


Ask the community...
I went through almost the exact same situation last fall. When ESD says "waiting for information" but doesn't tell you what they're waiting for, it's incredibly frustrating. In my case, after FINALLY getting through to an agent, they told me my employer had disputed my claim saying I had "voluntarily quit" rather than being terminated for medical absences. Do you have any documentation from your termination meeting? Email, paperwork, anything stating the reason they gave? If QFC is trying to categorize this as something other than what actually happened, you'll need that documentation for your appeal hearing. Regarding your eviction situation, contact your county's rental assistance program immediately. Many have emergency funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It won't solve your ESD problem, but it might keep a roof over your head until this gets resolved.
Just wanted to follow up - if you're getting evicted and this is a medical condition situation, also contact the Northwest Justice Project right away. They have a CLEAR hotline (1-888-201-1014) for free legal help with both unemployment AND eviction issues. Since your termination was related to a medical condition, you have additional protections under disability laws that might help your case. And definitely pursue getting through to an actual ESD agent as others have suggested. The status messages in the portal are often vague and unhelpful. Only a live agent can tell you exactly what's holding up your claim.
This happened to me last year!! It was actually a good thing - in my case I was being switched to a different tier of benefits that required less frequent filing. Still got paid every week but only had to report once a month. Saved me a lot of hassle honestly. But definitely check with ESD to make sure that's what's happening in your case.
After reading through everyone's responses, it sounds most likely that you've been placed in a Training Benefits program following your WorkSource meeting. This is generally positive as it allows you to focus on gaining new skills while still receiving benefits. Here's what you should do: 1. Check your correspondence tab for any notifications about Training Benefits approval 2. Contact your WorkSource counselor directly to confirm your enrollment status 3. Verify if your job search requirements have changed (typically reduced or eliminated during approved training) 4. Make note of any new reporting requirements that replace weekly claims Training Benefits can last up to 52 weeks in Washington state and often provide more stable support while you upskill. The Excel certification courses you mentioned would qualify as approved training for an accounting professional.
Update: You were right! I finally got through to ESD this morning (using that Claimyr service someone recommended - worked great), and they confirmed I was approved for Training Benefits after my WorkSource meeting. I'll be receiving an official letter in a few days. Instead of weekly claims, I just need to verify my training attendance monthly. And my benefits will continue at the same amount! Such a relief. Thank you everyone for your help!
I just need to share this with people who understand... after 4 long months in adjudication hell and a denial that crushed me, I FINALLY won my appeal yesterday! I was let go from my restaurant management position back in January - boss claimed 'misconduct' because I missed two shifts when my car broke down. ESD denied my claim in March citing 'misconduct' with zero investigation. I nearly gave up after waiting 7 weeks for an appeal hearing date. The hearing was nerve-wracking - my former employer showed up with documentation I'd never seen before! But I had my attendance record, text messages about my car troubles, and proof I'd tried to find a ride. The judge actually listened and REVERSED the denial! My back payments should be coming within 10-14 business days ($14,500 for 4+ months). For anyone still fighting their claim: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Save texts, emails, take screenshots. And get help from the Unemployment Law Project - they gave me free advice that probably saved my case. https://unemploymentlawproject.org/ Just want you all to know there IS hope even when you feel like giving up. This group kept me going when I was ready to throw in the towel.
sooo after I win my appeal (staying positive lol) will they pay me for all the weeks I've been filing with no money?? Its been 3 months and I'm drowning in debt
Yes, if you win your appeal, ESD will pay you for all eligible weeks you've claimed during the appeal process - assuming you've been filing your weekly claims consistently. This is called "back benefits." Make sure you've been answering all the weekly certification questions truthfully and reporting any work/earnings. If you missed filing for any weeks, you'll need to request to backdate those claims, which is a separate process.
I had my appeal last month for a similar issue! My old job said I abandoned my position when actually they changed my schedule without telling me! The judge in my case was super fair too. Took about 2 weeks after the decision for money to hit my account. Congrats!!
my cousin works at esd (not suppose to say this lol) but she says their computer system auto-denies TONS of valid claims and then the appeals backlog is crazy right now!!! like 12 weeks behind!!! might be faster to just try calling over and over until u get a actual person who can fix it without appeal. good luck!!!
Any update on your situation? Did sending the paystubs work? I'm still dealing with my mess and wondering if I should try something different.
Still denied! I've been calling every day but can't get through. I'm going to try getting a letter from my temp agency as several people suggested, and I'm considering using that Claimyr service someone mentioned just to talk to a human. The most frustrating part is that I KNOW I qualify based on the 7x rule - I just need someone to actually look at my documentation!
Paolo Moretti
One thing I'd suggest is checking if there are any messages in your ESD account that might have been missed. Sometimes they send requests for information that don't trigger email notifications. Also, make absolutely sure you're doing your weekly claims even while in adjudication! If you miss those, you could lose those weeks of benefits even after approval.
0 coins
Yara Elias
•Thanks for the reminder about weekly claims. I've been doing them religiously and documenting my job search activities meticulously. I've triple-checked my ESD account messages - absolutely nothing there requesting information from me. It's like they've just put my claim on a shelf somewhere and forgotten about it.
0 coins
Amina Diop
have u tried the message center in ur esd account? sometimes they respond there faster than phone. also try calling exactly at 8am and hit option 2 then 3 in the menu, worked for me last month
0 coins
Yara Elias
•I sent a message through the portal about 10 days ago but no response. I'll definitely try your suggestion about the specific menu options - thanks for the tip!
0 coins