Thanks for posting about that Claimyr service @helpfulcommenter! Just bookmarked it in case I need it. I spent SO MANY HOURS trying to get through on the phone last month, wish I'd known about this earlier!

OP - since you've found the application, here's another tip: After you submit your initial application, you'll likely see a "pending" status for at least a week or two. This is normal! ESD has to verify your employment history with your former employers. Just keep filing your weekly claims while you wait.

Just a quick update on what another colleague on WorkShare experienced: If your hours drop below the minimum, you'll likely be treated as a regular UI claimant for that week only. This means: 1. You'll need to meet job search requirements (3 job search activities) for that specific week 2. Your benefit calculation will be based on regular UI rather than the WorkShare formula 3. Your employer needs to indicate "lack of work" on their certification When your hours go back up to the minimum threshold the following week, you'll automatically return to WorkShare status without having to reapply. Hope this helps!

I work in HR and manage our company's WorkShare program. To answer your question about company participation levels - yes, companies need to maintain at least 50% of employees participating in the program for it to remain active. However, temporary fluctuations in hours don't affect this calculation as long as employees remain enrolled. For individual weeks where an employee falls below the hour threshold, they typically default to regular UI for that week only. Our company had this exact situation last quarter during a supply chain disruption. As long as we properly documented it, our employees continued receiving benefits without interruption.

Just so you know they'll probably aska bunch of questions about WHY you were on PFML and if you could work now...they always look for excuses not to pay people... make sure you've got doctors note saying your cleared to work again!!! Thats what tripped me up!

Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? If you went to WorkSource, they should have been able to help you submit the right documentation to get your claim reactivated. The key with transitioning from PFML back to UI is proving that: 1. Your PFML benefits have officially ended 2. You're able and available for work again 3. You've been continuously filing weekly claims If you're still having issues, you might need to request a formal determination review.

I had something sort of similar happen but with a twist - I was denied initially, then approved on reopening! The ESD system is SO inconsistent. I think different adjudicators just make completely different decisions on the same facts. My best advice is to appeal and be SUPER specific about the unsafe working conditions. Like bullet point every single issue with dates if possible. That's what worked for me eventually.

This is a common issue, and here's what you need to know: 1. When you "reopen" a claim that was already approved, the system sometimes triggers a new review of your work separation, especially if you're using wages from an alternate base year or different employer. 2. You need to file an appeal within 30 days of the denial determination. Look for the "How to Appeal" section on your determination letter. 3. During the appeal process, you MUST continue to file weekly claims, even though the system may not let you do it online. Call the weekly claims line at 800-318-6022. 4. Your appeal should explicitly state that this separation issue was previously reviewed and approved in your original claim determination. 5. Include all original documentation plus the initial approval letter if you have it. The good news is that appeals for this type of administrative error have a high success rate. Be persistent and keep detailed records of all communications.

Watch out they might say you committed fraud if you were on paid medical leave and applying for unemployment at the same time!!! They're always looking for ways to deny claims!!

One more thing to consider: When you file your new claim, ESD will use your base year earnings to determine eligibility. Depending on when you worked before your surgery and how long you've been on medical leave, make sure you have enough qualifying wages in your base year. The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. If your paid medical leave counts as wages (some does, some doesn't depending on the program), this may actually help your claim.

i thought they brought back extended benefits??? i swear i saw something on the news about it last week but maybe it was a different state or something not sure now lol

Update for anyone who finds this thread later: I called ESD using the Claimyr service mentioned below (which did work to get me through quickly) and confirmed there are currently no general extensions available in Washington. However, I learned I might qualify for the Training Benefits program since I'm willing to retrain. I'm now looking at a 12-week certification program for energy-efficient construction techniques that would give me some additional weeks of benefits while I gain new skills. The ESD agent was really helpful in explaining the application process. Fingers crossed I get approved!

I was in a similar situation with poor internet connectivity. What worked for me was actually going to my local library once a week to file my claim. They have computers with reliable internet, and it's free to use. Many libraries even have staff who can help you navigate the eServices website if you're not tech-savvy. Just bring your ESD account information and ID. I know it's not as convenient as filing by phone, but it's a reliable workaround until you can figure out a better solution.

Just to follow up on the accommodation request process: if you decide to go that route, be prepared to provide documentation about why you need the phone filing option. They typically want some evidence of your internet connectivity issues. A letter from your internet service provider acknowledging service problems in your area can be helpful. The review process takes about 2-3 weeks in my experience helping clients with this issue.

When I had this problem I just went down to my local WorkSource office and they helped me fix it. Sometimes talking to someone in person is easier than dealing with the phone systems. Just bring your determination letter and ID.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and got through to ESD in about 90 minutes! The agent was really helpful and confirmed I had accidentally answered "no" to being available for work on my weekly claim. She fixed it right on the call and said my payment should process in 24-48 hours. She also showed me exactly how to answer those questions correctly for future claims. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your advice!

I just checked with my friend who works as a job counselor, and she said there's been a wave of these mysterious disqualifications lately. ESD apparently updated their system in March 2025 and it's been flagging legitimate claims for review. Most people who call in are getting it resolved pretty quickly once they reach someone.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning (used the Claimyr service that was recommended here - totally worth it). Turns out their system flagged my claim because I used a different device to file last week and it triggered some kind of security review. The agent removed the disqualification and said my payment should process in 24-48 hours. She also added notes to my account so it shouldn't happen again. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions!

Something a lot of people don't realize is that ESD has specific rules about the transition back to work. When you accept a job offer, you're still eligible to claim until you start working. Once you start working, you report hours worked that week, even without pay. If you work less than full-time hours (less than 40 per week), you may qualify for partial benefits if your earnings for that week are less than your weekly benefit amount. What confuses many people is the difference between hours worked versus payment received. ESD only cares about when you performed the work, not when you got paid for it. This is actually designed to protect workers - imagine if you worked but then the employer went bankrupt before paying you. ESD's system ensures you're covered during the work period regardless of when payment arrives. The interview experience you had sounds unnecessarily harsh, but I would still recommend keeping your claim active by filing weekly (with accurate hours reported) until you're financially stable with the new job. Better safe than sorry if something unexpected happens.

A practical tip for anyone in this situation: take screenshots of your weekly claim submissions showing the hours you reported. I had an issue last year where ESD claimed I hadn't reported properly, but I had screenshots showing every submission with dates and confirmation numbers. Saved me from a potential overpayment nightmare.