I'm experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for over 2 weeks about my pending claim and it's absolutely impossible. The main number (800) 318-6022 is either constantly busy or I'll wait on hold for 3+ hours just to get automatically disconnected. My claim status just shows "pending" with no explanation whatsoever - no indication if I need to submit documents, verify information, or just wait it out. It's incredibly stressful not knowing what's wrong or how long this might take, especially when you're depending on these benefits. After reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear this is a widespread systemic problem with Washington ESD's phone system being completely overwhelmed. I'm seriously considering trying Claimyr based on all the success stories shared here. While I hate the idea of paying a third-party service for what should be basic access to government services, it seems like it might be the only realistic way to actually speak with someone and get answers about my claim.

I'm dealing with this exact same problem! Been trying to call Washington ESD for 3 weeks straight about my pending claim and it's like they don't even exist. I've tried every piece of advice in this thread - calling at 8am sharp, trying different times of day, even attempted the lunch hour suggestion. Nothing works. Either immediate busy signals or I'll sit on hold for literally 4+ hours just to get disconnected right when I think I'm getting somewhere. My claim has been stuck on "pending" for over a month now with absolutely zero explanation of what's wrong or what I need to do to fix it. The stress of not knowing if there's a simple issue I could resolve immediately if I could just talk to someone is eating me alive. Based on all the success stories here, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and try Claimyr too. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to pay a third-party service to access our own government benefits, but when the official system is this broken, what choice do we have? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not going crazy and this really is an impossible situation for everyone.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now - week 5 of adjudication and I'm honestly about to lose my mind! The financial anxiety is crushing when you're just sitting there watching your bank account hit zero while some bureaucrat takes their sweet time reviewing your case. Reading through all these responses has been both terrifying (8 weeks?!) and incredibly helpful. I had no idea about constructive dismissal or that you could ask agents to reopen response periods. My situation is different - I was basically pushed out after refusing to do something that violated company policy, but my employer is claiming I "abandoned my job." The worst part is not knowing ANYTHING about what's happening or how much longer this will take. I've been calling every day at 8 AM like everyone suggests but still haven't reached a human being. That automated system makes me want to throw my phone across the room! Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences here - it's the only thing keeping me sane knowing that people actually do make it through this horrible process eventually. The isolation when you're stuck at home with no income and no answers is just brutal. Definitely going to look into those emergency assistance programs while I wait. It's insane that we have to scramble for backup resources because ESD can't process claims in a reasonable timeframe, but survival comes first I guess. Hang in there everyone - sounds like persistence is really the only option we have! 💪

I'm currently in week 3 of adjudication myself and completely understand your panic! The financial stress is absolutely crushing when you're watching your savings disappear with no timeline or updates from ESD. Based on what you've shared, you actually have a really strong case - that 40% hour reduction is classic constructive dismissal, which ESD often treats more like a layoff than a voluntary quit. Combined with your documented HR complaints about the hostile work environment, you have solid evidence for "good cause." Don't panic about missing that 5-day response deadline! Call ESD first thing tomorrow at 8:00 AM (best chance to get through) and explain you just discovered the message. Ask them to reopen your response period - most agents will work with you on this if you're honest about the situation. Before calling, organize all your documentation chronologically: HR complaint emails, pay stubs showing the hour cuts, any messages about hostile behavior. Having everything ready will make you sound prepared and credible. KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS while waiting - you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks once this resolves. I know the waiting is excruciating, but with both constructive dismissal AND documented hostile environment, you're in a much stronger position than you think. Also consider applying for emergency assistance programs in your area while you wait - utility assistance, food banks, etc. It shouldn't be necessary, but it can help stretch your resources during this nightmare process. Hang in there - this community has been a lifesaver for my sanity too! 💪

I feel your pain! I made the exact same mistake when I first filed back in October. Got laid off from my retail job and had no clue about the job search requirements for that first week. It's honestly ridiculous that they don't make this crystal clear during the application process - you're already dealing with the stress of losing your job and then they hit you with these gotcha rules. What really helped me was setting up alerts on my phone to remind me to do my job search activities throughout the week instead of scrambling at the last minute. I also discovered that things like updating your resume, attending virtual job workshops, and even researching companies can count as activities in some cases. The WorkSource website has a pretty good list of what qualifies. Don't waste time on the appeal - just focus on nailing the requirements going forward. Each week is independent so this won't hurt your future claims as long as you stay on top of it. The system is annoying but once you get into a rhythm it becomes second nature. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry this happened to you - what a frustrating way to learn about the system! I'm actually going through the application process right now after being laid off from my customer service job, and your post is a huge wake-up call. I had no idea the job search requirements kicked in immediately from week one. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. I'm definitely going to start documenting my job search activities right away and set up that spreadsheet someone mentioned. It sounds like the key is being super organized and detailed about everything. Thank you for sharing your experience - even though it sucks that you lost that week of benefits, you're probably saving a lot of other people from making the same mistake. The fact that this is such a common issue really shows how poorly the system communicates these requirements upfront.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation last year! I was a commission-only insurance agent for about 18 months before my agency downsized. Like others mentioned, having W-2s is crucial - that immediately shows you were an employee, not a contractor. One thing I wish I'd known ahead of time: ESD might ask for your employment contract or offer letter that shows your commission structure. I had to dig through old emails to find mine, so definitely locate that if you still have it. Also, they asked me to explain why my income varied so much month-to-month, so be ready to briefly describe how commission work fluctuates. My claim took about 3 weeks longer than my friend's regular salary claim, but I did get approved. The weekly benefit amount was actually pretty decent since they calculated it based on my best quarters. Don't let the extra paperwork discourage you - commission workers absolutely qualify if you meet the basic requirements!

I'm in a similar boat - been working commission-only sales at a furniture store for about 3 years and they just announced they're closing next month. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful! I've been putting off applying because I wasn't sure if commission workers even qualified, but it sounds like as long as I have my W-2s (which I do) and my employer was paying unemployment taxes, I should be eligible. One question - did anyone have issues with the varying income affecting their job search requirements? Like, are they expecting me to look for the same type of commission-based sales jobs, or can I apply for hourly positions too while I'm collecting benefits? I'm wondering if I should stick to my industry or if branching out would cause any problems with ESD.

I'm 66 and just went through this exact process after being laid off from my warehouse job last month. Had the same concerns about collecting both Social Security and unemployment, but Washington ESD made it very clear during my phone interview (yes, I actually got through!) that there's no conflict between the two programs. The representative explained that Social Security is considered retirement income, not wages, so it doesn't impact your unemployment eligibility or benefit amount. I've been successfully collecting both for about 6 weeks now. The key is just being upfront about your Social Security when you file your weekly claims - there's a specific section for "other income" where you report it. Don't let family or friends scare you away from benefits you've earned! The extra financial support while job hunting at our age is really important, especially with how competitive the job market can be for older workers.

I'm 64 and was in almost this exact same situation about a year ago when my manufacturing job ended after 18 years. I was so worried about the Social Security/unemployment conflict too! Turns out Washington state makes it really straightforward - you can absolutely collect both. The only "gotcha" I discovered was that you need to be really diligent about your weekly job search activities. At our age, it's easy to get discouraged and maybe slack off on the 3 required activities per week, but Washington ESD does check up on this. I used WorkSourceWA to track everything and made sure to apply to jobs, attend virtual job fairs, and do skills assessments regularly. Collected both benefits for about 4 months until I found a good part-time position that worked with my Social Security. The peace of mind of having both income streams during the job search was huge. Don't let your neighbor's confusion hold you back - you've earned these benefits!