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One more thing to consider - check your collective bargaining agreement carefully. There might be a specific grievance process for wage issues that you need to follow before or alongside filing with L&I. Some CBAs have strict timelines and procedures. You don't want to miss any deadlines that could help your case.
Update for anyone finding this thread: I called ESD this morning and finally got through to a representative after about a 45-minute wait. The agent confirmed they're experiencing extremely high call volumes right now due to some recent system changes. They recommended using the online message center in eServices for most issues rather than calling. Apparently messages are currently being responded to within 3-5 business days, which is actually faster than getting through by phone for many issues. For those who absolutely need to speak to someone by phone, they said their lowest call volumes are currently Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 2-4pm.
UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone having the same problem, here's what worked: I called exactly at 8:00am, pressed 1 for English, then 3 for questions about an existing claim, then 2 for all other questions. I was put on hold for about 35 minutes but finally got a real person! They fixed my issue in about 10 minutes. Just wanted to update in case someone else finds this thread with the same problem. Persistence is key!
Just a heads up - if you're getting close to using all your regular UI, make sure you understand what happens after. When I exhausted my regular UI last fall, I thought I'd automatically qualify for extended benefits, but that program isn't active right now since unemployment rates aren't high enough in Washington. Really caught me off guard! Start applying to more jobs now even if you have weeks left.
That's really good advice, thank you. I've been applying to about 5 jobs a week (more than the required 3), but I'll definitely ramp it up. Do you know if the training benefits program is still available? I've been thinking about taking some certification courses if my job search drags on.
Yes, the Training Benefits (TB) program is still available in 2025. If you're approved for training, you can receive additional weeks of benefits while attending an approved training program. You should apply for this as soon as possible though, as there's an application process and you need to be approved before exhausting your regular benefits. Contact your local WorkSource office to discuss your options - they can help determine if you qualify and guide you through the application process.
anybody know if seasonal workers get less weeks? my brother works construction and said he only got like 20 weeks
The number of weeks doesn't change based on industry, but the total benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base year. Some seasonal workers might have lower earnings during certain quarters, which could result in a lower maximum benefit amount. With a lower weekly benefit amount, the same maximum benefit might stretch over more weeks. Conversely, higher earners might have fewer weeks because their weekly amount is higher.
this happened to me to. i waited 9 WEEKS for my claim!!! the system is broken nobody cares about us regular ppl
Back to your original question about moderation - I did find an email address for the site administrators at the very bottom of the page. Maybe try sending a message there specifically about the harassment issues? Might be more effective than the report button.
Liam Fitzgerald
CONGRATS ON THE UPDATE!!! So glad to hear you got through! I've been following this thread because I'm having a similar issue (been stuck in adjudication for 3 weeks). Can I ask what time you called the OAH office? And did they just transfer you immediately or did you have to explain your situation to them first? I might try this approach tomorrow.
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Yuki Ito
•I called the OAH around 9:30 AM. I just briefly explained that I had an approved determination letter but my online status hadn't updated, and they transferred me to the ESD queue immediately. I still had to wait about 20 minutes, but at least I got through! The agent (Corey) was super helpful and updated my status while I was on the phone. He said the payments should process within 48 hours. Such a relief!
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Zoe Papanikolaou
This is great news! For anyone else reading this thread with similar issues, here's what happened: the OAH has a direct transfer line to ESD that bypasses the normal call routing system. It's not publicized, but it's a legitimate way to get through when the main line is jammed. Just be aware that this method should only be used if you have a legitimate issue like OP did with contradicting information between your determination letter and online status. The payments should show up in your account within 2-3 business days.
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Yuki Ito
•That's exactly right! And just wanted to update everyone - my payments just hit my account this morning! The status now shows 'paid' for the weeks I claimed. Such a relief after all that stress. Thanks to everyone who offered advice!
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