FWIW the official Washington ESD statistics page gets updated around the 15th of each month with the previous month's data. So right now you're looking at November 2024 numbers. December data should be out soon and will probably show the seasonal uptick from holiday layoffs.

I've been following Washington ESD data for a while and can confirm the current numbers are around 87,000-90,000 people receiving regular UI benefits. However, what's frustrating is that this doesn't include the thousands stuck in adjudication like yourself. From what I've observed, construction layoffs in winter often trigger additional review requirements, which explains your 5-week delay. The system treats seasonal layoffs differently than permanent job losses, requiring verification that it's truly temporary. Your wait time is longer than average but not unheard of for seasonal claims. Have you received any correspondence explaining what specific issue is under review?

UPDATE: My claim just switched from pending to paid this morning! Only took 3 days in the end. Thanks everyone for the advice and helping me not panic (too much). For anyone else who has this happen - the one-day job I reported definitely seems to have triggered the review, but it resolved itself without me having to call.

So glad to hear it worked out! This is exactly why I always tell people to report their earnings honestly even if it triggers a review - it's better to be transparent and deal with a few days of pending status than to risk getting flagged for unreported income later. Your experience is really helpful for others who might be in the same situation. The system may be frustrating but at least it's somewhat predictable once you understand how it works.

To directly answer your original questions: 1. Yes, Washington does deduct pensions from unemployment benefits when the pension is from a base year employer 2. No, they don't deduct pensions if they're from a completely different employer outside your base year 3. No, it's not just the week you receive the payment - they prorate it across all weeks When you report your pension, ESD will ask for documentation showing the monthly amount and may ask for information about contribution percentages. They'll calculate the reduction and apply it automatically to future payments. One more thing - if your pension amount changes at any point, you need to report that change to ESD right away.

I went through something similar when I got laid off from my state job in 2022. One thing that might help reduce the financial impact - if you haven't already, check if your pension allows for any temporary suspension or deferment options while you're unemployed. Some pension plans (especially government ones) have provisions that let you delay payments for a few months if you're actively job searching. It won't eliminate the deduction issue entirely, but it could give you some breathing room while you find new employment. Also, make sure when you do report the pension to ESD that you emphasize the employee contribution percentage - that 35% you mentioned could save you about $150 per week in deductions. Good luck with the job search!

Update us on how it goes! There are probably other people in similar situations who could benefit from hearing about your experience with the process.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through a similar situation last year. I was fired from my retail job for missing too many shifts due to childcare issues when my babysitter kept canceling last minute. I was terrified I wouldn't qualify since it was technically attendance-related, but I filed immediately anyway. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 5 weeks of review because I could show I was trying to find alternative childcare and had legitimate reasons for the absences. The key is having documentation and being completely honest during the adjudication interview. Don't give up hope - even attendance-related terminations can qualify if the circumstances show you weren't being willfully negligent. Good luck with your claim!

Make sure to update us on how this gets resolved! These situations are unfortunately common and it helps others to know what worked for you.

This is absolutely infuriating! I went through something similar last year and it's like they design these systems to be as confusing and stressful as possible. The fact that you have to hunt through old notices to figure out why they're taking your money is ridiculous. When I had my intercept issue, I found that going to the local DSHS office in person was way more effective than trying to call. The phone system is a nightmare, but the in-person staff actually seemed to care and could pull up your case immediately. Bring literally every piece of paperwork you have - custody orders, school enrollment records, medical records showing the kids on your insurance, anything that proves they live with you. Also document everything - take photos of all the paperwork you bring and get names of who you talk to. Good luck and don't let them wear you down!