Just wanted to update everyone - I checked my claim this morning and it switched from Pending back to Paid! They also deposited all the missing payments from the last three weeks. I never received any communication about what the issue was or if my employer contested anything. It just resolved itself! Thank you to everyone who replied with advice and support. I'm so relieved right now.

I'd like to add something important about your case specifically - you mentioned you were a line cook whose hours were reduced after a new kitchen manager came in. Restaurant industry claims have some unique aspects because: 1. Variable schedules are common in food service, so ESD looks carefully at patterns over time 2. The industry has high turnover, so ESD has specialized experience with these claims 3. Seasonal fluctuations are considered normal in some cases Make sure you clarify that this wasn't just normal season-related scheduling but a significant change targeted at you specifically after management changes. That distinction can be important. I know the waiting is stressful, but the case you described sounds like it should ultimately be decided in your favor based on the substantial hours reduction. Just keep filing those weekly claims and documenting everything.

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.

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!

When I had trouble reaching ESD a few months ago, I ended up trying at exactly 8:00 am on Wednesday, and somehow got through after only about a 25-minute wait. Not sure if Wednesday is actually better or if I just got lucky. Regarding your adjudication - is it for able and available issues or job separation? Mine was for job search requirements because I missed uploading documentation for one week, and it took about 4 weeks total to resolve. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for the adjudication to complete, even though you won't get paid until it's resolved. I made the mistake of skipping a week and it caused even more delays. Good luck! The waiting is so stressful when bills are piling up.

Just wanted to follow up - for job separation disputes like yours, having documentation ready is crucial. When you do reach an agent, make sure you have: 1. Any written communication about your layoff (emails, letters, texts) 2. Names and contact information of supervisors or HR personnel involved 3. Documentation of the budget cuts if possible 4. Dates of any meetings about your employment ending The adjudicator will need to investigate both sides, but having your evidence organized can speed up the process. Also, you might want to prepare a clear, concise timeline of events that led to your separation. Keep it factual and unemotional, as this helps the adjudicator focus on the relevant details.