So I'm an adjudicator with experience in the unemployment system (not in Washington though). Here's what's likely happening: After initial processing, claims with any issues go into an adjudication queue. When the agent "fixed" your claim, they probably just made notes in your file and either 1) put it back in the general queue or 2) assigned it to a specific adjudicator's workload. The problem is adjudicators typically have 100+ cases at any given time. They're supposed to work them in order received, but cases get prioritized based on various factors. When you call, your file gets a "contact" note, which sometimes bumps you up in priority. You need to specifically ask for: 1. The status of your adjudication 2. Who specifically is handling your case (get a name if possible) 3. Request a callback from that adjudicator within 48 hours 4. Ask if there's anything missing they need from you Be persistent but polite. The front-line agents have limited power, but they can add urgency notes to your file.

I had a similar issue back in December and my determination letter was stuck for weeks! My cousin had good luck with contacting the ombuds office at ESD rather than the regular customer service line. They're specifically there to help with issues that aren't being resolved through normal channels. Might be worth a try?

did they tell u why it was held up for 6 weeks in the first place? thats a crazy long time

If Monday comes and your status hasn't changed, when you call back, ask specifically about the "payment release date" - that's the technical term ESD uses internally. Sometimes the issues can be cleared but the payment needs to be manually released by a different department. Asking about the payment release date will get you more specific information.

Quick update - after seeing a recommendation here, I tried Claimyr today for my adjudication issue with ESD and got through in about 15 mins when I'd been trying for days on my own. Just sharing in case others are struggling with the phone system too. There's a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning after trying for 2 hours! The agent was actually super helpful once I got through. She backdated my claims for 11/4 and 11/11 right away, and said I should see the payments in my account by Wednesday. She also explained that the system doesn't allow online backdating until you've established a "regular filing pattern" - whatever that means. For anyone else with this issue - definitely call, have your job search activities ready (they DO need all 3 for each week), and be prepared to wait on hold. Thanks everyone for your help!

Based on your last comment about the employer contesting the reason for separation, your claim is definitely in adjudication. When there's a discrepancy between your stated reason for separation and your employer's, ESD has to investigate before making a decision. This will typically add 3-6 weeks to the process. Since you provided documentation about the department restructuring, that's helpful. If you haven't already, make sure that documentation is uploaded to your eServices account. Continue filing weekly claims, and remember that if approved, you'll receive payment for all eligible weeks you've claimed.

Glad to see you got some good information here. One last thing I'll add - if you end up waiting more than 6 weeks total, you might want to contact your state representative or senator. They often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with ESD issues, and they can sometimes speed things up. But for now, it sounds like your claim is following the normal (though frustratingly slow) process for a contested separation reason.

did u check ur determination letter?? sometimes they give u a specific reason why they disqualified u and it might help with ur appeal

That's actually GOOD news for your appeal! Now you know exactly what to focus on - proving the potential harm (harassment = emotional harm, food safety = physical harm to you and customers) AND getting evidence that contradicts your employer's version. This is why those coworker statements will be super important. One more tip - at the hearing, if your employer says something that's not true, don't interrupt or get emotional. Just write it down and when it's your turn to speak, calmly say "I'd like to address the statement about X. That's not accurate because..." and then provide your evidence. Judges really appreciate this approach!