IMPORTANT: If you don't hear by Monday, start calling IMMEDIATELY! I waited too long thinking they were working on it, and my claim got stuck in what they call "adjudication purgatory" where it's not actively being processed but shows as "in progress" in the system. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with ESD unfortunately.

UPDATE: I got approved!!!! Just checked my eServices account and my status changed from "adjudication in progress" to "paid" for all my back weeks! Haven't received the decision letter yet, but the money should be in my account in 1-2 business days according to the portal. I'm literally in tears right now. Thank you all for your support and advice through this process!

To correctly reactivate your UI claim after PFML: 1. Log into your eServices account 2. Select "Restart your claim" option (NOT "File a new claim") 3. Do this during the last week of your PFML but indicate your PFML end date accurately 4. Resume job search activities immediately (3 per week) and document them 5. When filing weekly claims, report any PFML payments received that week 6. Keep documentation of your last PFML payment date You won't go through adjudication again since your claim was already approved. The review for reactivation is primarily to verify you're still eligible (not working, able and available, etc.). One important note: if your original UI claim is more than 52 weeks old, you'll need to file a new claim rather than reactivate. This would require a new review process. But based on your timeline, it sounds like you're still within your benefit year.

I forgot to answer your follow-up question! No, my weekly benefit amount didn't change when I switched from PFML to UI. They're calculated differently but once your UI is approved, that amount stays the same within your benefit year. My PFML was actually higher than my UI which was a bummer to adjust to. Make sure you're budgeting for the difference if there is one!

UPDATE: After reviewing the ESD handbook more carefully, I can confirm that accepting an intermittent job without actual work hours does NOT automatically disqualify you from benefits. The key factors are: 1. You must remain able and available for full-time work 2. You must continue conducting job searches (3 per week) 3. You must accurately report your employment status The issue is likely in how the employment status was reported. In the weekly claim questions, there's a distinction between "Do you have a job?" (Yes) and "Did you work during this week?" (No). This nuance matters significantly for intermittent positions. When you appeal, emphasize that you remained available for full-time work, continued job searching, and had no actual work or earnings from the intermittent position during the weeks in question.

after dealing with my appeal i learned that ESD's definition of "available for work" is super specific. they wanna know if having this intermittent job would prevent u from accepting full-time work elsewhere. if u said u were committed to this intermittent job even if it meant turning down full-time work elsewhere, that might be why they're saying ur not eligible.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PPL GIVE UP!!!! They WANT us to get frustrated and stop trying to get OUR MONEY that WE EARNED! I've been fighting with ESD for MONTHS and finally got paid last week. DON'T GIVE UP! Keep calling, keep messaging, be the most annoying person they've ever dealt with until they fix your claim just to get rid of you!!!!

heyy just wonderin if u ever got this resolved? im in same boat (6 weeks now) and freaking out

To add to what others have said - all WorkSource locations offer the same mandatory workshops required for unemployment benefits. The Job Hunter Workshop is standardized across all locations. However, different WorkSource centers may schedule these workshops on different days of the week, so when you call to transfer, ask specifically about when the next Job Hunter Workshop is available at the Vancouver location so you can make sure to attend on time. Also, make sure to bring your ESD letter with you to the new location as proof that you were required to attend. Some workshop facilitators will want to see the original notice.

UPDATE: I just called the Bellingham WorkSource office and got everything transferred to Vancouver! The woman I spoke with (Jennifer) was super helpful and said this happens all the time. She emailed me confirmation and everything. The Vancouver office has the same Job Hunter Workshop this Friday at 10am, so I'm all set. Thanks everyone for your help!