This reminds me of when I was on unemployment back in 2023 and they switched systems mid-year. I kept getting letters saying I needed to do different things for job search and I was so confused. Then suddenly they wanted all my logs for the past 8 weeks and I hadn't been keeping them properly! Had to appeal and everything. Such a headache. My sister-in-law works for WorkSource and she says always keep WAY more documentation than you think you need.

To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The change regarding job search logs is that you no longer need to submit detailed information each week, but you MUST maintain records of your activities. 2. Payment schedules remain the same - this administrative change doesn't affect when funds are deposited. 3. You still must perform and document 3 qualifying job search activities each week. 4. ESD can request your job search logs at any time for up to a year after your benefit year ends. 5. If audited and unable to provide documentation, you may be disqualified and required to repay benefits. This change was implemented to streamline the weekly filing process, but the underlying requirements remain the same.

To clarify some information that's been shared in this thread: 1. Adjudication typically occurs when there's a question about your eligibility. Common reasons include: job separation issues (were you truly laid off or was there misconduct?), availability for work, or earnings verification. 2. You can request standby status if you have a definite return-to-work date within 4 weeks. Since your new job starts Oct 30, you might qualify depending on when you applied. This would waive job search requirements. 3. For immediate assistance while waiting: - 211 is a resource hotline that can connect you with emergency services - Churches and community organizations often have emergency funds - Food banks do not require unemployment verification - Most utility companies have internal emergency assistance programs 4. Keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact ESD, as well as documentation of financial hardship. This can help if you need to escalate your case. If your circumstances are particularly dire (eviction risk, inability to afford medication, etc.), make sure to clearly communicate this when you reach an agent.

hows it going? any luck getting thru to esd yet???

One other thought - have you applied for Washington's Senior Citizen Jobs Program? It's separate from regular unemployment and specifically designed for workers 55+ who are struggling to find employment. It provides subsidized part-time work (usually 20-25 hours/week) with non-profits and government agencies. It won't replace your full income but might help bridge the gap until you find something permanent. You can apply through DSHS or your local WorkSource office.

my grandma had the same problem last year and what she did was started doing administrative work from home as an independent contractor. she found a bunch of small businesses who needed someone to do their scheduling and emails but couldnt afford a full-time person. now she has like 4 different clients and makes decent money working from her apartment. might be worth looking into since you have office manager experience?

The exact same thing happened to me!!! My hours got cut to 12 per week back in December and my claim got stuck in adjudication for FIVE WEEKS!! I called ESD like 50 times and either couldn't get through or got hung up on. I finally contacted my state representative's office and they helped push it through. Try that if the governor's office helped last time. So ridiculous we have to involve politicians just to get our legitimate benefits!!!

Just an update - I called ESD this morning using Claimyr and managed to speak with someone who explained what's going on with my husband's claim. They said they're verifying with his employer about the reduction in hours, and once they receive that information, they can complete the adjudication. The agent also expedited our case due to financial hardship. So there's definitely value in being able to actually reach someone!

Based on everything you've shared, I strongly recommend your husband contact his employer ASAP to verify: 1) How they reported his status that week to ESD, 2) If they have standby status approval with ESD, and 3) If they can provide a simple letter confirming the temporary layoff dates and reason.\n\nOnce you have that information, try to reach ESD directly to address the specific issue. The adjudication process is averaging 3-4 weeks currently if you don't intervene, but can be resolved much faster if you can speak with someone directly and provide the correct documentation.\n\nThis is a very solvable problem - just a matter of cutting through the bureaucracy!

Thank you for the reassurance and clear action steps! He's going to talk to his boss first thing tomorrow morning to get all this information. Fingers crossed we can get this resolved quickly.