I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 5 weeks in pending resolution with no explanation. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying! It sounds like the timeline is completely unpredictable. I've been trying to call ESD every day but like everyone else, can't get through. The stress of not knowing what's being investigated or how much longer it might take is really getting to me. At least I know I'm not alone in this situation. Has anyone had success with contacting their state rep's office? That seems like it might be worth trying at this point.

I'm in week 4 of pending resolution and this thread is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! It's good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare, but seeing people wait 8-10 weeks makes me want to cry. I was laid off from my marketing job due to budget cuts, so like @Nia Thompson it should be straightforward, but here we are. I've been religiously filing my weekly claims even though nothing is getting paid out. The worst part is having absolutely no idea what they're even investigating or if there's anything I can do to speed it up. My savings are almost gone and I'm starting to panic about next month's bills. Has anyone tried calling multiple times per day or is that just a waste of time?

Just wanted to add that you should also think about healthcare if you're on any kind of state assistance or Medicaid. That stuff doesn't transfer between states like unemployment does, so you'll need to reapply in Oregon if you're using those services.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities, especially during the transition period while you're moving. Washington ESD might ask for documentation, and having everything organized will make your life easier if any questions come up. Also, consider setting up a Google Voice number or similar service that forwards to your cell phone - that way you have a consistent contact number for potential employers even if you're switching phone plans or providers during the move. The job market for graphic design in the Pacific Northwest is definitely interconnected between Seattle and Portland, so networking contacts you've made in Washington might actually help you in Oregon too.

The bottom line is Washington ESD has multiple ways to detect unreported work. Data matching, employer reports, audits, tips from other people, etc. The risk of getting caught is high and the penalties are severe. Always report all work on your weekly claims.

I went through something similar last year and made the mistake of not reporting some freelance work I was doing. Washington ESD found out during their quarterly wage matching process and I had to pay back about $2,800 plus a penalty. The stress wasn't worth it at all. My advice is to call them immediately (maybe use that Claimyr service others mentioned since their phone lines are impossible) and voluntarily disclose the unreported work. They're usually more lenient when you come forward yourself rather than them catching you. Also, even if the work seems "minor" or irregular, it ALL needs to be reported - there's no minimum threshold. Better to be overly cautious than face the penalties later.

This thread has been really informative. I'm bookmarking it in case I ever need this information. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

I went through something similar about 8 months ago. Lost my job and had two kids (ages 2 and 4) with no immediate childcare options. Washington ESD was actually pretty understanding about it. The key things that helped me were: 1) I filed my claim right away and was upfront about the childcare situation from the start, 2) I kept detailed records of every daycare I contacted, every family member I reached out to, and every potential childcare solution I explored, and 3) I continued my job search while also searching for childcare, applying to positions that might offer flexible schedules or remote work options. I received benefits for about 10 weeks while sorting everything out. The weekly claims were straightforward - just the standard questions about job search activities and availability. As long as you're genuinely trying to resolve the childcare barrier and actively looking for work, they consider you available for employment. Don't let the stress delay your filing - you've already waited two weeks and you don't want to miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

One more tip - if you're doing regular 1099 work, consider setting up a simple spreadsheet to track your hours and earnings each week. Makes the weekly claim filing much easier.

Just to add another perspective - I've been doing freelance graphic design while on unemployment and one thing that really helped me was calling Washington ESD during off-peak hours (like Tuesday mornings around 8 AM). I was able to get through and confirm exactly how to report project-based 1099 work where the hours aren't as clear-cut as traditional employment. The agent told me to estimate hours based on industry standards for the type of work I'm doing. Also, make sure you understand that if you have a really good week with 1099 income, it might make sense to spread the work across multiple weeks if possible to maximize your combined unemployment + freelance income. The partial benefit system really does help if you plan it right.