Just to add some clarity about students and unemployment requirements: 1. Being a full-time student doesn't automatically exempt you from job search requirements 2. However, your student schedule can affect your "available for work" status 3. Make sure you've accurately reported your school schedule when filing your claim 4. ESD might conduct a special review for students to determine if your studies restrict your availability If ESD determines your school schedule significantly limits when you can work, they might adjust your job search requirements or determine you're not eligible. This review process could be why your job search reporting section disappeared temporarily.

Update: I finally got through to ESD! It turns out there was a flag on my account for a student review, which temporarily removed the job search reporting option. The agent confirmed I still need to do my 3 job searches weekly and reactivated the reporting section. She also added a note to my account showing I've been compliant. For anyone else having this issue: keep detailed records of ALL your job searches even if you can't report them online. I've been taking screenshots of all my applications and saving them with dates. The agent said this was smart and would protect me in case of an audit. Thanks everyone for your help! What a stressful experience.

my neighbor had something similar happen and what got her through the long wait for benefits was calling her utility companies, landlord, etc and explaining the situation. lots of places have hardship programs if you're waiting for unemployment to kick in. might be worth looking into before you're in a desperate situation?

One important thing to know is that if your employer contests your claim, ESD will schedule a fact-finding interview. This is when both you and your employer present your side of the story. Many people miss these calls because ESD often only gives a few days' notice, and if you miss it, your claim could be denied automatically. Once you file, check your ESD account and messages DAILY and answer any ESD phone calls even if you don't recognize the number. They often call from unmarked or blocked numbers. If you miss their call, there's usually no easy way to reschedule and it can add weeks to your claim processing time.

Wait did you move recently? My cousin had the same problem and it turned out his address didn't match on all his documents cuz he moved. ESD is super picky about that stuff. Might be worth checking.

I want to follow up on my earlier comment. If you've been waiting 7+ weeks for ID verification, you should absolutely request an escalation. Contact your state legislative district's representatives - both your House reps and Senator. You can find them here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ Send them all an email explaining your situation, including: - Your full name - Your claim ID number - Date you applied - Date you submitted ID documents - Brief description of your financial situation Legislative inquiries typically get fast-tracked at ESD. I've seen cases resolved within 1-2 business days after a legislator's office gets involved. Also, make sure to include in your weekly claims that you're actively looking for work and completing at least 3 job search activities each week. That will prevent any additional issues once your ID verification is resolved.

Im in the exact same boat but 8 weeks now... this is my first time on unemployment and im so confused. did you figure out why yours is stuck?

Just to add one more important point: make absolutely sure you're meeting the job search requirements while waiting. With the 2025 requirements, you need to complete and document 3 job search activities each week. If you miss documenting these properly, it can add another layer of issues to your claim. The Work Source workshops count as activities too, and they're easy to document.

my brother works at worksource and he said the chat button only shows up when they have enough staff available which is basically never because theyre super understaffed. he said dont waste time looking for it and just keep calling

UPDATE: I tried that Claimyr service that someone suggested and actually got through to ESD this morning! Turns out my claim had a weird flag on it because my former employer reported my separation reason differently than I did. The agent cleared it up immediately and said my payments should process within 48 hours. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.