I just wanted to add one more resource that might help your mom - Washington ESD has a specific page on their website about interstate claims that explains the process step by step. It's under "File for benefits" > "Special situations" > "Interstate claims." The page has a flowchart that shows exactly how they determine which state handles the claim based on where you worked vs. where the employer is located. It also lists the specific documentation they need for out-of-state filers. Having this info handy when she calls might help speed things up if she needs to speak with someone directly. Good luck with her claim!

I work for an employment law firm and see these interstate remote work situations frequently. Your mom is in a relatively straightforward case since she's been with the Washington company for 3 years as a W2 employee. A few additional points that might help: 1. Keep records of EVERYTHING - screenshots of her application, confirmation numbers, any correspondence. Interstate claims sometimes get lost in the system. 2. If Washington ESD determines Oregon should handle the claim, the transfer process usually takes 7-10 business days, but her claim date will be backdated to when she originally filed. 3. During the waiting period, she should still be actively job searching and keeping records - both states will require this regardless of who ultimately processes her claim. 4. Tech companies in Washington are generally good about not contesting legitimate unemployment claims, but having her employment contract and any layoff documentation ready is smart. The most important thing is filing quickly. Even if there's some back-and-forth between states, getting that initial claim date locked in protects her eligibility period. Best of luck to your mom!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now - filed my claim 3 weeks ago after being laid off from my marketing job and I'm still stuck on "pending employer response." The financial stress is really getting to me since I was already living paycheck to paycheck before the layoff. From reading all these responses, it sounds like the 10-day employer response rule under WAC 192-130-060 isn't being enforced consistently due to backlogs. I'm planning to try the early morning calling strategy starting tomorrow and also contact my former employer's HR to confirm they received the request from ESD. One thing I'm wondering - has anyone had success getting their state representative's office involved? I've heard sometimes they can help push things along with state agencies when people are having trouble getting responses. I'm getting close to considering that option if I can't get through to ESD soon. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this frustrating process!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - filed my unemployment claim 3.5 weeks ago after being laid off from my job at a local credit union, and I'm still seeing "pending employer response" with no updates. The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially since I have rent due next week and my emergency fund is nearly depleted. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both helpful and frustrating - helpful because I now know about the 10-day rule under WAC 192-130-060 and that I should try calling ESD right at 8am, but frustrating because it's clear this is a widespread problem that shouldn't be happening. It's ridiculous that straightforward layoff cases are taking weeks or months to process when the regulations clearly state employers have 10 days to respond. I'm going to start documenting everything like Savannah suggested - call attempts, dates, screenshots - and try the early morning calling strategy starting tomorrow. If that doesn't work by Friday, I think I'll reach out to my state representative's office like Rudy mentioned. We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to after losing our jobs through no fault of our own. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and advice - it really does help to know I'm not alone in this mess, even though none of us should be going through it in the first place.

I've been through a Washington ESD fraud investigation myself and want to reassure you that it's rarely as bad as it seems at first. The vast majority of these cases involve honest mistakes or misunderstandings about reporting requirements, not intentional fraud. In my case, I had incorrectly reported some freelance income and they just required me to pay back the overpayment with a small penalty - no criminal charges or anything scary like that. The investigators are generally reasonable people who understand that the unemployment system can be confusing. My advice is to gather all your documentation (pay stubs, bank statements, job search records, etc.), be completely honest about what happened, and respond promptly to any requests they make. If you genuinely made honest mistakes, that usually becomes clear during the investigation process. Don't panic - most people who cooperate and show good faith get through this just fine.

I understand how terrifying this must feel right now, but try to take a deep breath. As someone who works in employment law, I can tell you that Washington ESD investigations are usually much more routine than they seem. The fact that they're investigating doesn't automatically mean they think you committed intentional fraud - they investigate lots of claims just to verify information or clear up discrepancies in their system. Most of these cases are resolved through administrative processes, not criminal prosecution. Federal charges for unemployment fraud typically only occur in cases involving organized schemes, identity theft, or very large amounts (usually $20,000+). For individual claimants with reporting issues, it almost always stays at the state level with civil penalties rather than criminal charges. The best thing you can do right now is organize whatever documentation you have - bank statements, pay stubs, emails about job searches, anything that shows what you were actually doing during your benefit period. When you do get to speak with someone at ESD, be honest about any mistakes you might have made and ask specific questions about what they're looking for. Remember, their primary goal is usually to recover any overpayments, not to prosecute people who made honest errors.

Just want to echo everyone else - file immediately. I work in HR and see people make this mistake all the time. The filing date is what matters, not when benefits start flowing.

As someone who just went through this exact situation 3 months ago, I can't stress enough - FILE NOW! I had 6 weeks severance from my marketing job and made the mistake of listening to my former employer who told me to wait. Big mistake. When I finally filed, Washington ESD told me I should have filed immediately after separation regardless of severance. I lost about 3 weeks of potential benefits because of the delay. The severance just affects when payments start, not your eligibility to file. Don't make the same mistake I did - get your claim in the system ASAP and let them sort out the timing details.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about filing now. This thread has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official Washington ESD website.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I got laid off from my marketing job. Had a 10-week severance package and was terrified I'd mess something up with my unemployment claim. Turns out it was much simpler than I thought - since my severance was a lump sum for past work (not future pay), I was able to file immediately and start receiving benefits. The key is just being completely transparent when you fill out your initial application. They'll ask specifically about any separation pay, and as long as you're honest about the amount and timing, you should be fine. Don't let the severance sit there unused while you stress about eligibility - file your claim and let them sort it out. The worst case is they ask for clarification, but you won't lose your right to benefits.