MAKE SURE you keep doing your job search activities even while waiting for everything to update!!! I know someone who thought winning their appeal meant they didn't have to do job search for a while (no idea why they thought that) and they got disqualified all over again for a completely different reason. Don't give ESD any excuse!

I went through something similar last year! The system lag is frustrating but totally normal. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - if you haven't already, I'd recommend requesting a copy of the written appeal decision for your records. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to arrive by mail, but having that official document can be really helpful if any questions come up later about your eligibility. You can usually request it by calling the appeals office directly (they're easier to reach than the main ESD line). Congrats on winning your appeal!

One more thing - if you're getting other benefits like workers comp or disability, it can affect your unemployment eligibility. They don't want you 'double dipping' even if the situations are different.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that they can also deny you if you're receiving severance pay or other separation payments. Washington ESD considers this as wages for the period it covers, which can delay when your benefits start or affect your weekly benefit amount. If you got a severance package, make sure to report it accurately when you file - they'll find out anyway when they verify your wages with your employer. Better to be upfront about it than have them discover it later and potentially hit you with an overpayment.

UPDATE: Just wanted to share that I received my determination letter today - exactly 8 days after speaking with the adjudicator. My claim was approved! The letter says I should see payments within 48 hours for all my back weeks. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice during the wait.

Congratulations on getting your claim approved! 8 days is actually a pretty quick turnaround. Your update gives me hope - I'm in a similar situation waiting for adjudication on my claim. It's so stressful not knowing when (or if) the money will come through, especially when bills keep piling up. Did you get the full backpay for all 5 weeks you were waiting, or did they only approve certain weeks? Thanks for sharing your experience!

Exactly! Just make sure you're still meeting all the job search requirements while you're doing it.

This thread has been super informative! I'm in a similar boat - got offered some consulting work but was terrified to take it because of my unemployment benefits. Now I understand that signing the W9 is just paperwork, and the key is accurate reporting once I actually start working. The distinction between reporting when work is performed vs when paid for 1099 work is crucial - I had no idea about that difference. Going to bookmark this thread for reference when I start my freelance gig!

I'm in a similar boat - got my docket number about 10 days ago and the waiting is brutal! One thing I learned from calling OAH is that they send hearing notices by both mail AND email if you provided an email address on your appeal. Make sure to check your spam folder regularly too. I also found out you can call OAH's main number (206-389-3400) and press option 2 to check on your hearing status - sometimes they can tell you if it's been scheduled even before you get the official notice. The automated system there gives you basic info about timelines too. Hang in there - from everything I'm reading it sounds like most people do eventually get through the process, it's just painfully slow!

I've been through this whole process twice unfortunately (long story), and I want to echo what others have said about keeping meticulous records. One thing that really helped me the second time was creating a simple spreadsheet with dates, actions taken, confirmation numbers, and outcomes. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you have copies of EVERYTHING - your original application, all correspondence from ESD, any employer documents, etc. The judges really appreciate when you can reference specific dates and documents during the hearing. For what it's worth, my first hearing took 5 weeks to schedule, my second took only 3 weeks, so their workload definitely varies. And yes, absolutely call ESD immediately after you get a favorable decision - don't assume they'll automatically process it. I learned that lesson the hard way the first time! The whole system is frustrating but stay persistent and organized. You've got this!