Anyone else notice how they make these programs IMPOSSIBLE to find out about?? Almost like they don't want people to actually use them! My cousin works at ESD and even she says they don't advertise the good programs because they'd be overwhelmed with applications. The whole system is designed to be frustrating so people give up.

Thank you everyone for all this info! I had no idea there were so many programs available. I'm going to: 1. Try to get through to ESD directly about the CAT program 2. Make an appointment with WorkSource and specifically ask for an individual career counselor 3. Look into that Worker Retraining program since my factory skills aren't getting me anywhere I'll update this thread once I make some progress. Fingers crossed something works out because my savings are almost gone and I'm getting desperate.

My sister had this EXACT problem last month!!! The payment was late and then when she finally got through to someone they said there was a "system flag" on her account even though nothing showed up online. They had to manually remove it. You NEED to talk to an actual person. Keep calling!!!

Just got off the phone with ESD (finally got through after calling at exactly 7:59am). The representative confirmed they're having both payment processing delays AND phone system problems. She said payments are taking up to 5 business days longer than usual for many claimants. For anyone else experiencing this: she recommended NOT calling multiple times as it's creating additional system load. Instead, check your eServices account daily for updates. If your payment doesn't arrive by next Tuesday, then you should call. The weird UW Library message is a known issue where their test system voice prompts are accidentally playing in the production phone system. They expect to have it fixed by Monday.

My sister works in HR and she says all they care about is if you had been warned before about the same issue and did it anyway. Single mistakes almost never count as misconduct unless its something super serious like theft or violence. Just make sure when they ask you questions you don't accidentally admit to anything that sounds intentional.

I see a lot of comments here, but I want to clarify something important: Under ESD rules, a single unintentional policy violation typically does NOT constitute misconduct unless it caused significant harm or was extremely negligent. If you're denied benefits, you have 30 days to file an appeal. The appeal hearing is completely fresh - the Administrative Law Judge doesn't consider ESD's previous decision. Based on what you've described, you have a strong case, especially with no prior disciplinary actions. Just be patient with the process and keep documenting everything.

one thing i havent seen mentioned here - if your contract has any kind of severance or final project payment coming later, make sure you report that correctly. i messed this up and ended up with an overpayment notice for $2,300 that im still paying back. if ur not sure how to report something call and ask first!!!!

One last piece of advice based on recent experience: When you file, be very careful about the "able and available" questions. ESD has been extra strict about this lately. If you say you're not available for full-time work for ANY reason (childcare issues, school schedule, transportation limitations, etc.) they'll likely deny your claim or at minimum send it to adjudication. Also, make sure you're checking your ESD account messages regularly after applying. Sometimes they request additional information with short deadlines, and if you miss those, your claim gets delayed substantially. I recommend checking daily until you're receiving payments reliably.

Why is everyone saying to apply for standby?? I thought standby was only for temporary layoffs when you're going back to the SAME employer? This person has a NEW job, not going back to their old one.

Update: I applied for standby yesterday and just got approved! It shows in my eServices account now. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll still keep good records just in case, but it's a relief not to worry about job searches when I'm already set to start my new position.