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I'm in a similar situation! I did yard work for a neighbor and wasn't sure how to report it. The ESD website is SO confusing. Did your benefit amount get reduced by exactly how much you earned from the subbing job? That's what I'm worried about - if I report $50 for mowing a lawn, do they just subtract that from my weekly benefit?
One additional note - make sure you're also listing this work as one of your job search activities for the week! Many people forget that work you actually perform (even part-time or one-day) counts as a job search activity. This helps you meet your 3 required activities per week.
my cousin works at WorkSource and she says they cant help with phoning ESD either. whole system is broken
That's disappointing. I was actually going to try visiting a WorkSource office in person to see if they could help me get through to someone.
WorkSource can help with job search activities and some basic claim information, but they don't have special access to ESD's claims processing. However, I still recommend visiting them because sometimes they can provide guidance on what type of issue you have, which helps you use the correct prompts when calling ESD directly.
UPDATE: I tried Claimyr that someone mentioned above when I had the same problem last week. It actually did work - got connected to an agent after about 90 minutes. Just sharing in case you're still struggling to get through after trying the early morning calls. The video explains how it works pretty clearly. Also, the state representative suggestion is solid advice for claims stuck in adjudication for extended periods.
Thank you all for the helpful suggestions! I'm going to try calling right at 8:00 AM tomorrow, and if that doesn't work after a couple attempts, I'll look into the Claimyr service. Really appreciate everyone's advice and tips!
I work at a WorkSource center and can confirm the main ESD unemployment claims number is now 833-572-8400. The 6022 number is still active but primarily for employer services and informational purposes rather than claim support. For "able and available" issues specifically, you might also want to check if you received a questionnaire in your eServices account. Sometimes they send those instead of requiring a phone call. Look under "Pending Issues" in your account dashboard. If you have one, filling it out completely might resolve the issue without needing to call. If you do need to call, the best times are typically Tuesday-Thursday between a:30-10:30am or 2:30-4:00pm when call volumes tend to be lower.
UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! For anyone with the same issue - the new number is indeed 833-572-8400. I called at 8:15am and selected option 2, then 3 as suggested above. Wait time was about 35 minutes, but I finally spoke with someone who could help. Turns out the "able and available" flag was because I mentioned a doctor's appointment in my weekly claim. The agent cleared it after I explained it was just a one-time appointment that wouldn't affect my availability for work. Payment should be processed within 48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help! This forum saved my sanity.
One more thing - if your claim is in adjudication because of an employer dispute (like if they're claiming you quit instead of being laid off), you should prepare documentation that supports your side. Texts, emails, the separation letter you mentioned. Adjudicators will look at both sides, but having clear evidence helps your case tremendously. Oh, and if you have immediate financial needs while waiting, you might qualify for emergency assistance through DSHS or local community organizations. Worth looking into if the adjudication drags on.
Charlotte White
The ESD system is DESIGNED to be difficult to navigate. They WANT people to give up so they don't have to pay out benefits. I've been through 3 claims over the years and every single time they find some ridiculous reason to put you in adjudication. Last time they claimed I didn't provide enough job search evidence even though I uploaded everything correctly!!! Took 12 weeks and threatening to contact my state representative before they finally paid me what they owed. The whole system is broken and nobody in Olympia seems to care.
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Admin_Masters
•i don't think its a conspiracy but ya the system is definitely outdated. my friend works at dshs and says esd is using computer systems from like 1995 lol
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Nora Bennett
FINAL UPDATE: My claim was approved today and all my pending payments were released! $4,870 total for the 4 weeks. Such a massive relief. For anyone else stuck in adjudication, definitely check your notices for any fact-finding questionnaires and make sure to respond to those ASAP. That was the main holdup for me. Thank you all again for your advice and support during this stressful time!
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Ryan Andre
•congrats! u give me hope mine will get resolved soon
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