Thanks for sharing this approach! Just to add some helpful context for everyone: When you call the governor's office, you're essentially creating what's called an "executive escalation" within the state system. These are tracked differently and routed directly to specialized teams within ESD. Here's what typically happens: 1. Your information is logged into the executive correspondence system 2. It gets assigned to an ESD executive response team member 3. They review your case for urgency markers 4. If it meets criteria, they'll expedite contact (like OP experienced) 5. If not urgent by their definition, it goes into a separate queue (still faster than regular channels, but not same-day) One important note: The system tracks how many times individual claimants use executive channels. Repeated use without genuine emergencies can potentially be flagged as system abuse, which you don't want in your account notes. The best approach is still to try regular channels first, then use the executive option only when truly necessary.

i tried calling today after seeing this post and the governors office person was really nice but said they have a 3 day waiting period before they can help now because so many people are calling them about esd 😭

Congrats!! Use some of that to treat yourself after all that stress 😊

Already ordered takeout for tonight! First time in months I haven't had to stress about every dollar spent.

My boyfriend's cousin had reduced hours and got paid after just 2 weeks! But my sister waited like 2 months when her nursing hours got cut. I think it just depends on your employer and maybe your work history? Some employers contest everything which slows it all down. Good luck!!

Just to follow up on the job search requirements: there is one exception that might apply to you. If your employer has given you a definite return-to-full-hours date within 8 weeks, you can request "standby" status, which waives the job search requirement. You'd need to specifically apply for this through your eServices account under "Request Standby." Looking at what others have shared, processing times really do vary widely for partial unemployment. The key factors that affect timeline: 1. How quickly your employer responds to ESD 2. Whether there are any discrepancies between your reported hours and your employer's reports 3. If your earnings are consistent or vary significantly week to week 4. Whether you've correctly completed all weekly claim requirements Given that you're at 3 weeks now with an 'approved' status but pending employer verification, I'd expect you'll see movement in the next 1-2 weeks unless there's a specific issue.

When I had trouble figuring this out a few months ago, I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at ESD. Seriously thought I was going insane hitting redial. Finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes (claimyr.com). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent told me the system allows filing after exhaustion because sometimes retroactive benefits get approved, and if you haven't been filing, you can't claim them later. So it's like a just-in-case thing. But yeah, if you're working now it doesn't matter anyway.

One important thing nobody mentioned - if you've exhausted regular UI but still have an active benefit year, you might want to call and check if you qualify for Training Benefits or other ESD programs. People assume once regular UI is gone, that's it, but there are sometimes other programs you might qualify for depending on your situation. But since you've found work, congrats! That's the best outcome anyway!

sorry about ur layoff but congrats on the baby! my sister just had one too! one thing nobody mentioned - make sure ur resume is updated ASAP cuz the job search requirements start right away! u have to do 3 activities every week and keep a log. if u dont they can deny ur benefits even if u were approved!

Quick update on the job search requirements that were mentioned: While you do need to complete 3 job search activities per week, know that these activities can include more than just applying for jobs. They can also include: - Attending job fairs - Creating profiles on employment websites - Meeting with career counselors - Taking skills assessments or training courses - Networking events Also, WorkSource Washington offers free resources to help with your job search and they count toward your required activities. Regarding childcare: Washington has childcare subsidies available for job seekers. You can check eligibility through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families website.