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I fogot to mention, make sure u answer ur phone even if it's unknown numbers!!! ESD calls from blocked numbers sometimes and if u miss the call they might just mark u as "unavailable" and deny your claim!
Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning after calling repeatedly since 7:00am. The adjudication is because my former employer is claiming I quit rather than being laid off. The agent said they're still processing my weekly payments while they investigate. They're sending me a questionnaire that I need to return within 5 days. Really relieved to at least know what's going on now!
This is excellent news! Be very detailed in your questionnaire responses. Include specific dates, names of supervisors involved in your separation, and any documentation you have (emails, termination letter, etc.) that supports your claim that you were laid off rather than quit. If you have any text messages or emails discussing your separation, those will be extremely helpful.
LOOOOL at ESD. They expect us to surrive on NOTHING when benefits run out. I was on UI last year and when it ended they just cut me off. No help, no extensions, just DONE. The whole system is designed to fail us. Good luck with disability too - I hear they deny everyone the first time. The government doesn't care if we end up homeless!!!
While I understand your frustration, unemployment insurance is designed as a temporary bridge during job transitions, not as permanent income replacement. The standard 26-week benefit period in Washington is actually more generous than some other states. I'd recommend connecting with WorkSource for reemployment services.
Have you talked to DSHS about HEN (Housing & Essential Needs)? It's specifically for people who are waiting for disability decisions and have very limited income. Won't replace your UI but it can help with rent, utilities, and some basic needs. I got on it after my UI ran out while waiting for my disability hearing. You apply through DSHS and it's administered through local community agencies. Just another option to look into.
Just wanted to add - keep DETAILED records of every attempt to contact them from now on. Dates, times, copies of emails, names of anyone you speak with, etc. This documentation will be super important if you end up having to take legal action. And follow up on EVERYTHING in writing, even if you manage to talk to someone on the phone.
my aunt works for a different state agency (not esd) and she says sometimes claims get "stuck" in the system after appeals because the appeal decision doesnt automatically connect with the payment system??? like the computers dont talk to each other right. maybe thats whats happening?
This is absolutely correct. There's a known issue with ESD's legacy systems where OAH decisions have to be manually entered into the payment processing system. Sometimes these manual entries get overlooked or entered into a processing queue incorrectly. That's why speaking directly with a claims specialist who can see both systems is so important.
Has anyone else noticed that the ESD website has been acting weird lately? Sometimes statuses show up incorrectly and then fix themselves a few days later. Maybe try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser to check your claim status again?
Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like you have multiple factors that could be causing the disqualification: seasonal work, partial week of work before layoff, and potentially a new employer who hasn't responded yet. This is exactly the kind of complicated situation where speaking directly with an ESD agent is necessary. Make sure to continue filing your weekly claims even while showing as disqualified. If your claim is eventually approved (which sounds likely based on what you've described), you'll be paid retroactively for all eligible weeks you've claimed. The important thing is maintaining an unbroken claim history while you get this sorted out.
Luca Ferrari
Contested claims are the worst - that's why you're having a different experience than OP. When an employer contests, it automatically goes into the deeper adjudication queue that WorkSource can't help with. Those honestly need a full ESD agent who can review the evidence from both sides. But yeah, I've noticed WorkSource chat is hit or miss depending on who you get and what your specific issue is.
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NeonNinja
That makes sense. Wish they'd just tell me that upfront rather than keeping me in the dark. Thanks for explaining!
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