sry to go off topic but did anyone elses esd account get locked after they updated the website last month?? i cant even log in to file my weekly claim now and when i call it just disconnects me

Just wanted to follow up - how are you doing with your appeal? Have you requested the hearing yet? Remember there's a strict 30-day deadline from the date on your determination letter!

I went through EXACTLY this in January 2025. Was laid off from aerospace making $38/hr, got offered $25/hr position. I was terrified of losing benefits but also couldn't survive on that pay cut. I called ESD to ask directly (took THREE DAYS of calling to get through) and they confirmed I didn't have to take it since I was only 8 weeks into my claim and the pay was more than 10% below my previous wage. BUT!! They warned me that after 10 weeks, the threshold changes. So start applying aggressively now while you still have that protection!

Quick update on the current job search requirements while you decide: Remember that you still need to complete and document 3 job search activities each week while receiving benefits. This becomes especially important if your claim goes into adjudication - they'll review your job search logs carefully. Also, make sure you're using WorkSource resources. They can actually help you find positions more aligned with your experience and previous wage level.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know it's working now! Just successfully filed my husband's weekly claim. Looks like it was some kind of system glitch that got fixed. For anyone else having this issue, try logging in again now.

Glad to hear it's resolved! For future reference, when this happens again (because let's be honest, it probably will at some point), there are a few official ways to check system status: 1. ESD's Twitter account sometimes posts about known outages 2. The technical support email (esditprod@esd.wa.gov) will sometimes respond with an auto-reply if there's a known issue 3. The recorded message on the main claims line occasionally updates to mention system issues Also remember that even if you can't file on Sunday, you have until Saturday of the following week before it's considered late. So there's usually no need to panic if the system is down for a day.

My friend went through almost the exact same thing last year. It was because the ESD system was trying to reactivate his old claim instead of properly processing the new one. The able and available dates were from that old claim but were being erroneously applied. His case manager eventually fixed it but it took almost 2 months.

Just wanted to update everyone - my son FINALLY got through to ESD this morning after using that phone service someone mentioned. The rep confirmed it was indeed a system error where his old claim information was incorrectly attached to his new claim. They're correcting it, but said it will take 3-5 business days to update in the system. They told him to keep filing his weekly claims, and once the correction processes, he'll receive payment for all eligible weeks. His appeal hearing is still scheduled for next month, but the rep said that would likely be dismissed once the system correction goes through. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!!

this whole system is just designed to torture us honestly. like why does it say PAID if it's not actually PAID??? just another example of how the unemployment system is broken. i've had the same thing happen like 5 times in the past year and each time it's a different waiting period. sometimes 12 hours, sometimes 3 days. makes no sense.

UPDATE: The money just posted to my ReliaCard this morning at 4:30am! So it took about 20 hours from when it showed as 'paid' on the ESD site. For anyone else having this issue, definitely check the ReliaCard website directly as someone suggested - the pending transaction showed up there before the money was available. Thanks everyone for the help and support!