This is such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. It's crazy how many different things can cause the weekly filing button to disappear - WorkSource registration, browser issues, account flags, etc. The ESD really needs to make these requirements clearer upfront instead of leaving people guessing. Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions!

As someone who just went through the initial unemployment process myself, I can't stress enough how important it is to check ALL your messages and requirements in eServices before panicking! I had a similar issue where I couldn't find the weekly filing option, and it turned out I had missed completing my identity verification through ID.me. The ESD system really should have clearer notifications about what's blocking you from filing, but unfortunately you have to dig around to find these requirements. Also, for anyone reading this thread - make sure you understand the job search requirements BEFORE you file your first claim. You need to be actively searching and documenting your efforts from day one, not just when you feel like it. This whole process is stressful enough without having to worry about missing payments because of unclear requirements!

Once you get the approval, notice your payments are automatically sent out. Natalie, I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. I know a lot about the unemployment system, and when I was in adjudication, and I got the approval letter, my payments were issued immediately.

This is exactly why ESD needs better transparency in their system. You shouldn't have to pay a third-party service or wait hours on hold just to find out there's a "quarterly review flag" blocking your payments. It's ridiculous that these blocks aren't visible to claimants in the portal. At minimum, they should show a status like "Payment under review" instead of just leaving everyone hanging with "pending" and no explanation. Glad you finally got it resolved, but the fact that you had to go through all that stress and expense just to get money you were already approved for is unacceptable. Hopefully your experience helps others who are stuck in the same situation realize they need to be persistent about actually reaching someone at ESD rather than just waiting and hoping the payments will magically appear.

One last thing - if your claim gets approved, don't spend the money assuming it's guaranteed. Sometimes employers win appeals even after initial approval. Keep some money set aside just in case, but don't stress too much about it.

I went through something similar last year - got terminated for "not being a cultural fit" after reporting safety violations. Washington ESD approved my claim because they determined it wasn't misconduct. The key thing to remember is that Washington law is actually pretty employee-friendly when it comes to unemployment eligibility. Even if your employer contests it (which they probably will), as long as you weren't fired for willful misconduct like theft, violence, or repeatedly refusing to follow reasonable instructions, you should be eligible. Performance issues, personality conflicts, or just not being good at the job typically don't disqualify you. File your claim today and make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even during the adjudication period. Good luck!

That's correct. Your 4 weeks of severance would be allocated to the first 4 weeks after separation, so UI benefits wouldn't begin until after that period - assuming your claim is approved. But you absolutely need to file weekly claims during those 4 weeks anyway, even though you won't receive payment for them. You'll report your severance and ESD will allocate it accordingly. As others have mentioned, the email documentation you have is very important. If your claim does go to adjudication and you have trouble reaching someone at ESD (which is unfortunately common), don't give up. Keep calling early in the morning when the queue is shorter. Use the online message center in your eServices account as backup. Document all your attempts to contact them.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. My employer gave me the exact same choice - resign with severance or be terminated without it. I was terrified I'd lose my unemployment benefits, but ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks in adjudication. The key thing that helped me was having clear documentation (like you do with that email) showing the employer initiated the separation. During my fact-finding interview, I just explained exactly what happened - that I was given an ultimatum and chose the option that provided some financial cushion. The adjudicator understood that this wasn't a voluntary quit in the traditional sense. My advice is to stay calm, be completely honest if they interview you, and keep filing those weekly claims even while waiting. You've got good documentation on your side!

This thread is really helpful! I'm in a similar situation - just got a job offer and wasn't sure about the reporting requirements. Thanks everyone for the detailed answers.

One thing I learned the hard way is to take screenshots of your weekly claim submissions showing that you reported your work and earnings correctly. I had a situation where ESD claimed I hadn't reported something properly, but having those screenshots saved me from a potential overpayment issue. It's just extra peace of mind to have that documentation showing exactly what you submitted and when.