Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: ESD does not have denial quotas. The availability question can be confusing, but it's designed to identify people with significant restrictions that would prevent them from accepting suitable work. When you appeal, focus on explaining that you misunderstood the question and provide evidence of your active job search and WorkSource participation. Approximately 60% of availability disqualification appeals are successful when the claimant can demonstrate they were actually available for work during the week in question. Remember that Washington law requires you to be available for full-time work in your customary occupation during all the usual hours and days for that type of work. Brief appointments or obligations that don't significantly restrict your availability don't need to be reported as limitations.

After I got through to ESD using Claimyr, the agent told me they can actually reactivate your benefits on the phone if it's just a simple misunderstanding about availability like this. The appeal process is more for complex situations or when you disagree with their determination about your eligibility. For single-week issues caused by accidentally answering a question wrong, getting through to a live agent is often the fastest solution. They can see your WorkSource attendance and job search activities in their system.

did u check ur account messages?? sometimes they need info but dont tell u!! i was waiting forever then found out they needed paystubs from my last job!!

After reading through this thread, I think your best options are: 1. Try the identity verification line that was shared (833-572-8400) first thing in the morning 2. Reach out to your state representative as suggested 3. Consider a service like Claimyr if the first two options don't work One other thing to check - log into your SAW (SecureAccess Washington) account, then go to eServices, and look specifically for any alerts or tasks in the 'Decision Status' section. Sometimes requirements get buried in there. Also, under 'Upload Documents,' there might be document requests even if you didn't receive a notification. ESD's notification system has been notoriously unreliable in 2025.

If you're still waiting, try calling ESD early in the morning right when they open (usually 8am). I've had the best luck getting through around 8:05-8:15am. Later in the day it's almost impossible. Sometimes an adjudicator can look at your case while you're on the phone if you get the right person. Worth a shot!

Thanks for the tip! I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. Did you just call the main ESD number or is there a specific line for adjudication issues?

Not to change the subject but you mentioned applying for 12 jobs last week - make sure you're documenting those correctly in your job search log! I got approved after governor intervention but then had payment held again because my job search activities weren't properly documented. ESD is really picky about the details you include for each application.

Just checking in - any updates on your claim? Has the status changed yet?

To directly address your questions: 1. Your husband must report the orientation day as work. Training is considered employment. 2. He must report based on when work is performed, not when payment is received. Here's how to handle the reporting properly: - For the week with just orientation, report the exact hours worked that day and expected earnings (even if estimated) - For subsequent weeks, report all hours worked each day, even before receiving his first paycheck - If his gross earnings for any week exceed his weekly benefit amount, he won't receive benefits for that week - Continue filing claims until he's consistently working full-time - After 4 consecutive weeks of full-time work (or 2 weeks of no benefits due to earnings), his claim will become inactive This is the safest approach to avoid overpayment issues. The ESD system tracks by work performed, not by pay received.

This happened to me last year and I was so confused about whether to report the training week!!! I reported the training and then kept claiming for 2 more weeks until my first paycheck came through. ESD actually adjusted my benefits automatically - I got partial unemployment for the week with training (just a few hours) and then no benefits for the full-time weeks. The system works pretty well when you report everything correctly!