UPDATE: I got through to ESD finally! The agent confirmed that yes, I can get backpay for the weeks I was waiting in adjudication IF my appeal is successful. She also said I should definitely keep filing weekly claims until the appeal is decided (even after I start working) and just report any new income accurately. She said the appeal is likely to take 6-8 weeks, which isn't great but at least I know now. Thanks everyone for your help!

Awesome that you finally got through to someone! That's such a relief to get official confirmation. Just wanted to add - when you do start that new job, make sure to keep really detailed records of your hours and pay for those weekly claims. I learned the hard way that being super precise with reporting earnings helps avoid any delays or complications if your appeal goes through. Also, even though 6-8 weeks sounds long, that's actually pretty reasonable for appeals right now. Fingers crossed your interview goes well and your appeal is successful!

One last tip - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to verify your benefit amount for the marketplace application, I've had good luck using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Much faster than trying to call directly.

Bottom line: yes, unemployment counts as income for health insurance marketplace purposes. Report it accurately, keep your documentation handy, and update your application if your situation changes. You should still qualify for subsidies at your income level.

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with this exact same frustrating situation! Just filed my third weekly claim and all three weeks show "disqualified" with zero explanation letters anywhere in my account. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - it's such a relief to know this is a widespread system issue and not something I messed up on my application. I'm definitely going to try the 8:02 AM calling strategy that Emma mentioned and use the specific wording about "disqualified weeks with zero decision letters." It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to talk to someone about a system glitch, but at least now I know what to expect when I call. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is way more helpful than anything on the official ESD website!

I'm new to this community but currently dealing with this EXACT same issue! Filed my first claim three weeks ago and all my weeks are showing "disqualified" with absolutely nothing in the letters section. I've been stressing out thinking I somehow messed up my application, but reading through all these responses is such a huge relief - clearly this is a widespread system problem with ESD's February update. The 8:02 AM calling strategy and specific wording that Emma shared sounds like a solid plan. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become experts on navigating their broken system just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but I'm grateful for everyone sharing their experiences here. This thread has been way more helpful than hours of searching the ESD website! Going to try calling tomorrow morning and will definitely update with results.

I'm in a similar boat - got my docket number about 10 days ago and the waiting is brutal! One thing I learned from calling OAH is that they send hearing notices by both mail AND email if you provided an email address on your appeal. Make sure to check your spam folder regularly too. I also found out you can call OAH's main number (206-389-3400) and press option 2 to check on your hearing status - sometimes they can tell you if it's been scheduled even before you get the official notice. The automated system there gives you basic info about timelines too. Hang in there - from everything I'm reading it sounds like most people do eventually get through the process, it's just painfully slow!

I've been through this whole process twice unfortunately (long story), and I want to echo what others have said about keeping meticulous records. One thing that really helped me the second time was creating a simple spreadsheet with dates, actions taken, confirmation numbers, and outcomes. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you have copies of EVERYTHING - your original application, all correspondence from ESD, any employer documents, etc. The judges really appreciate when you can reference specific dates and documents during the hearing. For what it's worth, my first hearing took 5 weeks to schedule, my second took only 3 weeks, so their workload definitely varies. And yes, absolutely call ESD immediately after you get a favorable decision - don't assume they'll automatically process it. I learned that lesson the hard way the first time! The whole system is frustrating but stay persistent and organized. You've got this!

Thanks everyone for the explanations! I feel much more confident about reporting my remuneration now. The $180 I earned will definitely be reported on my weekly claim. Sounds like Washington ESD has a pretty fair system for handling part-time work income.

Just wanted to add that Washington ESD also considers holiday pay, vacation pay, and severance pay as remuneration, even if you're not actively working those days. I learned this the hard way when I got a final paycheck with accrued vacation time and forgot to report it. They caught it later and I had to explain the whole situation. So make sure to report ANY compensation from employers, not just regular work hours!