Update on my earlier comment - I just remembered that after using Claimyr to get through, the ESD agent told me they actually prioritize standby issues differently than regular claims. When you do get through, make sure to immediately mention it's about a standby denial, as they may be able to transfer you to a specialized queue. The agent told me standby issues get priority because they're time-sensitive with the return-to-work date looming.

One more thing to try while you're waiting to get through on the phone - you can also contact your state representative's office. They often have constituent services staff who can help with unemployment issues and sometimes have direct channels to ESD. Just go to the Washington State Legislature website to find your district and representative. I've seen this work for several people with urgent claim issues.

I heard from an ESD worker that they're still dealing with a massive backlog from the pandemic years. Apparently, they had over 100,000 overpayment waiver requests to process! They're working through them by date received, so if you submitted in mid-2023, you might still be waiting a while. It's completely unreasonable but unfortunately seems to be their normal timeline now.

One more thing to consider - make sure you're responding to ANY communication from ESD, even if it doesn't seem directly related to your waiver. Sometimes they need additional information to process your waiver but don't clearly connect it to your pending waiver request. Check your eServices Message Center regularly and also your regular mail. I've heard of people's waivers being denied simply because they missed responding to a verification request.

My brother had same problem last month but he went to WorkSource in person and they helped him!! They couldn't fix his claim but they called ESD on a special line and got him connected to someone. Maybe try that??

Just following up - did you have any luck getting through? The advice about trying WorkSource is solid. They sometimes have direct lines to ESD that bypass the public queue. Also, if your claim is in adjudication specifically, there's a different number you can try: 800-246-9763.

THE SAME THING HAPENED TO ME LAST MONTH!!!! I was freaking out because rent was due and the money didnt show up for 3 days after it said paid. ESD system is SO SLOW and they don't tell you anywhere that the actual deposit takes extra time. wish they would update there website with this info!!

Quick update - now that you've confirmed your banking info is correct, it's just a waiting game. For future reference, payments generally follow a consistent weekly schedule once they start. If this payment was for the week ending 3/29, and you file your weekly claim on Sunday 4/6, you can expect the next payment to also take 1-3 business days after it shows 'paid'. I recommend keeping a small buffer in your budget if possible, since these 1-3 day delays happen every week and can cause cash flow issues if you're cutting it close with bills.

If she's a student with limited availability, that does complicate things. Here's what she should know: 1. Being a student doesn't automatically disqualify her, but she must be available for work during hours customary for her occupation 2. If she restricts her availability too much, ESD may determine she's not truly available for work 3. She should be honest about her availability restrictions on her application 4. There is a specific question about school attendance on the weekly claim Some students do qualify for partial benefits, especially if they're willing to work evenings, weekends, or other shifts outside of class time. ESD evaluates these cases individually, so the best approach is to apply and be completely truthful about her situation.

Being available Friday-Monday (4 days a week) should be sufficient availability for many jobs, especially in retail or food service. When she files her weekly claims, there's a specific question asking if she had any school attendance that affected her ability to work. She should indicate "yes" and explain her situation. I recommend she also check the "Worker Retraining" programs through WorkSource. Some students qualify for special unemployment benefits if they're enrolled in approved training programs that lead to in-demand careers. It's a separate program, but worth looking into if her studies align with qualifying fields.