Washington Unemployment
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ESD approval timeline after layoff - temp assignment ended 4/1, how long to wait?
Just got laid off from my job because the company is shutting down (last day was April 1st). I was technically employed through a temp agency, but the assignment ended when the company closed. I filed my claim right away and got an email saying to apply weekly, but I'm still waiting on approval. Anyone know how long this typically takes? I was on unemployment for a couple months last year but can't remember if there was a big delay getting approved or not. Bills are coming up and I'm starting to get nervous about the timing. Is ESD processing claims faster these days or should I be prepared for a long wait?
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ESD standby status ended 6th - Do I need job searches this week or next?
I've been on standby status with ESD for the past 8 weeks due to a temporary layoff at my construction company. My standby period officially ended on June 6th (yesterday). I'm confused about when I need to start doing my job search activities. For my weekly claim tomorrow, do I need to have already completed 3 job search activities for this week? Or can I start doing job searches next week and report those on the following claim? I don't want to get disqualified for benefits just because I misunderstood the timing. I tried calling ESD but couldn't get through to anyone. Help!
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My standby ended in March and I was in the same boat. Here's what I learned: 1. Technically yes, you're supposed to start job searching immediately when standby ends 2. ESD usually gives a one-week grace period for this transition but it's NOT automatic 3. You should answer the weekly claim questions honestly (so say "no" to job searches if you didn't do them) 4. Call ESD ASAP to explain the situation In my case, they approved my payment after I called, but I had to do the full 3 job searches every week after that. Just make sure you document everything - date, company name, position, how you applied, contact info. ESD can audit your job search logs at any time.
This is super helpful, thank you! I'll definitely be honest on my claim and call them right away. I'm going to start applying for jobs today just to get a head start on next week's requirements too.
wait i just rememberd somthing else - make sure ur also doing the required WorkSource workshop thing. when my standby ended i had to register with WorkSource and do this online workshop within like 2 weeks or something. check ur eServices account for messages about it
That's a great point! Yes, when transitioning from standby to regular UI, you typically need to register with WorkSource and complete the orientation/workshop. This requirement is separate from your weekly job search activities, but equally important for maintaining eligibility.
ESD application after almost quitting due to illness - how do I cancel my claim?
I'm stressing about a potential unemployment mess I created! About two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a pretty serious health condition that made it nearly impossible to perform my job duties (I work in retail management). I was so sick and frustrated that I decided to quit and filed an unemployment application that same day. But then literally HOURS later, I changed my mind and decided to stick with my job and just push through my health issues. Fast forward to now - I haven't submitted ANY weekly claims since filing the initial application. I'm still employed at the same job, and obviously don't plan to file any weekly claims since I'm working. But I'm now paranoid about having that initial application in the system. Will the application just automatically expire/cancel since I never submitted weekly claims? Or do I need to actually call ESD to formally cancel it? I'm afraid this might somehow create problems with my employer or taxes later. Anyone dealt with this before?
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Just curious - what kind of illness can make you unable to work one day and then suddenly fine the next? Not judging, but seems kinda fishy to me. ESD investigates fraud pretty seriously from what I've heard.
I never said I was suddenly fine. I'm still dealing with my health issues, but I decided it would be better to keep my health insurance and steady income rather than quit. I was having a really bad day when I applied and made an impulsive decision that I quickly reconsidered. Nothing fraudulent about that.
That's not fraud at all. People are allowed to apply for benefits if they think they might qualify and then change their minds. Fraud would be claiming benefits while still working full-time or lying about your situation. OP never even filed a weekly claim, so no money was ever requested or paid out.
After reading all the comments, I think the best course of action is: 1. Send a secure message through your eServices account clearly stating you wish to withdraw your application because you remained employed 2. Take a screenshot of this message for your records 3. If you're concerned about your employer's perception, have a brief conversation with your manager to explain the situation 4. Monitor your eServices account for the next few weeks to ensure no unexpected actions are taken on your claim This approach provides documentation, transparency, and peace of mind without requiring you to spend hours trying to reach someone by phone.
Thank you for this clear summary! I'm going to follow these exact steps. I already sent the secure message and took screenshots, and I'll talk to my manager tomorrow. I really appreciate everyone's help with this - it's been causing me so much anxiety!
Got through to an ESD adjudicator using the overpayment prompt - actual success!
After 6 weeks of getting nowhere with my identity verification issue, I FINALLY talked to an actual human at ESD yesterday! Here's what worked: When you call the main ESD number, select the options for 'overpayment' in the menu. They pick up right away thinking you're trying to give them money! I got through to a really nice rep who listened to my situation (my claim has been stuck in ID verification since March 14th). She was actually able to transfer me directly to an adjudicator instead of putting me in the general queue. Still had to wait about 2 hours on hold, but SO much better than getting the dreaded 'all operators are busy' message and being hung up on. The adjudicator confirmed my identity documents were received but hadn't been processed yet. She expedited my review and my claim should be unblocked by next week! Just wanted to share this tip with anyone else struggling to get through.
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so i tried this trick today and the lady got really mad at me lol!! she said they've been getting too many people doing this and now they're keeping track. she still transferred me but said next time i might get in trouble or something
Oh no! I guess too many people are using this workaround now. Sorry you got scolded! Did you at least get your issue resolved after being transferred?
Instead of these phone tricks, I've had good luck reaching ESD through my WorkSource office. Many people don't realize WorkSource staff can sometimes help with unemployment issues or at least get you connected to the right person at ESD. My local office has an ESD representative on site two days a week specifically to help with claim issues. Might be worth checking if your local WorkSource offers this!
There's a WorkSource near me but I thought they just helped with finding jobs? Didn't know they could help with claim problems too. Thanks for the tip!
Governor's office intervention not moving my ESD adjudication - how long should I wait?
So frustrating! I've been stuck in adjudication for like 6 weeks and finally called the Governor's office last Thursday out of desperation. The person I spoke with was really nice and promised they would contact ESD on my behalf to try and move things along. They said someone from unemployment would call me 'soon.' Well it's now Tuesday of the following week and absolutely nothing has changed on my claim status - still shows adjudication with no timeline given. I'm getting really anxious because I only have about $430 left in savings. Should I: 1) Call the Governor's office again? 2) Keep waiting since it's only been 3 business days? 3) Try something else entirely? Has anyone had the Governor's office actually help speed things up? How long did it take after they intervened?
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I was in adjudication for 11 weeks last year and tried EVERYTHING - governor's office, state rep, senator, even contacted a local news reporter who does those "help me solve this government problem" segments. Nothing worked until I finally managed to get through to an actual ESD agent. Turns out there was a simple error with my claim that took literally 5 minutes to fix once someone looked at it. My advice is keep pursuing all channels but focus on actually getting through to ESD directly. The governor's office is just another layer of bureaucracy. Last year I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent when I couldn't get through myself. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It was literally the only thing that worked for me after months of frustration. The agent I spoke with immediately saw the issue and fixed it while I was on the phone.
does this claimyr thing actually work? i tried it once but chickened out cuz seemed weird to pay someone just to get me thru to ESD which should be free to call anyway??
One additional important thing to consider - have you checked your ESD secure message center to see if they've requested any additional information? Sometimes they send requests through the portal but don't call or email you about them. If you miss responding to these requests, your adjudication can drag on indefinitely. Log in to your eServices account and check if there are any new messages or questionnaires that need your attention.
That's a good reminder. I just logged in and checked - there are no new messages or action items showing in my account. It literally just shows "Adjudication In Progress" with no further details. So frustrating! I'll try calling directly tomorrow morning AND follow up with the governor's office if I don't get through. Thank you everyone for all the suggestions!
Tami Morgan
UPDATE: Called my temp agency this morning and you all were right! They said ESD contacted them last week for verification but the person who handles those requests was out sick. They're sending the verification today. Seems like such a simple thing that's been holding up my whole claim! Going to give it a few more days and then try calling ESD directly if it's still pending. Thanks everyone for the advice!
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Haley Bennett
Great detective work! This is exactly why it's important to be proactive with claims involving multiple employers. Now that the temp agency is submitting the verification, your claim should move forward within 3-5 business days. Just keep filing your weekly claims in the meantime, and you'll receive all eligible back payments once approved.
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