One tip that helped me was to make sure I had all my information ready before calling. Have your claim ID, social security number, the dates of any issues, and any correspondence reference numbers handy. This speeds up the process when you finally get through. Also, be extremely specific about your issue when the automated system asks why you're calling. Depending on what you say, it routes you to different departments with different wait times. I found Monday mornings to be the absolute worst time to call. Thursdays seemed better in my experience.

if nothing else works go to ur local worksource office in person. sometimes they can help u get connected to esd faster

After reading through this thread again, I think what you're experiencing is specifically the "phantom claim acceptance" issue. This has been documented since they upgraded their IVR phone system in January 2025. The phone system says the claim is accepted, but it never actually gets transmitted to the main database. You absolutely need to speak with an ESD agent at this point. The longer you wait, the more complicated it gets. Since it's been 36 hours already, I'd recommend trying again tomorrow, but don't wait beyond 72 hours. When you do get through, use these exact words: "My weekly claim filed by phone on [date] received a verbal acceptance but shows no record in the system." This will trigger them to check a specific log in their system that tracks IVR claim attempts, which can prove you actually tried to file on time.

UPDATE: I managed to get through to ESD this morning! For anyone experiencing this in the future, I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got connected to an agent within 30 minutes instead of spending all day redialing. The agent confirmed there was a "submission error" on my claim - apparently the phone system accepted it but it never transferred to the main database. They were able to see in their logs that I had attempted to file, so they manually entered my claim while I was on the phone. It should now process normally and I should get paid in 2-3 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! This community saved me so much stress.

When I started my new job last year, I just called and told them I was employed now and didn't need benefits anymore and they said ok and that was it. But reading these comments, sounds like I should have kept filing for a bit? No one came after me though so I guess either way works?

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Keep filing weekly claims and truthfully report my work and earnings 2. Report GROSS earnings for when I worked (not when paid) 3. Continue filing for 2-3 weeks after starting the job 4. After 4 weeks of $0 benefits, my claim becomes inactive automatically This is super helpful and much clearer than anything on the ESD website!

Quick update on timelines - I work with unemployment cases regularly, and the current adjudication wait for standard cases is running about 5-6 weeks. However, for cases involving veteran status and legitimate medical/physical limitations, it can sometimes be expedited if properly flagged. If you have medical documentation from the VA showing your service-connected condition and how it made the civilian job unsuitable, that's exactly what you need. This creates a very specific unemployment situation where the voluntary quit would likely be considered with good cause. Until adjudication is complete, just keep filing those weekly claims, and consider reaching out to WorkSource's veteran services specialists. They sometimes have direct channels to help veterans navigate ESD issues.

btw dont forget ur job search activities while waiting! 3 per week even when pending. i messed that up and had to start all over

Your problem reminds me of my nightmare situation! The ONLY WAY I got it resolved was by contacting my state representative's office. They have special liaisons with ESD who can actually get things done. Google your district and state rep and send them an email explaining your situation. My claim was stuck for 8 weeks until I did this, then magically resolved in 3 days!!

One important technical detail: if your claim is marked as "ineligible" but shows "adjudication in process," this actually means the system has flagged something that requires manual review. This is normal for interstate claims. The adjudicator will be looking at whether: 1. Your quarters of employment meet Washington's eligibility criteria 2. Your wages from Florida can be combined with Washington wages 3. You've properly withdrawn from Florida's system Adjudication for interstate claims typically takes 4-6 weeks, longer than standard claims. Keep filing weekly claims during this time. If it's been more than 3 weeks already, I would suggest calling ESD and asking specifically about the status of your "combined wage claim" and whether they've received the "interstate response" from Florida yet. Those are the specific terms they use internally.