Just to clarify some of the information in this thread: 1. The current ID verification timeframe is averaging 2-4 weeks (not 6-9 weeks like last year) 2. Standby status approval requires employer verification and is good for up to 8 weeks for most industries, but construction/building trades can get up to 12 weeks 3. Sheet metal workers fall under the construction category, so your husband should qualify for the 12-week standby period 4. Make sure he files his initial claim within 7 days of being laid off 5. He should file weekly claims even while waiting for approval 6. The new SecureID+ option is significantly faster if he's eligible (WA state ID required) 7. Having his union representative contact ESD can sometimes help expedite the process Hope this helps!

one more thing - tell him to check his spam folder everyday!! my wifes approval notice went straight to spam and she almost missed the deadline to respond to something

Glad you got some clarity! Just a heads up - during adjudication, they may ask if you brought up your concerns about the new contract to your employer and attempted to resolve the issue before refusing to sign. Make sure you have documentation of any conversations about trying to negotiate or express concerns about the new terms. This demonstrates you took reasonable steps to preserve the employment relationship before it ended.

That's great advice - I have emails showing I tried to negotiate the PTO and non-compete issues. I'll make sure to keep those organized and ready. Thanks again for all the help!

my cousin said if u make even $1 over ur weekly benefit they take EVERYTHING away for that week... is that true?? seems so unfair if you just barely go over

Just don't forget to answer "YES" to the question about whether you're able and available for work during the weeks you're on this temporary job. I made that mistake once because I thought "well I'm already working so I'm not available" - but that's not what they mean. As long as you WOULD be available for a permanent full-time job if offered (even if it means quitting the temp job), you should answer yes. If you answer no, they'll deny your benefits AND it can complicate things when your temp job ends.

Does anyone know if this backpay means you have to report it on your FAFSA too? My kid is in college and I'm worried this will mess up her financial aid if I suddenly have $5000 more income when we fill out the FAFSA in October...

I remember being so confused about this too! Everyone's right that it goes on the year you received it. But make sure you're setting enough aside for taxes. When I got backpay, I assumed the 10% withholding would cover it, but unemployment doesn't withhold for state taxes if your state has income tax. And yeah, it pushed me into a higher federal bracket too. Better to save too much than too little!

NOBODY at ESD cares about us!!! I waited 11 WEEKS only to get DENIED because my employer LIED about why they fired me!!! Now I'm in the middle of an appeal and that's taking FOREVER TOO!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!! Don't trust ANYTHING they tell you!!!

UPDATE: I just wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I responded to those messages in my Secure Message Center about my past employment, and then I used the Claimyr service that was recommended here. It actually worked - got me through to an agent in about 40 minutes (which is WAY better than the hours I spent trying on my own). The agent told me my claim was stuck because they needed to verify wages from a part-time job I had for 3 weeks last year (which is what the secure message was about), but the system hadn't properly flagged it for follow-up. She was able to update my claim right on the spot, and she said I should see payments for all my back weeks within 48-72 hours. I'm still holding my breath until the money actually hits my account, but at least now I know what was happening! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!