When my UI was about to run out, I couldn't get through to ESD for three days straight to ask about extensions. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent explained that I didn't qualify for an extension but helped me apply for Training Benefits instead since I was interested in a career change. Their video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) shows exactly how it works. Definitely worth it when you can't get through on your own.

Based on your healthcare admin background, have you considered looking at medical coding or medical records positions? There's currently high demand in those areas, and your experience might transfer well. Also, temporary staffing agencies like OfficeTeam and Robert Half specialize in administrative placements and often have contracts with healthcare organizations. This might help bridge the gap while you search for something permanent.

Have you considered part-time work options? Sometimes you can find a higher-paying part-time position in your field (even 20-25 hours) that pays more than a full-time job in a different industry. The medical field usually has more flexible options than IT, but both industries do have contract and part-time work. This could be a better stopgap than taking a full-time position with a massive pay cut.\n\nAlso, Washington has a Shared Work program for employers, so sometimes looking specifically at companies participating in that program might lead to opportunities that could later become full-time.

That's a really good point about part-time specialized work potentially paying more than full-time lower-skilled work. I hadn't thought about that angle. I've seen some remote medical coding/billing positions with flexible hours, so I'll expand my search to include those options. My spouse has started looking at IT gig work too. Thanks for the perspective shift!

To provide some technical context: ESD processes claims using a batch system. The "PAID" status means your payment has been approved and queued for transfer, but there are several steps after that before the money reaches your account: 1. ESD's batch payment system processes the transfer (usually overnight) 2. The ACH network receives and routes the payment 3. Your bank receives the payment instruction 4. Your bank processes and posts the deposit This typically takes 24-48 hours after the "PAID" status appears. Banking holidays can extend this timeline. If you filed on Sunday and it shows PAID already, that's actually quite efficient processing by ESD standards. The money should appear by Wednesday at the latest under normal circumstances.

UPDATE: The money just hit my account this morning! Thanks everyone for the reassurance. It was exactly as you all said - just had to wait for the bank processing part. Glad I didn't waste time trying to call ESD about it!

Has anyone else noticed that when you DO finally find the weekly claim form, half the questions are different than before???? I'm so paranoid I'm going to answer something wrong and get my benefits stopped!

Update: I managed to find the weekly claim form using the directions from @helpful_guidance above. For anyone else struggling, the key is to look under "My Benefits" NOT "My Account" which seems counterintuitive. Also discovered they've added a mobile app called "WA Unemployment" that actually works better than the website right now. Might be worth downloading if you're having website issues.

PREACH!!! 👏👏👏

While I understand the frustration, I wouldn't say it's designed to be difficult on purpose. ESD has faced unprecedented claim volumes and staffing challenges since the pandemic. The phone systems and older technology infrastructure weren't designed to handle this level of demand. The in-person experience is better because those representatives have direct access to systems and fewer cases to handle simultaneously than call center staff. I do agree they need to improve their technology and communication, though.