My cousin works for ESD (not saying that publicly lol) and she says they're SUPER backed up right now because of system updates and staff shortages. Like worse than usual. Not helpful for your immediate problem but might explain why even after winning your appeal it's taking forever. The system is basically held together with duct tape at this point.

Update for everyone: I just checked the ESD website and they've posted a notice about implementation delays for appeal decisions. They're currently processing implementations from early October, so that explains the 7+ week wait for more recent decisions. Still worth contacting your representatives though!

I recommend calling on Wednesday or Thursday if possible. Monday and Tuesday call volumes are typically 30-40% higher, making it much harder to get through. Also, when you do connect with an agent, ask them to check for "pending issues" not just "questionnaires" - they're categorized differently in their system. And yes, definitely try the WorkSource office. While they're technically separate from ESD, many WorkSource specialists have been trained to help with unemployment issues specifically because of the high volume of cases. Some offices even have dedicated ESD liaisons on certain days of the week.

update us when u get it fixed! im in week 4 of waiting so im right behind u lol

have u looked into amazon flex? my cousin does that and says its decent pay while u figure things out. just need a car

I'm glad to see you're finding some paths forward! For anyone else reading this thread in a similar situation, here's a quick summary of potential resources when your UI benefits are ending: 1. WorkSource Washington - job search assistance, training programs, rapid reemployment services 2. DSHS - emergency assistance, food benefits (SNAP), TANF, childcare subsidies 3. Community Action Agencies - emergency rent and utility assistance 4. Gig work options - delivery services, Amazon Flex, etc. for flexible income 5. Training Benefits Program - must apply before beginning training 6. Ask potential employers about stipends or advances during licensing/training periods Also, always verify your UI benefit end date in your ESD account. Sometimes the calculated end date is different from what you might expect, and occasionally people have remaining benefits they didn't realize were available.

Yes, such a relief! And the agent told me I should receive payment for this week plus the one I missed during adjudication by next Tuesday. So glad I kept filing my weekly claims as everyone suggested!

See what I mean? A TINY little thing and they put you through all that stress! But glad you got it fixed!

To answer your question about them trying to get back money from your standby period - they shouldn't do that as long as you were eligible during that time. Your eligibility during standby was legitimate. It's only going forward from when you decided to retire that you become ineligible (since you're no longer able and available for work, which is a requirement for UI). Make sure when you respond to their letter that you clearly state the exact date you retired, so they know when to properly end your claim.

I'm a former WorkSource specialist, and I can confirm what others have said. The specific letter you'll receive is called a "Request for Information" or sometimes a "Missed Appointment Inquiry." This document is specifically coded in their system to properly process claim closures due to retirement or other special circumstances. When you respond to this specific form, it routes directly to the appropriate department rather than going into the general message queue. If you want to be proactive, you could try visiting your local WorkSource office in person with documentation of your retirement decision, but honestly, waiting for the letter is usually faster.