This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I was laid off due to budget cuts, so hopefully that's a pretty straightforward separation reason. Should I be checking my ESD account messages daily, or will they email me if there's something they need?

They should send you an email notification when there's a new message in your ESD account, but the system isn't always reliable. I recommend checking your ESD account messages at least every other day. A budget cut layoff is generally straightforward, but they'll still verify with your employer. Keep documenting your job search activities (you need 3 per week) while you wait.

Make sure your employer classifies you correctly! My company tried to say our reduced hours were due to "lack of work" rather than "reduced hours" which caused all kinds of problems with my claim. The adjudication process took FOREVER to sort out. If they don't code it right when ESD contacts them, you might get stuck in pending status.

One more thing to be aware of: starting in 2025, ESD requires claimants to use the new WorkSource WA job search log in your ESD account to document all job search activities (if you don't get standby status). The old paper logs are no longer accepted. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the online system if you end up needing to do job searches.

my brother had this problem with his claim when the restaurant he works at closed for renovations last month. he had to file an appeal but while waiting for the hearing he called esd and they fixed it over the phone once they saw he was on valid standby. took him forever to get through tho

To address your concern about backdating: Yes, when ESD corrects a standby-related disqualification, they will typically backdate the fix and release any held payments once they confirm your standby status was valid. Be sure to continue filing your weekly claims during this process, even though they'll show as "disqualified" until the issue is resolved. This ensures you'll receive all payments once the standby status is verified. For your weekly claims going forward, remember to: 1. Answer "No" to job search question 2. In the notes/comments section, type "ON APPROVED STANDBY UNTIL 9/15/2025" 3. If asked for work search activities, enter "STANDBY" for each required slot This properly documents your standby status each week and helps prevent future flags.

I successfully resolved this exact issue last month. Here's what worked for me: 1. When calling 800-318-6022, press options for an existing claim, then payment issues (not new claims) 2. If you get through, immediately ask for a claims specialist or supervisor who can handle claim reactivation 3. Be prepared to explain that you had an appeal in process when you accidentally filed a new claim 4. Have your original claim ID number ready In my case, they were able to withdraw the new claim and restore my original claim with all weekly certifications transferred over. The key is getting to the right department - regular agents often can't help with this specific problem.

Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the phone menu options that @helpful_user suggested and got a claims specialist after about 35 minutes. They confirmed they can fix this by withdrawing my new claim and reactivating the original one. They're transferring all my weekly claims back to the original claim too. For anyone who finds this thread later with the same problem - be very specific that you need a claims specialist who can handle claim reactivation. Regular agents will just transfer you. The specialist said this happens pretty often because of the automatic system prompts. Thanks everyone for your help!!

Good news is that even if there is a delay in processing, you'll still receive all the benefits you're entitled to, including for the weeks when your claim was processing. As long as you keep filing your weekly claims on time (even while the first one is still processing), you won't lose any eligible benefits. And just to set expectations - your first payment will likely be delayed compared to future payments. Once your claim is fully established in the system, weekly claims typically process much faster. Many people see their weekly claims move from submission to paid status within 48-72 hours after the initial claim is fully processed.

Update: My claim status finally changed to