Congratulations on getting your claim approved! This thread is so helpful - I'm dealing with the same identity verification delay right now (going on week 2). I had no idea about checking for those hidden "Additional Information Needed" alerts in eServices. Just logged in and found one requesting a utility bill for address verification that I completely missed! Uploading it now. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips here - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this frustrating process.

Just wanted to add another tip that helped me - if you're still waiting after uploading all your documents, try calling ESD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) when they open. The wait times are usually shorter then. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to specifically check if there are any "internal notes" on your account that might explain the delay. Sometimes there are system flags or additional review requirements that aren't visible to you in eServices but the agents can see them. I had a weird flag on mine that was causing extra delays, and the agent was able to clear it immediately once we identified it. Hope this helps someone else avoid the weeks of unnecessary waiting!

Just wanted to add - if you're using a work computer or shared device for the Zoom meeting, make sure to log out of any personal accounts first and test the microphone/camera settings ahead of time. I learned this the hard way when my work laptop's default mic was super quiet and the specialist could barely hear me! Also, don't worry too much about having the "perfect" answers. They're really just trying to connect you with resources that might help your job search. I was super nervous too but the whole thing felt more like a helpful consultation than an interrogation. You've got this!

Hey Aliyah! I just had my WorkSource meeting a couple weeks ago and wanted to share some quick tips that helped me feel more prepared: 1. Log into the Zoom link about 10-15 minutes early to test everything works 2. Have your ID ready (they'll ask to see it) 3. Keep a pen and paper handy for notes 4. Make sure you're in a quiet spot with good lighting The meeting itself was super straightforward - mostly just explaining what WorkSource offers and going over job search requirements. My specialist was really friendly and even gave me some good tips for my industry. The whole thing took about 40 minutes. Don't stress about it too much! It's really more of an informational session than anything scary. You'll do great!

Just wanted to add that when you do call ESD about backdating, make sure you have your Social Security number, the exact dates of your unemployment period, and your reason for the delayed filing ready before you even get connected. The agents often have limited time per call and having all your info organized will help make the most of that conversation. Also, if the first agent you talk to seems unsure about backdating rules, don't be afraid to politely ask to speak with a supervisor - some agents are more knowledgeable about these less common situations than others.

I went through a similar situation last year - lost my job in November but didn't apply until February because I thought I had to exhaust my savings first (classic mistake). Washington ESD did approve my backdating request, but the key was being very thorough with documentation. Beyond just your termination letter, try to gather bank statements showing when your last paycheck was deposited, any COBRA notifications, even screenshots of job board searches if you have them. The more you can show a clear timeline of when you became unemployed and what you were doing during those weeks, the stronger your case will be. Also, when you explain why you didn't file earlier, be honest but concise - "I was unaware of my eligibility as a first-time unemployment claimant" is perfectly valid good cause. Don't overthink it too much, just get your current claim filed ASAP and then work on the backdating paperwork.

Anyone else think the whole partial unemployment process should be simplified? Like why make people jump through the same hoops as regular unemployment when they're already working?

I'm in a really similar boat - my restaurant cut everyone's hours to like 20 hours a week and I had no idea partial unemployment was even possible! This whole thread is a lifesaver. One question though - if my employer eventually brings my hours back up to full-time, do I just stop filing weekly claims? Or do I need to formally close my unemployment claim somehow?

One more thing to consider - once you start your job, you'll file one more weekly claim for your last week of unemployment (the partial week before starting work). If you start mid-week, you can report your earnings for the days you worked, and potentially get partial benefits for the days you didn't work. Just be honest about your hours and earnings when you file that final claim.

Congrats on getting your job back! I went through something similar last year. Just wanted to emphasize what others have said - definitely report the job offer on your next weekly claim when it asks about accepting future work. I made the mistake of thinking I only needed to report it when I actually started, but ESD specifically wants to know about offers too. Also, if you're looking for job search activities that don't feel wasteful, you could do things like update your LinkedIn profile, attend virtual job fairs, or do online career assessments. Those all count toward your 3 required activities and might actually be useful for your career even though you already have this position lined up.