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awesome! now make sure u keep doing ur weekly claims on time so u dont have more delays!
So happy to hear it finally came through! 🎉 That must be such a huge weight off your shoulders after 7 weeks of stress. For anyone else reading this thread who's still waiting - this gives me hope that the system does eventually work, even if it's painfully slow. Zara, enjoy that financial breathing room and thanks for updating us with the good news!
This whole thread gives me so much hope! I'm currently on week 4 of pending status and was starting to lose faith in the system. Seeing that Zara finally got all 7 weeks at once is exactly what I needed to hear. It's crazy how the stress just eats at you when you're waiting for money you desperately need. Thanks for sharing the update - it really helps those of us still in the waiting game to know there's light at the end of the tunnel!
Quick update on this issue: I'm seeing several similar reports this week. It appears there may be a system-wide delay in updating the Decision tab after disqualification statuses are applied. Important: If you reported ANY work during the week you were disqualified, carefully check if you provided: - Exact hours worked each day - Complete employer information - Correct gross earnings (before taxes) Many claimants are being auto-disqualified right now if the work details section is incomplete. You can often get this quickly resolved by calling, but as others have mentioned, reaching an agent is the challenge.
Update from my end: I FINALLY got through to ESD this morning after calling right when they opened. You were right - it was because I did that one-day gig. Since I'm normally a full-time employee, I entered the wrong employer type for the gig (I put it as regular employment instead of self-employment). The agent fixed it immediately and my payment is being processed now! Thanks everyone for the help!
Glad to see you got it resolved @Charlie Yang! This is such a common issue and your experience highlights why it's so important to categorize work correctly when reporting. For anyone else dealing with this - if you did ANY type of gig work, contract work, or freelance work during your claim week, make sure you're selecting the right employer type. The system treats regular W-2 employment very differently from 1099/contractor work, and getting that wrong can trigger an automatic disqualification flag. Also want to echo what others said about calling right at 7:30am - that really is the sweet spot for getting through to an actual person at ESD.
This is really valuable information! I'm new to the unemployment system and had no idea there was such a difference between W-2 and 1099 work when reporting. It seems like the ESD system is pretty strict about these classifications. I'm wondering - is there anywhere on the ESD website that clearly explains these different employer types? It would be helpful to have a reference guide so people don't accidentally trigger these auto-disqualifications in the first place.
The whole system is set up to confuse people. Why can't Washington ESD just have clear guidance on their website about common situations like this?
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! This thread has been incredibly valuable. I'm feeling much more confident about filing my claim now. It sounds like the key points are: 1) WARN Act pay is different from regular severance and typically doesn't delay your claim, 2) You still need to report it on weekly certifications as other income, and 3) Be transparent about everything when filing. I'll make sure to clearly indicate it's WARN Act pay (not regular severance) when I file this week. Really appreciate this community for providing real-world experiences when the official channels are so hard to navigate!
This is such a great summary! I'm in a similar situation with my company doing layoffs next month, and this thread has been a lifesaver. The fact that multiple people have confirmed WARN Act pay doesn't delay claims is huge relief. I was panicking thinking I'd have to wait months to file. Thanks to everyone who shared their actual experiences - way more helpful than trying to decipher the confusing ESD website!
Just checking in - any updates on your claim? Has the governor's office expedite helped yet?
Thanks for checking back! I actually just saw movement in my portal this morning - my claim status changed from
That's amazing news! I'm so glad to hear your claim status is finally moving! It sounds like the governor's office intervention really did work. Please keep us updated on when you actually receive your first payment - I know there are others here who are considering the same route and would love to hear how it all works out. Fingers crossed everything processes smoothly from here! 🤞
Kendrick Webb
I'm really sorry this happened to you, Sebastian. As someone who's been through a similar situation, I can tell you that getting fired right after FMLA is a huge red flag for retaliation. The timing alone makes it really hard for employers to justify it as legitimate performance issues. You absolutely should be eligible for unemployment benefits - Washington ESD typically sides with employees in these clear-cut retaliation cases. Make sure you keep copies of all your FMLA paperwork and any performance reviews you had before taking leave. The contrast between your pre-leave performance and their sudden "performance issues" claim will be important evidence. Stay strong and don't let them intimidate you!
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Kevin Bell
•That "meets expectations" review from just 4 months ago is going to be crucial evidence in your favor. The fact that your performance was fine right up until you took FMLA leave really strengthens your case. I know it's overwhelming with a new baby, but you're doing the right thing by fighting this. Employers count on people being too stressed or intimidated to push back, but you have solid legal protections here. Document everything and don't let them gaslight you into thinking this is legitimate.
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StarSurfer
•This whole situation is so infuriating but unfortunately not uncommon. I've seen this exact pattern happen to several people - perfect timing right after FMLA return with suddenly manufactured "performance issues." The good news is that Washington ESD investigators are pretty experienced at spotting this kind of retaliation. Your documentation sounds solid, and the timing alone is going to be very difficult for your employer to explain away. Just remember that even if they contest your claim, you're in a strong position. Hang in there - you shouldn't have to choose between taking care of your family and keeping your job.
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JaylinCharles
I went through almost the exact same thing two years ago - fired 5 days after returning from maternity leave for alleged "performance issues" that were never mentioned before I left. Washington ESD approved my claim and my former employer's contest was denied at the hearing. The administrative law judge basically said the timing was too suspicious and they couldn't provide any evidence of actual performance problems prior to my leave. It took about 8 weeks total but I got full benefits plus backpay. The stress was awful with a new baby, but don't let them intimidate you - this kind of retaliation is exactly what unemployment insurance is designed to protect against. Your case sounds even stronger than mine was since you were only out 3 days before they fired you. Stay strong and keep fighting!
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Scarlett Forster
•This is so reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same thing! The timing in your case (5 days) and mine (3 days) is almost identical - it's like they don't even try to hide the retaliation anymore. I'm definitely feeling stressed about the whole process, especially with everything else going on with the new baby, but hearing that you got approved and won the hearing gives me hope. Did you have a lawyer for the hearing or did you represent yourself? I'm trying to figure out if I need to start looking for legal help now or wait to see what happens with the initial claim.
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