For people asking about job search requirements with the maximum benefit - just because you're getting $999 a week doesn't mean the requirements are any different. You still need those 3 job contacts per week minimum and need to be actively looking for work in your field.

For anyone wondering about appeal rights - if you think your benefit calculation is wrong or you're not getting the maximum you're entitled to, you have the right to appeal Washington ESD's determination. You get 30 days from when they mail you the decision to file an appeal. I had to do this when they miscalculated my base period wages and it was worth the effort. The appeals process can take a few months but if you're right about being owed more money, they'll pay you retroactively for the difference.

Just want to echo what others said about Claimyr if you need to reach Washington ESD with questions about benefits or programs. I used them last month and finally got answers to questions I'd been trying to ask for weeks.

As someone who's been navigating Washington ESD for a while now, I can add that the unemployment rate also affects federal funding for workforce development programs. When unemployment is higher, there's typically more funding available for job training and retraining programs through WorkSource. Right now with our relatively low 4-5% rate, those programs still exist but may have less funding than during high unemployment periods. It's worth checking with your local WorkSource office to see what training opportunities might be available - sometimes they have programs that aren't well publicized but could help with your job search in a specific field.

That's great news that you got through and have an escalation ticket! I'm dealing with something similar - been waiting 4 weeks on SEAP claims myself. Did the agent give you a specific ticket number to reference if you need to follow up? Also curious if they mentioned anything about the January system update that someone mentioned earlier. Hoping your payments come through as promised!

I'm in week 4 of waiting for my SEAP claims to process and this thread is both terrifying and reassuring at the same time! It's awful that so many people are dealing with these massive delays, but at least I know I'm not alone. The fact that they're not communicating ANYTHING about these processing delays on their website is just inexcusable - people are going into debt waiting for benefits they're legally entitled to. I'm definitely going to try uploading some hardship documentation like Sean suggested, and if I hit 6 weeks I'll look into that Claimyr service. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it really helps to know what to expect even when the news isn't great.

For anyone reading this thread later - make sure you understand the difference between being fired 'for cause' vs being laid off. Even though your employer paid the premiums, you might not qualify for benefits if you were terminated for misconduct.

The whole system would work better if Washington ESD improved their customer service. Employers pay in, people get laid off, but then can't get help when they need it. That disconnect is really frustrating.

One last tip - if Washington ESD asks for additional documentation after you file, respond quickly! They usually give you a deadline, and missing it can delay or deny your claim. Stay on top of any requests they send you.

Also remember that you can appeal if Washington ESD denies your claim initially! Don't give up if they say you don't qualify - sometimes they make mistakes or need additional clarification about your situation. The appeals process exists for a reason, and many people successfully overturn initial denials. Just make sure you file your appeal within the deadline they give you (usually 30 days).