File online if possible - it's faster than calling and you don't have to wait on hold. The online system is available 24/7 too so you can do it right now if you want.

Just wanted to follow up and say I successfully filed my claim online about an hour ago! The process was actually much easier than I expected - took maybe 20 minutes to complete. Now I just need to wait for them to process it and start doing my weekly claims. Really appreciate everyone's advice and encouragement. For anyone else in a similar situation, don't wait like I did - just file as soon as you can!

Bottom line - there's no lifetime limit on unemployment claims in Washington. Just make sure you meet the work requirements between claims and file properly each time.

I'm in a similar situation - this is potentially my fourth time filing over the past 8 years due to various layoffs in the tech industry. It's reassuring to hear from everyone that there really isn't a limit as long as you meet the work requirements. The 680 hours OR $7,000 rule is key to remember. I've always made sure to work at least a full year between claims just to be safe, but it sounds like you don't need to wait that long if you hit the requirements sooner.

For anyone dealing with Washington ESD questions or issues, I had great success using Claimyr to actually get through to a human. Their service connects you directly with Washington ESD agents without having to deal with busy signals and long hold times. Really saved me a lot of frustration when I needed to clarify some things about my claim.

I went through a similar situation last year and can tell you that you're handling this exactly right! The fact that you're reporting your part-time earnings shows you're following the rules. Washington ESD actually has a pretty clear formula - as long as your weekly earnings don't exceed your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can still receive partial benefits. I was doing DoorDash while collecting unemployment and never had any issues because I reported everything accurately. The system is designed to encourage people to work part-time while transitioning back to full employment. Keep doing what you're doing and don't stress about it - honest reporting is all they ask for!

I think u should consider tempoary work also. Lots of warehouses n retail hiring for holiday season right now. That way you make extra $ AND dont have to worry bout turning down jobs or the requirements.

I've been dealing with this same issue for the past two months! One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed spreadsheet of all my job search activities with dates, descriptions, and how they relate to my career goals. ESD seems to appreciate when you can show you're being strategic about your search rather than just randomly applying places. Also, don't forget about informational interviews - you can reach out to companies in your industry (or related fields) and ask to speak with someone about their work. Most people are happy to chat for 15-20 minutes, and it counts as a legitimate job search activity. I've actually made some great connections this way that might lead to opportunities down the road. One more tip: if you do apply for jobs, try to focus on positions that would genuinely add to your skill set or could complement your landscaping work. Think about office jobs at nurseries, garden centers, or landscape supply companies. That way if you do get an interview, you can honestly say it aligns with your career interests.

So glad to hear you got your backpay! This is exactly why this community is so valuable - real people sharing real experiences with ESD's confusing system. Your story will definitely help others who find themselves in the same scary situation of getting approval followed by more adjudication. Hope that last week clears up quickly too!

This happened to me too about 6 months ago! The timing is so stressful when you're already behind on bills. One thing that helped me was setting up payment arrangements with my utilities and landlord while waiting - most are understanding about unemployment delays if you can show them the approval letter. Also, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while that one week is in adjudication, otherwise you could miss out on future payments. The system is definitely confusing but sounds like you're on the right track!