To address your specific situation: When you have an employer information error that's causing an eligibility issue, you have several options: 1. Continue trying to call ESD at 833-572-8400 during less busy times (early morning is best) 2. Use the Legislative Hotline as suggested (1-800-562-6000) 3. Consider a service like Claimyr if the above doesn't work 4. Submit a formal appeal of the ineligibility determination Regarding the last option - you'll receive a formal determination letter explaining why you're ineligible. You have the right to appeal this determination within 30 days. In your appeal, clearly explain that there was an error in the employer information you provided and specify what the correct information should be. Appeals are reviewed by a different department and can sometimes be a faster way to get errors corrected. In the meantime, continue filing your weekly claims even while showing as ineligible. Once the employer information is corrected, you'll be eligible for back payments for weeks you claimed properly.

One more important thing - make sure you're thoroughly documenting every attempt to contact ESD. Keep a log with dates, times, and method of contact (phone, message, etc.). If you end up needing to file an appeal for any benefit delays, this documentation will help show you were making good faith efforts to correct the problem. Also, when you do speak with someone, get their name and ID number if possible, and ask them to note in your file that you've been trying to contact ESD about this issue for [however many] days.

I know this doesn't help with your current situation but my brother has been roofing for 12 years and he got tired of the winter layoffs so he now works for a company that does interior renovations during winter months. Maybe look into something like that for next year so you don't have to deal with ESD's ridiculous standby rules? Just a thought... good luck either way!

Just wanted to check back - did you get any resolution to your issues? Were you able to get the standby extended or get your identity verification processed?

Something else to consider is taxes! Even though your income won't affect his benefits, remember that unemployment is taxable income. So when you file taxes next year, your combined income might put you in a higher tax bracket. Not saying don't take the job! Just something to be aware of so you're not surprised at tax time.

Just to follow up on what others have correctly stated - Washington ESD only looks at the individual claimant's income when determining eligibility and weekly benefit amounts. Your employment status and income have no direct impact on your husband's unemployment benefits. The system is designed this way specifically to encourage families to maintain or increase household income during periods of partial employment. Taking the job will simply add to your total household income rather than replacing his benefits. One additional note: if your husband finds part-time work, he may still qualify for partial unemployment benefits if he earns less than his weekly benefit amount. In that case, ESD would deduct a portion of his earnings from his benefit (not your earnings).

Update on my situation - I took everyone's advice and reported both job offers on my weekly claim yesterday. I got a notification this morning that my claim is now under review and benefits are on hold. Great. Now I'm completely screwed if I don't get this resolved before rent is due. Has anyone successfully navigated adjudication quickly? I'm starting to panic.

I just wanted to follow up - did you get this resolved? I've seen similar situations get cleared up within 7-10 days when all the documentation is properly submitted. If you're still stuck in adjudication, you might want to try contacting your state representative's office. They often have dedicated staff who can expedite ESD issues.

my cousin said u have to do the job search activities for all those back weeks too did anyone else have to do that??

Quick update - I called this morning (got through surprisingly quickly) and the agent confirmed I need to wait until Sunday to file my first claim after restart. She also helped me file for the 4 backdated weeks during my appeal! I had to verbally provide job search activities for each week, so I'm glad I kept rough notes of places I applied even when I wasn't getting paid. Thanks everyone for the help! Hope this thread helps someone else navigate the confusing restart process after winning an appeal.