I just want to say the entire ESD system is GARBAGE! Every single time they do an "upgrade" something breaks. This happened to me twice last year - once I missed my filing deadline because of THEIR technical issues and then they had the nerve to delay my payment and make me fill out extra paperwork explaining why I filed late! This state agency needs a complete overhaul, it's absolutely ridiculous how poorly it functions in 2025. We deserve better!

UPDATE: I finally got in! For anyone else having this issue, what worked for me was clearing ALL browsing data (like everything - history, cookies, cached images, etc.), restarting my computer, and then waiting about 45 minutes before trying again. Also used a direct link from the ESD website rather than a bookmark. Thanks everyone for your help!

A tip for your appeal that worked for me: call the PFMLA department (not regular ESD) and ask them for a formal letter confirming your medical leave dates and that it was properly approved. Having official documentation from another state department really helped my case. Also, when you write your appeal, keep it SUPER factual and timeline-based. My first appeal was denied because I focused too much on explaining my situation emotionally rather than just stating the facts in chronological order.

One more thing to add: make sure you meet the 30-day deadline for filing your appeal. If you're close to the deadline, file a basic appeal immediately (even just stating "I disagree with the determination") and then submit your supporting documentation afterward. You can always supplement an appeal with additional documents later, but you cannot file late. Also, under Washington law, you have the right to continue filing weekly claims during the appeal process. If you win your appeal, you'll receive all benefits for weeks you properly claimed during this time. If you don't continue claiming, you won't receive those payments even if you win the appeal.

My cousin works for ESD (not supposed to say that probably lol) and she says the restart process is taking longer than usual right now because they upgraded their computer system last month. Some claims are taking up to a week to restart. Just FYI!

One more important thing to note: when you backfill those weekly certifications, make sure you answer everything accurately, especially regarding your freelance work. If you report income inconsistently compared to previous patterns, it might trigger an adjudication review, which could further delay your benefits. Be precise about dates worked and amounts earned for each specific week you're certifying retroactively.

My claim was stuck in processing-web for 4 weeks and then suddenly jumped to paid status without ever showing any intermediate statuses. Make sure your payment method is set up correctly in eServices (direct deposit info etc). Sometimes the status doesn't update properly on the website even though your claim is actually being processed. Also double check that you answered all the eligibility questions correctly when you filed - one wrong answer can cause delays.

Update on my earlier comment - it's definitely worth trying to speak with someone at ESD directly. The processing-web status could mean different things for different claims. In my case, it turned out there was a flag on my account because my employer contested the claim, but this wasn't visible to me on eServices. Only found out when I finally got through to an agent.

To answer your question about talking to your former employer during the hearing - yes, they'll be on the call too. The judge asks each party questions, and sometimes they'll let you and your employer ask each other questions through the judge. It's formal but not like a court trial. One important tip: have all your documentation organized and in front of you during the call. The judge will reference specific documents, and you'll want to be able to quickly find what they're talking about. Also, stick to factual statements rather than emotions or accusations. If your documentation about safety concerns is solid, especially that doctor's note, you have a good chance. The key is showing that you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. Judges tend to look favorably on cases where you can demonstrate you tried to resolve the issues before leaving.

To follow up on your question about submitting additional documentation: Yes, you absolutely can and should submit any additional relevant evidence you find. However, there are strict rules about timing: 1. Submit new evidence at least 7 days before your hearing 2. Make sure to send copies to all parties (ESD, your former employer, and OAH) 3. Keep proof that you submitted the documents (email confirmation, fax receipt, etc.) If you find crucial evidence after the deadline, you can still try to submit it, but the judge has discretion whether to accept it or not. The hearing notice you receive will contain specific instructions on how to submit evidence. Also, prepare a clear, chronological statement explaining why you had good cause to quit. Focus specifically on the safety issues, your attempts to resolve them, and why continuing to work there would have been unreasonable. This preparation will be valuable regardless of whether there's a hearing.