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Just to add to my earlier comment - if your claim says "pending" that usually means there's an issue that requires adjudication. The most common reasons are employment separation issues (if they need to verify why you left your job) or availability issues (if they're checking that you're able and available for work). If you can get through on the phone, ask specifically about what's causing the pending status and if there's anything you can do to resolve it faster. Sometimes there are documents you can upload or information you can provide that will speed things up. I went through this in February and my claim was stuck for 5 weeks before I finally got it resolved. The system is definitely overloaded right now.
This is super helpful info, thank you! I quit my last job because my manager was creating a hostile work environment (documented in emails) and I told them that when I applied. Maybe that's what's causing the hold up? I'll definitely ask about that if I can get through.
update??? did u ever get through to them??
Yes!! I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got through to ESD yesterday. Turns out they needed additional documentation about why I left my last job. The agent helped me upload the right documents and said my claim should be processed within 72 hours. Fingers crossed!
i had this happen and got paid the next day! but my roommate had the same thing and didn't get paid for like a month. i think it depends what they're checking on your claim?? good luck!
UPDATE: You all were right! Money appeared in my account this morning even though my claim still says "pending" online. Such a relief! Now I just hope they don't come back later and ask for it back if they find some issue during adjudication. Thanks for all the helpful information everyone.
Great news! Keep filing your weekly claims and stay on top of any correspondence from ESD. If they do find an issue later, they'll notify you before taking any action to recover funds. In most cases, if you've provided accurate information, you won't have any problems. Glad it worked out for you!
question - does anyone know if accepting part time work affects your job search requirements? do you still have to do the 3 job search activities every week even if you have a part time job now? i'm confused about this part.
Yes, you still need to complete your 3 job search activities each week even if you're working part-time. The only way to have this requirement waived is if you're officially on standby (temporary layoff with return date) or in an approved training program. A part-time job doesn't change your search requirements since ESD considers you to still be looking for full-time work.
Update: I accepted the part-time position and reported my first week of work on my weekly claim. The process was pretty straightforward - I just had to enter my hours worked each day and the gross pay before taxes. My benefit was reduced but I still received a partial payment. Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm relieved I can gain experience in my field while still getting some unemployment support until I find something full-time.
Great to hear it worked out! One additional tip: if your hours increase or decrease from week to week, make sure to accurately report each specific week's hours/earnings rather than averaging or estimating. ESD's system does occasionally cross-check with employer reporting, and discrepancies can trigger adjudication delays. Best of luck with the new position!
my cousin works at esd and she says they always side with employers nowadays... system is broken
This isn't accurate. ESD decisions are based on state law and the specific facts of each case. While initial determinations sometimes favor employers (who often have better documentation), many claimants win on appeal when they properly present their evidence. About 40% of claimant appeals are successful at the OAH level. The system has challenges, but it's not inherently biased against claimants.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I've been taking notes and feel much better prepared for my appeal hearing now. I'll definitely organize my evidence showing the pay cut and my attempts to resolve it before quitting. I'm still trying to reach someone at ESD to find out exactly what my employer claimed, but it's nearly impossible to get through on the phone. Might try that Claimyr service if I can't get through in the next few days.
Jamal Wilson
Based on your replies, it sounds like this is either a wage reporting error or potentially a base year calculation issue. Since you only had one employer in WA, I'd recommend taking these steps in this order: 1. File the wage appeal with copies of all your paystubs 2. Try to reach an ESD agent by phone to get this expedited (they can sometimes fix obvious errors immediately) 3. Continue filing weekly claims without fail 4. If your employer terminated you, make sure you're prepared to address that as well - there may be a separate adjudication for that issue The good news is that with 2400+ hours, once this is fixed you should qualify for a substantial weekly benefit amount. Just don't let the appeal deadline pass.
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Andre Dupont
•Thank you for the comprehensive advice. I've started the wage appeal process today and uploaded scans of my paystubs. Going to keep trying the phone lines too. Appreciate everyone's help with this!
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Liam Fitzgerald
did they send u a letter explaining WHY ur ineligible or just the $0 notice? sometimes there's an actual reason listed somewhere in ur correspondence or eservices account
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Andre Dupont
•Just the monetary determination showing $0 - there's no explanation or reason given. The online status just says 'ineligible' with no details, which is making this even more frustrating.
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