Hi Emma! I'm also pretty new to the unemployment system and this thread has been incredibly helpful to read through. I just wanted to add one more resource that I discovered - the WorkSource website (worksourcewa.com) actually has a really detailed guide specifically for ESD job search requirements that breaks everything down step by step. I found it way easier to understand than the main ESD website. Also, something that's been working well for me is keeping a simple spreadsheet with columns for: Date, Company, Position, How I Applied, and Contact Info. I update it right after each application so I don't forget details later. When it's time to file my weekly claim, everything is right there organized by date. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you're applying to jobs that you're actually qualified for or could reasonably do. I applied to a bunch of jobs way outside my experience level thinking it would be easier to hit my 3 activities, but an ESD rep told me they want to see "suitable work search" which means jobs you could actually perform. Just wanted to share that in case it helps! You've gotten such great advice from everyone here and it sounds like you're on the right track.

I did not see a place to add the 3 job search activities. However, this is also my first week applying. Started process this Monday. Is that because this is my waiting week? If I missed where to add the activities, can I go back and update? Thanks to all!

Just want to add that if you're close to the 680 hour requirement, you might want to wait a bit before filing if you're still working. Sometimes waiting another month or two can put you over the threshold if your base period shifts.

This has been such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - working part-time and worried about my eligibility. One thing I wanted to add is that I found it really helpful to create a simple spreadsheet to track my hours and wages by quarter. It made it much easier to see if I was meeting the requirements rather than trying to do all the math in my head. For anyone who's still unsure about their eligibility, I'd definitely recommend using that calculator on the Washington ESD website that was mentioned earlier, and don't be afraid to call them if you need clarification on your specific situation.

One important thing to remember - if you're transitioning from standby to regular UI because you reported reduced hours, make sure you start logging your job search activities (3 per week) ASAP. Even if you're still waiting for the adjudication to complete. If they determine you need to switch to regular UI, they'll expect you to have been doing job searches during this time. I learned this the hard way and almost lost a week of benefits because I didn't have job search logs for the week I was in adjudication.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! Week 4 of standby went fine, but week 5 got flagged for adjudication. In my case, I think it was triggered because I reported some part-time hours for the first time after weeks of zero earnings. From what I'm reading in these comments, it sounds like the combination of hitting the 4-week standby threshold AND reporting earnings is what sets off their review system. They want to verify if you should stay on standby or transition to regular UI with job search requirements. I've been trying to get through to ESD for days with no luck. Might have to try that Claimyr service if this drags on much longer. The uncertainty is killing me - I just want to know what they need from me to resolve this! Keep us posted on how it goes, and definitely keep filing your weekly claims even without payment. Sounds like that's crucial for getting backpay once they sort it out.

Just went through the Washington ESD employer registration process myself last week! A few additional tips from my experience: 1) Make sure you have your federal EIN ready before starting - they'll ask for it early in the process. 2) The online portal will ask you to estimate your annual payroll, so have a rough number in mind. 3) They'll send you a welcome packet with your account info within about 5-7 business days. The whole process took me maybe 30 minutes once I had all my documents ready. Way easier than I expected after reading horror stories online!

I just completed my Washington ESD employer registration online yesterday and wanted to share some insights! The process was surprisingly smooth once I found the right starting point. A few things that helped me: 1) I used the BizLicenseWA.gov portal as mentioned earlier in this thread - it really does streamline everything. 2) Having my business structure details ready (LLC, corporation, etc.) sped things up significantly. 3) They asked for my NAICS code, so I looked that up beforehand. 4) The system automatically calculated my initial UI tax rate based on my industry classification. Total time was about 45 minutes including a brief phone verification call they made to confirm my business address. Much less painful than I anticipated! For anyone still hesitating, just dive in - the online system walks you through each step pretty clearly.

Last resort option - if you absolutely cannot find your UI number anywhere, you can visit a WorkSource office in person and they can help you locate it. Bring photo ID and be prepared to verify your personal information.

SUCCESS UPDATE: Found my UI number in an email from Washington ESD titled 'Important Information About Your Weekly Claim Filing'. It was right at the top! Thanks everyone for helping me figure out where to look.