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I just wanted to add some perspective from someone who went through this exact scenario about 6 months ago. The status changes you're describing - from adjudication to waiting for information and back to adjudication - are actually textbook normal progression through the ESD system. What helped me manage the stress was understanding that each status change represents actual progress being made on your claim, even though it doesn't feel that way when you're living through it. When mine went back to "adjudication in progress" after the waiting period, I got my determination letter exactly 9 days later (and it was approved). The hardest part is the uncertainty about timing, but based on what everyone else is sharing here, it sounds like you're in the final stretch. Keep filing those weekly claims and try to resist checking the portal more than once a day if possible - I know that's easier said than done though!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Your timeline gives me hope - 9 days feels manageable compared to the weeks I've already been waiting. You're right that each status change does represent progress, even though it's nerve-wracking when you're in the middle of it. I'll try to limit myself to checking once a day (though I can't promise I won't peek a second time lol). Thanks for sharing your experience and the encouragement!
I'm in almost the exact same boat right now! My claim has been doing the same status dance for the past week and a half - went from adjudication to waiting for information, then back to adjudication in progress just yesterday. Reading through everyone's experiences here is honestly the most helpful information I've found anywhere about what these status changes actually mean. It's such a relief to know this is normal progression and not some kind of system error or red flag. The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part when you're trying to figure out your budget and planning. I've been checking the portal obsessively too but I'm going to try following the advice here about limiting it to once a day. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines - it really helps to know that 7-14 days after it goes back to adjudication seems to be the typical range for getting a determination.
Hope you get this sorted out quickly! These kinds of claim issues are so stressful when you're already dealing with being unemployed. Let us know what happens when you call Washington ESD.
I had a similar "ineligible week" issue a few months ago and it was nerve-wracking! In my case, it turned out to be because I had reported being "unable to work" one day due to illness, but I answered the question incorrectly. Even though I was only sick for one day and could work the rest of the week, the way I answered made it look like I was unavailable for the entire week. The key is to be very careful about how you interpret those weekly questions - they're asking about your availability for the ENTIRE week, not just individual days. When I called Washington ESD (took several tries to get through), they explained that if you're unavailable for work for any reason during the week, you need to report it very specifically or it can flag the whole week as ineligible. They were able to correct it once I explained what happened. Definitely call as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more complicated it can become to resolve.
This is really helpful context! I think I might have made a similar mistake. I did have that dentist appointment and when answering the weekly questions, I might have been confused about whether to report it as being unavailable. The way you explain it - that they're asking about the ENTIRE week - makes so much more sense now. I was probably thinking about it day by day instead of the whole week. Did they fix it pretty quickly once you called and explained?
I used Claimyr when I had questions about my eligibility and it was a game changer. Instead of spending hours trying to get through to Washington ESD, I was connected to an agent who could actually help me understand my situation. The peace of mind was worth it.
Based on everything I've read here, it sounds like you should definitely qualify for unemployment benefits. You were laid off (not fired for misconduct), worked for 8 months which should meet the wage requirements, and you're actively looking for work. The key eligibility factors are: 1) Being unemployed through no fault of your own (✓ you were laid off), 2) Having sufficient wages during your base period (✓ 8 months full-time should cover this), 3) Being able and available for work (✓), and 4) Actively seeking work (✓). Don't wait any longer - file your claim online as soon as possible since you can't get benefits for weeks before you file. The worst they can say is no, but from what you've described, you should be approved.
This is such a comprehensive summary! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain all the different requirements and potential issues. I feel much more confident about applying now. One question - should I gather all my employment documents before starting the online application, or can I collect them as I go through the process?
I'd definitely recommend gathering all your employment documents before you start the application! It makes the process so much smoother when you have everything at your fingertips - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, wages, and reason for separation for all jobs in the last 18 months. You don't want to get halfway through and have to stop to hunt down information. Also keep any layoff letters or documentation about your separation - that can be helpful if there are any questions about why you left your job.
Final advice - don't wait to file. The sooner you get your claim started with Washington ESD, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. Business closure is a legitimate reason for unemployment, so you should have no problem qualifying.
Sorry to hear about your company closing, Sofia. That's always stressful! The good news is that business closure absolutely qualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington. Since you're losing your job through no fault of your own, you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Make sure to file your claim on or after your last day of work - you can do it online at the Washington ESD website. Keep records of your final pay stub and any written notice about the closure. The process should be straightforward since there's no question about why you're unemployed. Don't stress too much about it - this is exactly the kind of situation unemployment insurance is designed to help with!
Thanks for the reassurance! It's definitely been stressful wondering if I'd qualify for benefits. Good to know the online filing process is straightforward - I was worried there might be special forms or procedures for business closures, but it sounds like it's treated like any other qualifying separation. I'll make sure to gather all my documentation before filing.
Gabrielle Dubois
I'm about 8 days into waiting for my unemployment approval after being laid off from my tech job. Reading through all these experiences has been really eye-opening - sounds like I'm right in that normal 2-3 week processing window that everyone's mentioning. I've been religiously filing my weekly claims and keeping a detailed spreadsheet of all my job applications since day one. The anxiety is definitely real when you're watching your savings account shrink, but it's comforting to see so many people eventually get approved. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone noticed if filing earlier in the week vs later affects processing time at all? I've been submitting mine on Sundays just to be safe.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Tech layoffs have definitely been hitting hard this year! I'm on day 6 of waiting myself after my software company eliminated my entire department. It's reassuring to see everyone mentioning that 2-3 week timeframe - gives me something concrete to focus on instead of just endless anxiety. I've also been filing on Sundays and keeping detailed records of every application. One thing that's helped my stress levels is setting up automatic job alerts so I'm not constantly refreshing job boards. The waiting game is brutal but at least we're all in good company here!
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Anastasia Smirnova
•The Sunday filing routine is smart! I'm at day 11 of waiting after being laid off from my marketing position, and I've been doing the same thing. From what I've read here, the day you file weekly claims doesn't impact initial approval speed, but staying consistent definitely helps avoid any missed weeks. The tech industry has been brutal with layoffs lately - seems like half the people in this thread are dealing with similar situations. Your spreadsheet approach sounds solid too. I've been using a simple notebook but might switch to digital tracking. It's nerve-wracking watching savings disappear, but based on everyone's experiences here, we should hopefully hear something within the next week or so!
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Mateo Sanchez
I'm currently on day 5 of waiting for my unemployment approval after being laid off from my accounting firm due to downsizing. This thread has been incredibly helpful in setting realistic expectations! It's reassuring to hear that the 2-3 week timeframe seems pretty consistent for straightforward layoff cases. I've been diligent about filing my weekly claims every Sunday and starting my job search documentation right away. The financial anxiety is definitely real, but reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel less alone in this process. One question - should I be worried if I don't see any status changes in my online account during the first week, or is that pretty normal?
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