This is such a frustrating but unfortunately common issue with ESD's system. The fact that they can show "paid" status while payments are actually being held due to invisible flags is absolutely maddening. I went through something similar last year - my claims showed paid for weeks but turns out there was an employer dispute that wasn't reflected anywhere in my online account. Like others mentioned, I had to call dozens of times before finally getting someone who could see the actual problem. One tip that helped me get through faster: try calling at exactly 8:00 AM and press 1-1-1 as soon as you hear the automated message. Sometimes you can bypass the "high call volume" recording that way. Also document everything - dates you called, who you spoke with, any reference numbers they give you. The system is broken but persistence usually pays off eventually. Really glad Connor got his resolved - hopefully ESD will fix these visibility issues so people don't have to go through this nightmare in the future!

This whole thread is such a perfect example of why ESD needs a complete system overhaul. The fact that Connor had to wait 7 weeks and use a third-party service just to discover an "invisible" identity verification hold is absolutely unacceptable. For anyone currently dealing with similar issues, here are the key takeaways from this discussion: 1. "Paid" status doesn't always mean paid - there can be hidden holds 2. Check both your eServices messages AND physical mail for notices 3. Call at exactly 8am for better chances of getting through 4. Ask specifically about payment method selection (direct deposit vs debit card) 5. Have your bank check for any failed deposit attempts 6. Consider using Claimyr if you can't get through on your own The system shouldn't be this broken, but at least we can help each other navigate it. Really hoping ESD addresses these visibility issues soon so people don't have to play detective with their own benefits.

One last thing - if you're on standby status (temporarily laid off but expecting to return to work), different rules apply. You don't have to do the job search but you still need to file weekly claims and be available if your employer calls you back.

If anyone needs to get through to Washington ESD quickly to clarify these rules for their specific situation, seriously check out Claimyr. I was amazed how fast they got me connected to an actual person who could answer my questions.

Great plan! One additional tip - when you get that letter from your CEO, also ask HR to send a separate confirmation email or letter verifying the standby arrangement. Having documentation from both the CEO and HR can strengthen your case if there are any questions from ESD. Also, since you mentioned this is related to funding rounds, you might want to ask your employer to include language in the letter about the "temporary nature due to funding timeline" rather than just saying "layoff." ESD sometimes views funding-related separations more favorably when it's clear it's truly temporary and business-related rather than performance issues. Good luck!

Just want to echo what others have said about getting proper documentation - this is absolutely critical! I went through a similar situation last year when my startup ran out of runway. A few additional things to consider: 1. Make sure your employer includes their EIN (Employer Identification Number) on the letter - ESD sometimes requests this for verification 2. If possible, get the letter notarized - it's not required but can help if there are any disputes 3. Keep copies of EVERYTHING - the original layoff notice, the return-to-work letter, any emails about the situation Also, since you mentioned this is funding-related, be prepared for potential delays. My company's "6-week bridge" turned into 12 weeks when their Series A fell through. Having that backup job search plan is really smart. The good news is that if your standby gets extended or converted to regular UI, you won't lose any benefits - just be ready to start the job search requirements if needed. One last tip: if you do end up job searching during standby "just in case," don't report those activities on your weekly claims unless you actually get hired somewhere. Being on standby means you're excused from job search requirements, so reporting them could confuse the system.

And remember if you DO run into problems, don't just sit there waiting forever like I did. Get on the phone or use one of those services to figure out what's going on. Time is money when you're unemployed!

I'm in a similar situation - filed about 2 weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. My claim shows "approved" but no money yet. It's nerve-wracking when you have bills due! From what I'm reading here, sounds like I'm still within the normal timeframe. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and timelines - helps knowing this is normal and not just me having issues with the system.

Bottom line for the original poster and anyone else reading: File immediately after job loss. Don't wait for paperwork, don't wait to think about it, don't wait for anything. Every day you wait is money lost forever.

As someone who went through this exact situation last year, I cannot stress enough - FILE IMMEDIATELY. I was laid off on a Wednesday and filed that same evening online. The whole process took maybe 30 minutes, and I'm so glad I didn't wait. The Washington ESD website is actually pretty user-friendly and walks you through everything step by step. You don't need any special paperwork from your employer to get started - just your basic info, work history, and reason for separation. The key thing to remember is that your benefit week starts the Sunday of the week you file, so every day you delay is literally money out of your pocket that you can never recover. Don't overthink it, just do it today!