Here's what most people don't know: ESD has an internal policy that hardship cases involving eviction, utility disconnection, or medical emergencies should be prioritized. However, this only happens if you specifically request hardship prioritization and provide documentation. When you call the governor's office again (which you should do Monday morning), tell them: 1. You have a formal eviction notice (and can provide it) 2. You need your case marked for "hardship prioritization" 3. You need them to transfer your request to the "ESD Executive Review Team" These specific phrases can help move your case faster. The standard adjudication time is currently running 6-8 weeks unless specifically expedited. I work with a community resource center and we've helped several people navigate this exact situation. The system is frustrating, but there are ways to move through it more efficiently if you know the right terminology and procedures.

One more thing to try - if you have a state representative or senator, their constituent services can sometimes be even more effective than the governor's office. They often have direct contacts with ESD leadership. You can find your representatives here: app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder Send them an email explaining your situation and include your claim ID, contact info, and mention the eviction notice. Sometimes they can get things moving within 24-48 hours. Let us know how it goes!

wait you can fax things in 2025?? lol i didnt even know fax machines still existed! why doesn't ESD just use a normal upload system like every other website?

To answer your follow-up question - this is likely just a one-time thing for your missed week. Once you're back in the regular weekly claim cycle online, you should be able to enter your job search activities directly in eServices when you file your weekly claim. The paper form is typically only used for exceptional circumstances like the one you experienced. You should see in your eServices account that you need to enter job search details when you file your regular weekly claims online. If you're on standby or have a different job search requirement, that would be reflected there too. Make sure you keep copies of all your job search documentation regardless of how you submit it. ESD can request verification up to a year later during random audits.

check ur junk mail folder too! my decision actually came as an email but went to spam and i didnt know for like 2 weeks until paper copy came lol

Former ESD employee here. The legal requirement is that OAH decisions must be mailed within 30 days of the hearing date, but in practice, most judges issue them within 5-10 business days. Complex cases involving multiple parties or extensive documentation can take longer. The decision is NOT posted to your OAH account online. This is for legal reasons - they need to ensure you actually receive the physical decision with appeal rights information. After you receive the decision, if it's favorable, ESD has 5 business days to implement it. If unfavorable, you have 30 days to file a Petition for Review. One tip: If it's been more than 15 business days, you can call OAH directly at 1-855-928-1237 to check on status. They can't tell you the decision but can confirm if it's been mailed.

Just to add some clarity on claim status: Your benefit year remains active for 52 weeks from when you first applied, but your claim becomes inactive after 4 consecutive weeks of not filing. If you're gone for 3 weeks and file when you return, your claim will stay active. Just remember to file all 3 missed weeks at once when you return, marking yourself not able/available for those weeks. Also, keep in mind that even though you're applying for jobs while away, you still need to mark yourself as not available since you're out of the country. This is important for compliance with UI regulations.

my cousin just went through this exact situation last month when her dad passed away in Ecuador. She didn't claim for 3 weeks, then did them all at once when she got back. She marked she wasn't available those weeks and ESD was totally fine with it. Don't stress about it.

One important thing to remember: adjudication doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your claim. Sometimes it's just standard verification, especially for first-time claimants or if there's been a significant gap since your last claim. Keep an eye on your online account for any requests for information or documents - responding quickly to these can help speed up the process.

Update us when your adjudication is complete! It helps everyone to know current processing times since they vary throughout the year. In my experience, spring/summer claims tend to process faster than fall/winter ones.

i kno someone who had there benefits denied after quiting a job that didn't even give them breaks... esd is just impossible to deal with

That's unfortunate for your friend, but each case is different. Meal and rest break violations are actually specifically mentioned in ESD's guidelines as potential good cause for quitting, but proper documentation is crucial. Without knowing all the details of your friend's case, it's hard to say why they were denied. They may have had success if they appealed the decision with proper documentation.

Another important point: When you report your earnings on your weekly claim, be aware that Washington uses a Sunday-Saturday week for unemployment purposes. So make sure you're reporting earnings for the correct time period. Also, if your claim is eventually approved and you qualify for benefits for weeks you've already worked, you'll need to report those past earnings when ESD processes your back payments. This ensures you receive the correct partial benefit amount for each week.

Also, don't forget that even while working part-time, you still need to complete and document your three job search activities each week to remain eligible. I recommend focusing those job search efforts on positions closer to your normal wage/skill level while working the lower-paying job. Good luck with everything! The partial benefit option really saved me when I was in a similar position.

DONT GET YOUR HOPES UP!!! I went thru this whole process and they DENIED my waiver even though it was THEIR MISTAKE not mine!!1! I spent 14 weeks waiting just to get denied. Now they're garnishing my tax returns. The whole system is designed to screw over regular people. The appeals process is a joke too.

Just an update on processing times - I checked with a colleague who works with ESD cases, and she mentioned that they've been prioritizing pandemic-era overpayment waivers recently. Some are being processed in as little as 4-5 weeks now. The key factors that help get approval are: 1. Clear documentation that the overpayment wasn't due to fraud 2. Evidence that repaying would cause financial hardship 3. Proof that you reported information as accurately as you understood at the time For those waiting, it's also good to know that collections activities are supposed to be paused while your waiver request is under review.

just fyi after ur benefit year ends u have ONE WEEK to file a new claim before your claim becomes inactive!! don't wait too long or ul have to jump thru extra hoops. i did this last yr. took like 45 min to do the new application. not fun lol

Everyone is correct that you need to file a new UI claim after your benefit year ends. Here's the exact process: 1. On the day after your benefit year officially ends, log into eServices 2. You'll see a notification that you need to file a new claim 3. Click through to start the new application - it's similar to your original application 4. Have ready: employment history for the past 18 months, employer names/addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation 5. After submitting, continue filing weekly claims while your new application processes 6. Be prepared for possible adjudication if there are any issues with your new claim Your new benefit amount will be calculated based on your work history during your base year (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters from when you file the new claim). This might be higher, lower, or the same as your previous amount depending on your work history.

Has anyone else at your work quit because of this? If other employees left for the same reason, that would strengthen your case with ESD. When I went through something similar, having two former coworkers who could verify the hostile environment made a huge difference in my hearing.

Given what you've shared so far, it sounds like you have a potentially valid claim for good cause voluntary quit. To summarize the best approach: 1. Document everything thoroughly 2. Formally report the issues in writing (email) 3. Give the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the situation 4. If nothing improves, consider your resignation letter carefully - clearly state you're resigning due to the hostile work environment 5. File for unemployment immediately after leaving 6. Be prepared for adjudication and possibly appeals 7. Continue looking for work and documenting your job search The fact that others have quit for similar reasons strengthens your case. If you can get statements from them, that would be valuable evidence. I know how stressful this situation is. No one should have to work in an environment where they're yelled at and belittled.