Washington Unemployment
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ESD taking 4-6 weeks for benefit decisions in 2025 - rep confirmed yesterday
Just got off the phone with an ESD agent yesterday after FINALLY getting through (took me 2 hours of redialing). They confirmed that current processing times for benefit decisions are running 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer! I've been waiting 3 weeks already for my standby status approval and was getting anxious. The rep said they're dealing with a new claims processing system that's causing delays across the board. Thought I'd share this info since I wasted so much time wondering if something was wrong with my claim. Anyone else experiencing these ridiculous wait times?
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Will adjudication stop my ESD payments if I already received 2 payments on my claim?
Super worried right now! I filed a new unemployment claim about 3 weeks ago and have already received two weekly benefit payments (around $825 each). Everything seemed fine until I logged in today and saw "adjudication in progress" on my claim status. No explanation whatsoever about what they're reviewing or why. Will this stop my upcoming payments? I absolutely cannot miss even one week - rent is due next Friday and I've got my kid's daycare bill too. Has anyone dealt with this situation before? Can I still file my weekly claims during adjudication? Will the payments keep coming until they make a decision? I'm freaking out a little bit here...
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UPDATE: I got through to ESD this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned here and it actually worked - got a call back with an agent in about 45 minutes. The adjudication is because they need to verify my identity (apparently routine for some new claims). The agent said I'll likely continue receiving payments during this process since it's just verification, not an eligibility issue. Such a relief! She said to just keep filing weekly claims as normal. Thank you everyone for your advice and support!
ESD appeal hearing rescheduling request - can I refuse employer's postponement?
I'm in the middle of an ESD appeal process and just received a frustrating voicemail from the Administrative Law Judge. My hearing is scheduled for 10/08, but apparently my former employer is claiming they can't make it and the judge asked if I'd agree to reschedule to either 10/17 or 10/31. I'm honestly struggling financially right now and waiting another 2-3 weeks for a decision would put me in an even tighter spot. Part of me also thinks my employer might be doing this deliberately to drag things out (we didn't exactly part on good terms). Has anyone dealt with this situation before? Can I legally refuse the continuance request? Will it look bad to the judge if I don't agree? I really need this resolved ASAP since I've already been waiting 7 weeks since filing my appeal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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anybody know if u can do these hearings on phone instead of zoom? i dont have good internet at my place and have same issue with employer trying to postpone
Yes, you can request a telephone hearing instead of video. When you receive your hearing notice, there should be instructions for how to request accommodation. Just call the OAH number on your notice and explain your internet limitations. They routinely conduct hearings by phone for those without reliable internet access.
Update: I called the judge's clerk this morning and explained my financial situation. I mentioned the specific hardships I'm facing (potential car repossession and already being behind on utilities). The clerk was actually pretty understanding and said the judge would take my objection into consideration. They said they'd let me know by tomorrow whether we're proceeding with the original date or if it will be rescheduled. I'll update again when I hear back. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!
Fingers crossed for you! The fact that they're getting back to you quickly is a good sign.
ESD approved my benefits 5+ weeks ago but still no payments - can't reach anyone!
I'm at my wits end with ESD! I received my approval letter for benefits over 5 weeks ago, but haven't seen a single payment hit my account. Every time I log into eServices, it just shows my claim as 'processed' but with zero payments issued. What's driving me crazy is there's absolutely NO WAY to speak to an actual human being about this! I've called at least 20 times over the past few weeks - always get the automated message saying 'call volume is too high, please try again later' and then it hangs up on me. Not even put on hold! Just disconnected! I've sent messages through eServices too, but no response there either. I'm starting to panic because my savings are basically gone and rent is due next week. Has anyone else had their payments delayed this long after approval? And has ANYONE found a way to actually reach a live person at ESD? Even tried the TTY line since they mention it on their website - turns out that's 'not available' for unemployment questions either. Feeling completely trapped in this broken system!
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Laid off from Walmart with 'other' reason code - Can my dad get WA unemployment?
My dad just got laid off from Walmart after 4 years working there. In his exit paperwork, HR listed the reason as 'other' and told him he's eligible for rehire after 6 months. He's really confused about whether he can get unemployment benefits in Washington state with this classification. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? He's worried that 'other' might make ESD think he was fired for cause, but Walmart basically just eliminated his position during restructuring. He's already applied for unemployment but hasn't heard anything back. Should he be concerned about the 'other' classification affecting his claim?
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did other ppl get laid off at the same time as ur dad? that would help prove it was restructuring and not something about just him
Yeah, there were 3 others from his department that got laid off the same week. I'll tell him to mention that in case ESD asks.
To summarize what everyone's said: 1. Your dad should qualify since this was a position elimination/restructuring 2. The 'other' code with rehire eligibility supports that this wasn't misconduct 3. He should continue filing weekly claims while waiting for a decision 4. If it goes to adjudication, he should gather documentation about the restructuring 5. Multiple people being laid off simultaneously strengthens his case One last tip: make sure he's meeting the job search requirements (3 job search activities weekly) and documenting them properly. ESD might audit his job search log later.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much better about his situation now. He's started applying for jobs already and is keeping track of everything. I really appreciate all the insights!
Victoria Brown
Have any of you tried contacting your state representatives? My cousin was stuck in adjudication for 7 weeks, then emailed her state rep and magically got approved 3 days later. Worth a shot if you're desperate.
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Laura Lopez
AuthorThat's a great idea, I hadn't thought of that. Do you just email them through their official website?
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Victoria Brown
Yep, each rep has a contact form on the wa.gov legislative website. Make sure to include your claim ID number and contact info. They send it to a special ESD team that handles legislative inquiries.
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Camila Castillo
UPDATE on wait times: I just attended a WorkSource webinar yesterday where an ESD representative said they're now prioritizing claims that have been in adjudication for more than 5 weeks. They've also added 15 new adjudicators this month who are completing training. The rep said we should start seeing processing times improve by late May, possibly getting back to 3-4 week timeframes by June. Just wanted to share this bit of hope!
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Laura Lopez
AuthorThat's encouraging! I'm just hitting my 3-week mark so hopefully by the time I get to 5 weeks, things will be moving faster. Thanks for sharing this update.
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