Everyone here is mostly right but missing ONE important detail - the 'waiting week'!!!! If you've been on unemployment for a while you already served it, but if this is newer for you, Washington has a mandatory one-week waiting period where you don't get paid benefits. So if you're just starting unemployment AND a new job, that could impact things. Also make sure you're checking your correspondence in eServices because sometimes they send important notices there that don't come through email!!!!

UPDATE: I talked to an ESD agent this morning and got clarification. They confirmed I don't need to report accepting the job on this week's claim, only when I actually start working. Once I start working, I'll need to report my hours and earnings even though I won't be paid yet. Since my new job is full-time (40 hours), I won't be eligible for any benefits once I start, regardless of when I get my first paycheck. Basically there will be a 3-week gap with no unemployment and no paycheck. The agent suggested I contact local community organizations for emergency assistance if needed. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll start looking into local resources to help bridge the gap.

Quick update on current ESD processing times based on what I'm seeing with other clients: Performance-based separations without clear misconduct are averaging 5-7 weeks in adjudication right now. If your employer is contesting (sounds like they are), it might be on the longer end. If you're approaching the 30-day mark with no updates, I would definitely recommend trying to speak with someone at ESD. Sometimes claims get stuck in the system and need a manual push.

did anyone else get a weird letter asking for identity verification during adjudication? i got one but my friend didn't. just wondering if its normal

hey i just had this same issue!!! i thought i was going crazy lol. fyi i had to turn off my pop-up blocker to get the 1099 to open when i clicked on it in eservices. might want to check that if you find the form but it won't open

Just wanted to follow up to make sure you found your 1099-G. If you're still having trouble, there's one more option - you can submit a secure message through eServices specifically requesting your 1099-G. Go to your eServices account > Click on "Send a message" > Select "I need a copy of my 1099-G" from the dropdown menu. They're supposed to respond within 5-7 business days, which might still give you enough time before the tax deadline.

i had something kinda similar happen last year and the thing that helped me most was getting everything organized before my appeal hearing. i made a timeline with all the events, reports, and my termination with dates, and referenced my evidence for each point (like "see exhibit A for email to HR on 3/5"). the judge seemed to really appreciate having everything laid out clearly because these cases can get complicated and they handle so many appeals. also practice explaining your situation clearly without getting too emotional (hard i know!!) because you want to come across professional in the hearing.

Update: I talked to the ESD claims specialist today (finally!). They said since my employer is claiming misconduct, my case is being sent to adjudication for further review. They're going to interview both me and my former employer next week. The specialist recommended I upload my documentation showing the timeline of harassment reports and the retaliation that followed. She also said that my case would be stronger if I could get statements from any former coworkers willing to confirm my version of events. Not sure if anyone will be brave enough to speak up though since they're afraid for their own jobs.

my sister in law works at esd and she says funerals count as personal business so u def need to report those days as not available! dont mess it up or they might audit u later

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I'll mark "No" for the days I'm out of state and explain it's for a funeral in the comments. It sounds like I'll get partial benefits for that week which is completely fair. I appreciate all the responses!