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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

good 4 u but now ur gonna be stuck in adjudication for like 2 months lol. thats what happened to my sister. the id verification was just the beginning of her nightmare with esd

anyone know if the holiday next week will delay payments more???

UPDATE: My payment finally hit my account this morning! That makes 10 calendar days (8 business days) from when it showed as "paid" in the system. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance that this is somewhat normal. Huge relief to finally have the money.