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just wondering - did u try getting hired back at the same place b4 applying for benefits? might be faster just to go back to work if they'll take u
Yes, I've applied to three positions already, but the hiring process takes time. Two are still listed as "under review" and I have a preliminary phone screening for the third one next week. I'm just worried about managing financially during this gap period.
Update on my situation - I called ESD this morning using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and it actually worked! Got through to an agent in about 10 minutes who explained that since I'm now medically cleared to work (even with some restrictions), I should apply for regular unemployment instead of TTD. She said I might still qualify since I have a good reason for leaving my last job (child's medical needs is considered good cause in some cases). Going to file my application today and see what happens. Just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else!
Thank you so much for updating us! That's really helpful information. I'm going to try the same thing. Did you have to explain that you're applying to positions at your former employer? I wonder if that affects anything.
I had a similar issue back in December. My claim was stuck in adjudication for almost a month. What finally worked for me wasn't the phone, it was sending a detailed message through eServices AND sending an email to the ESD Commissioner's Office simultaneously. I think the two-pronged approach got someone's attention because I got a call back within 48 hours. The email address I used was commissioner@esd.wa.gov. Worth a try if you're desperate!
This is a very good suggestion. The Commissioner's Office email can indeed help escalate urgent issues, though I would emphasize that it should be used sparingly and only for truly stuck claims, not routine questions. Always include your claim ID number, full name, and best contact phone number in any communication with this office.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone!! I tried the Claimyr service after multiple failed attempts this morning using the other methods. Got connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was super helpful and discovered that my claim was stuck because of a simple error in my employment history dates (I was off by one day on my last job's end date). They fixed it immediately and said my payments should process within 48 hours! Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. This community is amazing!
That's excellent news! It's quite common for adjudication holds to be due to small discrepancies that can be quickly resolved once you actually speak with someone. Glad to hear you got it sorted out and should be receiving your payments soon. This is a good reminder for everyone that persistence pays off with ESD issues.
i had almost the same issue back in february!! i got laid off on a wednesday and had to report my monday+tuesday hours. the dumb part was they made me wait ANOTHER full week for the "waiting week" even tho i already waited partially. ESD system makes no sense sometimes...
EXACTLY!! The waiting week thing is so confusing. It's like they deliberately make the system complicated so people give up trying to get benefits they're entitled to. 🙄
Just to follow up on what others have said: I experienced this same issue a few months ago. To summarize what you need to do: 1. File the weekly claim for 4/21-4/27 and accurately report your work hours 2. Continue filing weekly claims every week after that, even for your waiting week 3. Complete and document 3 job search activities EVERY week 4. If your claim goes into adjudication (which happens randomly), be prepared to wait The system is frustrating, but as long as you're honest and keep filing on time, you'll get through it. Don't skip any weekly claims, even if you think you won't get paid for that week.
UPDATE YOUR ESERVICES ADDRESS!!! I almost missed my appeal deadline because ESD sent the hearing notice to my old address even though I'd updated it online. Make sure your contact info is current everywhere. Also, call the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) directly after you file your appeal to confirm they received it. Get the name of who you speak with. Document EVERYTHING.
Great point - just checked and my address is current in eServices, but I'll call OAH to confirm everything once I submit my appeal. Just pulled together all my emails from my former manager. The layoff email specifically says "due to seasonal business reduction" so I'm feeling a bit more confident now.
Just to clarify something important - your appeal hearing will likely be by phone, not in person. When you get the hearing notice, it will give you instructions for submitting evidence BEFORE the hearing. Make sure you send in all your evidence by their deadline or the judge might not consider it! Also, if your employer doesn't show up for the hearing, that often works in your favor as long as you have some evidence supporting your case.
Thank you! Just submitted my appeal online and uploaded my emails showing the layoff. Called OAH and they confirmed they received everything. Hearing should be scheduled in 3-4 weeks. I also heard back from one coworker who was laid off same time - they didn't receive any overpayment notice! So weird. Really appreciate everyone's help here - feeling slightly less panicked now.
Nalani Liu
did u upload ur ID documents when u first applied? my sisters claim got stuck for a month bcuz she didnt realize she needed to verify her identity thru ID.me or whatever its called now
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Thais Soares
•Yes, I did complete the ID verification step - that was actually the only part that seemed to go smoothly! Got the confirmation right away for that part.
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Axel Bourke
Update us when you get through to someone! I'm curious what's actually happening with your claim. My guess is still adjudication, especially since you mentioned being fired for "not being a good fit" - ESD often needs to verify with the employer that there wasn't misconduct involved. The good news is that "not being a good fit" usually doesn't disqualify you from benefits as long as you weren't violating company policies.
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Thais Soares
•I finally got through today! You were right - my claim is in adjudication. They said an adjudicator has been assigned and should be contacting both me and my former employer within the next 7-10 days. They also noted my hardship status on my account. Feeling a little better now that I at least know what's happening. Thanks again everyone for your help and advice!
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