mentioned having kids, make sure you've filed for all tax credits you're eligible for this year. The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can provide significant help if you had reduced income last year. If you've already filed, great, but if not, these credits might provide some additional funds to help bridge the gap until you find steady work again.
Yuki Ito
One more important tip - check if you have any Action Items in your eServices account that are holding up your claim. Many people spend weeks trying to reach someone only to find out they just needed to complete a simple form or questionnaire that was sitting in their account. Look under the 'Alerts' and 'Action Items' sections carefully.
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Aisha Khan
•That's actually really helpful. I just checked and there WAS an action item I missed from last week! It was a simple employment verification form. Just completed it - hopefully this helps move things along. Thank you!
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Ethan Taylor
So did anyone ever figure out a reliable way to get through? I'm back in the same position again with a new issue on my claim. Really don't want to spend another month trying to reach someone...
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Aisha Khan
•Update on my situation: I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and did get through to an agent yesterday. Cost was worth it for me considering I was about to miss another rent payment. They fixed my pending issue (turned out to be a simple verification problem). My claim is now processing! Fingers crossed for payment soon.
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