Washington Unemployment
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First-time unemployment after RIF - how long until first ESD payment?
I just got notified that my position is being eliminated due to a "reduction in force" at my company (been there for 3 years). This will be my first time filing for unemployment in Washington. Once I submit my initial application through ESD, how long does it typically take before I receive my first payment? I need to budget carefully since I have rent and car payments coming up. Also, is there anything I should be extra careful about when filling out the initial application to avoid delays? I've heard horror stories about claims getting stuck in adjudication for months and I really can't afford that right now.
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ESD system not letting me file weekly claims after Nov 11th - getting hung up on constantly
So I'm completely frustrated with the ESD system right now. I was able to file my weekly claim for the week ending November 11th with no problems, but since then the system hasn't prompted me to file any more weekly claims. When I log into my eServices account, there's no option to file a new claim. I've tried calling the unemployment line every single day for the past two weeks - sometimes 8-10 times per day - but it either disconnects immediately or puts me on hold and then hangs up. I've checked my account multiple times and there are NO pending issues, NO disqualification notices, NO letters in my inbox, literally NOTHING that explains why I suddenly can't file. Has anyone else had their weekly claim filing option just disappear? Did I miss something obvious? I'm starting to panic because bills are piling up and I haven't received any benefits for weeks now.
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UPDATE: So I FINALLY got through to ESD this morning after trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Turns out there was a "potential fraud alert" on my account that wasn't showing up anywhere in my online portal! The agent was able to remove the flag and reset my weekly claim access. She said they've been dealing with a ton of fraud attempts so their system is being extra cautious, but she admitted their notification system is flawed. My weekly claim option is back now! For anyone else experiencing this - keep trying to reach them because there might be something happening behind the scenes that you can't see online.
Glad you got it resolved! This is actually a known issue with their system right now. Those fraud alerts are triggered by various things (logging in from a new device, IP address changes, etc.) but the system often fails to display notifications about them. Thanks for updating us on what happened!
i had same problem turns out i needed to verify work search activities from previous weeks that i forgot to enter, check if theres a alert about work search somewhere in your account maybe? esd is super picky about the 3 job search activities now
This is a good point. The system will sometimes restrict your ability to file new weekly claims if you haven't properly documented your job search activities. Make sure you're entering your 3 required job search activities each week and keeping detailed records. The work search requirements became much stricter after the pandemic programs ended.
ESD asking me to reapply during adjudication - What's going on with my claim?
I've been stuck in adjudication for about 5 weeks now and something weird just happened. Today I logged into my ESD account and there's a notification telling me I need to apply for benefits AGAIN! My existing claim is still visible in the system with the 'adjudication in progress' status, but now they want me to submit a whole new application? Is this some kind of system glitch or a normal part of the process? I'm worried if I submit a new application it might mess up my current claim that's already waiting for adjudication. Has anyone else experienced this weird double-application request while their claim is still active?
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Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ESD? What did they say about the reapplication request? Others might benefit from knowing the resolution.
Yes! Finally got through yesterday. Turns out there was a technical issue where my work history verification didn't properly attach to my claim, which triggered the reapplication notice. The agent put a note on my account and told me to ignore the reapplication prompt for now. She said my adjudication is still in process and should be resolved within 2 weeks. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!
WorkSource chat actually worked! Fixed my claim after weeks of phone call failures
Just had to share a WIN with you all after struggling with my unemployment claim for nearly a month! My benefits were on hold with some weird identity verification flag that came out of nowhere (even though I've been on the same claim since February). After calling ESD literally 47 times over 3 weeks and either getting disconnected or sitting on hold until their office closed, I finally took someone's advice to try the WorkSource chat feature instead.\n\nOMG what a difference! Connected with an agent named Maria within 15 minutes. She was able to look at my claim immediately, saw that my ID verification had actually been completed weeks ago but wasn't properly noted in their system! She sent a message to the claims department while I was still in chat, and she confirmed my hold would be removed within 48 hours.\n\nJust checked my account this morning and BOOM - payment processed! If you're stuck in endless phone hell, seriously try the WorkSource chat option. Completely changed my experience and saved my sanity (and probably my electricity bill from all those hours on hold lol).\n\nThank you to everyone in this community - your advice literally put food on my table this week!
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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.
ESD adjudication just started today - will I still get benefits during process?
Just logged into my ESD account and saw my claim status changed to 'adjudication in process' today. Nobody called me or anything, it just switched over. I'm freaking out because I've been counting on this money for next month's rent. Two questions: 1) Will I still receive weekly benefits while they're doing this adjudication thing? 2) How long does this process typically take? My savings are almost gone and I can't afford to wait months. Has anyone been through this recently?
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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!
This!!! I missed their call twice and they nearly denied me! Now I answer every single call even spam ones lol
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.
Thanks! I've started gathering everything. I have the layoff letter they gave me and some emails discussing the reduction in workforce. Hopefully that's enough evidence.
Oliver Schmidt
my brother works at esd (not supposed to say that but whatever) and he says clean applications with clear documentation are getting processed pretty quickly right now. its when people have multiple employers or unclear separation reasons that things get messy. if you have a simple work history and clear RIF documentation you should be fine. they're actually caught up on processing for once!
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StarGazer101
That doesn't match my experience AT ALL!!!! I had perfect documentation and STILL got stuck in the system for months!!!
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Oliver Schmidt
i'm just saying what he told me. maybe you had some other issue with your claim? or maybe it was during a busy period? right now they're processing pretty quick.
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Keisha Jackson
One last thing - make sure you sign up for your SAW (SecureAccess Washington) account before you start your application. Then link your ESD account to it. This seems small but it trips up a lot of people and leads to delays. And once you file, check your ESD account every day for messages or alerts. They sometimes add questionnaires or requests for information, and if you miss responding to those, your claim can be delayed or denied. Good luck! The system can be frustrating, but with proper documentation and attention to detail, you should get through it without major issues.
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Zainab Ali
AuthorI already have a SAW account from renewing my driver's license, so at least that part is done! I'll be sure to check for messages daily. Really appreciate all the guidance everyone has provided.
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