Washington Unemployment
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Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
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- Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
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- DO post questions about your issues.
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- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
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Can I get ESD extensions after my 6 remaining UI payments run out in June 2024?
I'm in a weird situation and really need some clarity. I applied for SSDI (disability) a few months back, but I've been collecting regular unemployment while waiting for my disability decision. Looking at my ESD account, I only have 6 UI payments left and my benefit year ends in June 2024. Is there any way to get an extension after my 6 payments run out? I don't think my disability case will be decided by then (we all know how slow that process is), and I'm getting really anxious about having no income. Would I qualify for any kind of extension or different program through ESD? Also, when should I contact ESD about this? Should I wait until I'm almost out of payments or should I call them now to plan ahead? I'm trying to avoid any gaps in payments if possible. Thanks for any advice!
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ESD ignoring court order to pay $8,000 back benefits - legal options?
I'm at my wit's end with ESD! Last January (2024), I won my appeal hearing where the judge ORDERED ESD to pay me roughly $10,800 in back unemployment benefits. It's now been EXACTLY one year, and I haven't seen a penny of what they legally owe me. I've tried everything: - Emailed them copies of the judge's final order (ignored) - Called repeatedly (can never get through) - Sent messages through eServices (no response) - Even had my state representative's office inquire (still nothing) This isn't just frustrating - it's financially destroying me. I've had to max out credit cards and take a payday loan just to keep from being evicted while waiting for money that a JUDGE ordered them to pay me. Does anyone know what legal options I have? Can I file a lawsuit against a state agency for ignoring a court order? Is there some kind of contempt of court filing I can make? I've never sued anyone before but I'm desperate and beyond angry at this point.
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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.
Good point. I have most of my emails saved, but I haven't been keeping track of all my phone attempts. I'll start a detailed log going forward.
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.
Disqualified instead of waiting week on initial ESD claim - no decision letter?
I filed my initial unemployment claim on 1/7/25 after being temporarily laid off for the winter season. But instead of showing a waiting week status like everyone else I know, my ESD account is showing 'disqualified' for that week! I'm totally confused because my HR department specifically told me I'd be eligible for unemployment during this seasonal layoff. I've received no decision letter explaining why I was disqualified, and when I check the appeals section of my account, it's completely empty. Has anyone else run into this weird situation where they got disqualified right off the bat with no explanation? Could this be a system error or did I mess something up on my application?
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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?
I hadn't thought about website glitches! I just checked on both Chrome and Edge, and both show the disqualification status. But I'll try clearing my cache to see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestion!
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.
Thank you so much for the reassurance! I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims. Between the partial week work and my employer possibly not responding yet, I'm feeling much better about what might be happening. I'll update the thread once I get through to ESD and find out the exact reason.
ESD claim stuck in adjudication after identity theft and employer denial - what's next?
I'm at my wit's end with this ESD nightmare! My employer laid me off in November saying they couldn't afford my position anymore, but then they DENIED my unemployment claim when ESD contacted them?! Makes absolutely no sense. I filed on December 2nd and was told it would take 4-6 weeks for a decision. It's now February and I just called again - they said my case is 'in adjudication' but wouldn't explain what that means. Does adjudication mean I'm getting denied? On top of this mess, someone was somehow filing claims using my SSN while I was still employed (Aug-Nov). ESD had to investigate that from September through December before they would even process my legitimate claim. How does that even happen when my employer was submitting payroll taxes the whole time?? I've been picking up gigs through TaskRabbit to survive, but it's nowhere near steady enough to cover rent and bills. I'm applying everywhere but need something that pays at least $25/hr to make ends meet. Today I tried logging in and the system said my "identity could not be verified" even though I've submitted every document they asked for TWICE now. I contacted my state rep who just said they'd "escalate" it, whatever that means. Does adjudication mean rejection? Will I ever see any benefits? Is there ANY way to talk to a real person who can help?
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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.
Going to WorkSource is great advice. I'd also recommend checking if your local library offers free notary services. When I had identity verification issues, sending in notarized copies of my documents seemed to speed things up. Call your local WorkSource ahead of time though - some require appointments now.
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.
Good plan! One more thing - document every call you make to ESD. Write down the date, time, who you spoke with, and what they told you. This can be super helpful if you end up needing to appeal anything. Hang in there!
First-time ESD claim submitted - how long until eligibility determined?
I just filed my first unemployment claim with ESD on Sunday and now I'm anxiously waiting to hear back. The online information says payment should be processed within 48 hours if I'm eligible, but I have no idea how long it takes to determine eligibility in the first place! I've been trying to call ESD for clarification but the phone lines are completely jammed - can't get through to an actual person. Has anyone gone through this recently? How long did it take for your initial eligibility determination to come through? I'm getting nervous about bills and would appreciate knowing what timeline to expect. Thanks for any insights!
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One more important thing: eligibility determination and identity verification are two separate processes that happen simultaneously. Many first-time claimants get caught up in ID verification issues that can delay benefits. Make sure you've uploaded clear photos of your ID documents in your ESD account, and respond immediately to any requests for additional verification. This alone can save you weeks of waiting.
That's really good to know! I did upload my driver's license and social security card when I applied. Is there anywhere specific in my account I should check to see if the ID verification went through okay?
Check the "Notices/Letters" section of your ESD account daily. If there are any ID verification issues, you'll receive a notice there. Also look at your claim status - if it says "pending" with no further explanation, that's often related to identity verification.
Harmony Love
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!!!
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Val Rossi
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.
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Rudy Cenizo
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.
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Lydia Santiago
AuthorNo, I hadn't heard of HEN! That sounds like exactly what I might need when my UI runs out. I'll definitely look into applying through DSHS. Thank you so much for this suggestion!
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