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Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to report my severance payment when I file my weekly claim. It sounds like I might not receive benefits for a few weeks while they allocate the severance, but I'll keep filing my weekly claims so everything stays active. I'll also try the Claimyr service to get confirmation directly from ESD about how they'll handle this specific situation. Really appreciate all the advice!
Just went through this exact situation last month! Definitely report the severance - I made the mistake of listening to bad advice initially and it caused major headaches later. When I finally got through to ESD (took forever), they explained that ANY money received after termination counts as reportable income, regardless of how it's paid out. They allocated my $4,200 severance over about 3 weeks based on my previous wages, so I didn't get unemployment during that time but my benefits kicked in automatically afterward. Keep filing those weekly claims even during the allocation period - that's super important! Also, upload a copy of your severance agreement/letter to your eServices account proactively - it'll save you time if they request documentation later.
I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! My claim has been pending for over two weeks and I couldn't figure out where my account number was hiding. After reading through everyone's suggestions, I found mine in an old email from Washington ESD that had been sitting in my spam folder for months - it was in the footer of a "weekly claim reminder" message that I had completely ignored. It's absolutely mind-blowing that they bury such critical information in random places instead of making it easily accessible on your main account dashboard. For anyone still searching, I'd also suggest checking any PDF attachments from Washington ESD emails - sometimes the account number appears there even if it's not in the main email text. The whole system really needs to be redesigned with actual user experience in mind. Thank you to everyone who shared their tips and experiences - it's reassuring to know we're not alone in dealing with this bureaucratic maze!
I'm so glad you found your account number! Your tip about checking PDF attachments is brilliant - I never would have thought to look there. It's really frustrating that we have to hunt through spam folders and random email footers just to find our own account information. The fact that this thread has helped so many people find their account numbers really shows how widespread this problem is. Washington ESD really needs to step up their game and make this information more accessible. Thanks for sharing the PDF tip - that could help others who are still searching!
That's such a great point about checking PDF attachments! I never would have thought to look there either. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become forensic investigators just to find our own account information. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my claim has been pending for weeks and the phone system is completely useless. After reading through this whole thread, I'm going to systematically check my spam folder, old confirmation emails, and now PDF attachments too. The fact that so many people are having the exact same problem really shows how broken Washington ESD's system is. They should just display the account number prominently on the main dashboard instead of hiding it in random email footers and spam folders. Thanks for sharing that PDF tip - hopefully it helps other people who are still stuck in this same frustrating situation!
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My claim has been stuck in pending status for almost a month and I can't find my account number anywhere. After reading through all these responses, I'm going to start systematically checking my spam folder and old emails from when I first applied. It's absolutely ridiculous that Washington ESD makes finding your own account number like solving a puzzle when you're already stressed about being unemployed. The fact that so many people are having this same problem really shows how broken their system is. I'm also seriously considering that Claimyr service that @Dmitry Smirnov mentioned since the regular phone system seems completely useless. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips - at least we know we're not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare!
I totally understand your frustration! I went through this same issue a couple months ago and it was incredibly stressful. One thing that helped me that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you've ever downloaded the Washington ESD mobile app, sometimes the account number shows up in the app settings or profile section even when the website is giving you trouble. Also, check any confirmation text messages if you provided a phone number during registration - I found mine buried in an automated SMS that I had almost deleted. The spam folder search is definitely your best bet though - I was shocked at how many important ESD emails had been filtered there automatically. That Claimyr service really does seem to be a game-changer based on everyone's experiences here. The whole system is definitely broken when we need third-party services just to reach our own unemployment office, but at least there are workarounds. Hang in there and keep us updated on what ends up working for you!
I'm in the exact same boat and this thread has been a lifesaver! I've been searching for my account number for days with no luck. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you've ever printed out any confirmation pages after submitting your weekly claims, the account number is sometimes at the very bottom in tiny print. I found mine that way after checking literally everywhere else. Also, if you have an iPhone and use the built-in mail app, try searching for "Employment Security" or "ESD" in the global search - it sometimes finds emails that don't show up when searching within specific folders. The whole Washington ESD system is such a mess, but at least we're all helping each other figure it out. Definitely try that Claimyr service if the traditional routes keep failing - based on everyone's experiences here, it seems like a legitimate solution to this broken phone system.
Update from my previous comment: I checked with a colleague who works directly with ESD, and there's currently a backlog in construction industry claims specifically. There were several large layoffs in the sector this quarter, and they're reviewing employer tax compliance more carefully for construction companies. This likely explains your extended wait time compared to claims from other industries.
I'm dealing with a similar situation - filed in early April and still stuck in adjudication after 8 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I had to use my emergency savings just to keep my head above water, and now that's almost gone too. I've been following a lot of the advice here (calling multiple times, filing weekly claims religiously, doing job search activities) but still no movement. The worst part is the uncertainty - like you don't know if it's going to be resolved tomorrow or drag on for months. One thing that's helped me cope while waiting is applying for food assistance through DSHS and looking into utility assistance programs. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're hemorrhaging money. Hang in there - sounds like you've got some good leads to follow up on!
My theory is that they make it deliberately difficult to discourage people from filing claims. The harder it is, the fewer people will stick with it through the whole process.
The lack of transparency is what gets me. They'll put a hold on your claim but won't tell you specifically what they need or how long it will take. Just 'under review' forever.
The worst part is when they ask for additional information but don't specify exactly what format they want it in, so you submit something and then they reject it.
This happened to me too! They asked for "employment verification" but didn't specify if they wanted pay stubs, W-2s, or a letter from my employer. I sent pay stubs and they said it wasn't sufficient. When I called to ask what they actually needed, I got transferred three times and never got a clear answer. Finally had to send everything I could think of and hope something would work.
Landon Morgan
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! I went through something similar last year and the uncertainty is awful. One thing that helped me was getting a copy of the judge's written decision as soon as possible - it should spell out exactly why they reversed ESD's original decision and what specific law or regulation they based it on. This information will be crucial if you decide to appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office. Also, when you apply for that payment plan, ask if they can put a hold on collection activities while your Commissioner appeal is pending. Some people have success with this, though it's not guaranteed. Document everything and keep copies of all correspondence. Hang in there!
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Mateo Sanchez
•This is really helpful advice, especially about getting the written decision ASAP. I'm definitely going to request that collection hold while my Commissioner appeal is pending - I hadn't thought of that option. The whole process feels so overwhelming but knowing others have navigated this successfully gives me hope. Thank you for the encouragement!
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Carmen Diaz
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my employer also appealed and I'm waiting for the decision. Reading through your experience and everyone's responses is really helping me prepare for what might happen. A few questions if you don't mind: When you got through to the ESD agent, did they explain why the judge ruled in favor of your employer? And when you file the Commissioner appeal, do you need a lawyer or can you represent yourself? The thought of owing back $5,800 is terrifying, but it sounds like the payment plan option makes it more manageable. Thanks for sharing your update - it really helps to know what to expect!
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