when i was on unemployment last winter i did this workforce thing at the community college for healthcare jobs got certificatied as CNA and they paid for everything plus my unemployment kept coming the whole time. you should check with worksource they helped me get started

Here's what you need to know about extending unemployment benefits in Washington for 2025: 1. Training Benefits (TB) Program: Extends benefits up to 52 additional weeks while you complete approved training. Apply BEFORE your regular UI exhausts. Work with WorkSource to identify approved programs. 2. Commissioner Approved Training (CAT): Doesn't extend benefits but waives job search requirements while you attend school/training. 3. Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP): For those starting a business instead of seeking traditional employment. 4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA): If your job was affected by foreign trade/outsourcing. With only 3 weeks left, you need to contact WorkSource IMMEDIATELY to discuss your options and start the application process. Not everyone qualifies, but healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields typically have good approval rates.

just want to add that you should file a wage complaint with L&I regardless of what happens with ESD!! they can get you your unpaid wages plus interest and sometimes additional penalties. i got almost $4000 from my ex employer through L&I even though i only claimed about $2400 in unpaid wages originally.

Ok everyone - quick update! I texted my boss this morning with a formal request for my missing pay, citing the specific amount and due date. He just called me and admitted the business is probably closing and he can't make payroll. Said he'd understand if I quit. Going to send an official resignation email citing the unpaid wages as the reason and file with both L&I and ESD tomorrow. Thank you all SO much for your help! I'll update once I hear about my claim.

Ugh I know this feeling! My identity was stolen last year and it was a NIGHTMARE getting ESD to sort it out. Took me three months and I had to send in my passport, birth certificate, AND utility bills twice because they "lost" the first set. The adjudication is actually separate from the identity verification - they're two different departments. For the identity issue, you might need to go to a WorkSource office in person with your documents. That's what finally worked for me.

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I'm going to try that Claimyr service tomorrow morning. I called WorkSource and they said they could see me next Tuesday for help with the identity verification, so at least that's something. I'm still submitting my weekly claims even though I can't log in (using the phone system). This whole experience has been so demoralizing - I've never needed unemployment before and had no idea it would be this complicated. I'll update once I hopefully get through to someone who can help.

If for some reason you can't find the verification letter option in your eServices account (which sometimes happens if your claim has an unusual status), you can also request an official verification through the Customer Service Contact Center. When you call, specifically ask for a "Benefit Payment Verification Letter" and make clear it's for housing purposes. The representative can generate and email this to you while you're on the phone. The document contains your name, customer ID, benefit amount, and payment schedule on official ESD letterhead, which satisfies most housing requirements.

Update: I found both the verification letter and payment history! For anyone else looking, it's under the "Your benefits" section, then scroll down to "Payment history" and look for the little link that says "Request benefit verification letter". My apartment manager accepted it with no issues. Thanks everyone for your help!

Went through an appeal back in January for something similar. One thing nobody mentioned yet - take notes during the entire hearing! The judge might make important comments or your employer might contradict themselves. Having detailed notes helped me when it was my turn to give closing remarks. Also, dress professionally even though it's probably going to be over the phone. It puts you in the right mindset. And have a glass of water nearby - your mouth gets dry when you're nervous talking for that long!

Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! I'm feeling much more prepared now. I've got all my evidence organized, written out my opening statement, and prepared questions based on your suggestions. Will update after the hearing tomorrow to let you know how it goes!