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Does anyone know if partial UI counts for the 3 job search requirements? I've been doing them just to be safe but my manager said I might be exempt since I'm still employed technically?
Good question! For partial unemployment, you still need to complete the 3 job search activities each week UNLESS you have a definite return date to full-time work (this is called "standby" status). If your employer indicated that your hours reduction is temporary and provided a return date, you might be exempt. You can check if you're on standby in your eServices account under the Job Search Requirements section.
I went through this exact nightmare back in October 2024. My partial UI claim was stuck in processing for almost 7 weeks. I called ESD probably 30+ times and either couldn't get through or was told "just keep waiting, it's normal." What finally worked was sending a secure message through the eServices portal specifically asking if there were any issues with my claim that weren't visible to me. Turns out they needed additional verification of my reduced hours even though my employer had already responded to them! Definitely keep filing those weekly claims. When mine finally got approved, I received all the back payments at once, which was a huge relief. The system really is broken though - they should at least tell us what's causing the delay!
I'm going to try sending a secure message right now! That's a great suggestion. Did you put anything specific in the subject line that might have gotten their attention? At this point I'll try anything.
This exact thing happened to me but with 2 accounts. The issue is that when they updated their systems a few years ago, some accounts got duplicated. The agent told me they see this A LOT. Whatever you do, don't create another account - it'll just flag you in their system and complicate things even more.
How long did the process take for you to get it sorted out? I'm getting worried about how long I'll have to wait to actually file my claim.
For anyone dealing with multiple ESD accounts, here's the official process: 1. Contact Technical Support at 855-682-0785 2. They'll need to verify your identity with SSN, DOB, and address 3. Explain you have multiple SAW accounts linked to ESD 4. They'll research which account has your claim history 5. They can then either recover your password for that account OR merge your accounts If you've changed emails/phone numbers since your last claim, they can update that info too. Just be prepared to go through identity verification.
UPDATE: I finally got through! After trying all your suggestions, what finally worked was using my tablet and connecting through my phone's hotspot instead of my home wifi. No idea why that made a difference, but I'm now able to start my claim! For anyone else facing this issue - try different devices AND different internet connections. Now I'm just hoping the actual claim process goes smoothly. Thanks everyone for your help!
To answer your follow-up question - PFML does have a waiting week, so for just a single week illness, it probably wouldn't help much. It's more beneficial for conditions lasting at least two weeks. Unfortunately, there's a gap in our social safety net for short-term illnesses unless your employer offers sick pay.
After reading through the discussion, here's my recommendation: 1. Don't reopen your claim just for one week of illness - you likely won't qualify under able and available rules 2. If your part-time employer offers any sick time, even retroactively, that would be a better option 3. If you decide to contact ESD anyway, be prepared with your doctor's note, though it may not change the outcome 4. For future reference, keep your claim active during part-time work by continuing to file weekly and reporting your earnings - this keeps your claim open for weeks when your hours are reduced Unfortunately, in Washington, there's no perfect program for your specific situation - a short-term illness while working part-time.
Thank you to everyone for all the helpful information! I've decided not to bother reopening my claim since it sounds like I wouldn't qualify anyway. I'll definitely remember the tip about keeping claims open while working part-time for the future - that's really good to know. Live and learn I guess!
Sunny Wang
did u try calling the offshore call center?? its different than the main number and sometimes u can actually get someone there. they cant fix everything but they can at least see whats happening with ur claim. i think the number was like 833-something
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Everett Tutum
•The offshore call center is 833-572-8400. They can see basic claim info but can't make any changes or decisions. Sometimes they can submit an escalation ticket though, which might help.
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Romeo Quest
UPDATE: For anyone facing this specific situation (claim moving from adjudication to pending), I just spoke with an ESD supervisor who explained the current process. As of 2025, they've changed their workflow so that claims are marked as "pending" during final review after adjudication. The average wait time after this status change is 7-10 business days for a decision to be issued. The supervisor specifically said NOT to call repeatedly during this pending period as it doesn't speed up the process and just overloads their phone system. Instead, watch your Notices/Letters section in eServices for the determination letter. What will help: Make sure you continue filing weekly claims during this period so that once approved, payment can be issued immediately for all eligible weeks.
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Aria Khan
•Thank you so much for this update! This is exactly the kind of specific information I was hoping for. So I should expect to wait about 7-10 more business days from when it changed to pending? That at least gives me a timeline to work with. I'll keep filing weekly and watch for the determination letter.
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