Quick update on the rules: For 2025, ESD updated their guidelines a bit. After the first 10 weeks of unemployment, you're expected to consider jobs paying at least 80% of your previous wage. After 15 weeks, this drops to 75%. Only after 20+ weeks are you expected to consider positions below 70% of your previous wage. Since you're only at week 6 and the offer is 50% of your previous wage, you're well within your rights to decline. The requirement to pay for your own training strengthens your case further. Keep up with your job search activities (minimum 3 per week) and document everything carefully!

I went through something very similar last year - was making $78K in marketing and got offered a $35K retail management position that required me to complete unpaid training for 2 weeks before starting. I was terrified about declining it, but after consulting with an ESD agent, I learned that the unpaid training requirement alone made it "unsuitable work." Key things that helped my case: - The job required personal financial investment (your $750 certification) - Salary was less than 50% of previous wage - Completely different career field - I had only been unemployed for 7 weeks I reported it honestly on my weekly claim, attached the job offer email, and included a brief explanation. ESD approved my decision within a week with no issues. The agent even told me that employers who require workers to pay upfront costs are often trying to take advantage of desperate job seekers. You made the right call declining this offer. Keep documenting your job search efforts and applying for positions in your field. The fact that you're only 6 weeks in and they offered you something requiring out-of-pocket expenses makes this a pretty clear-cut case of unsuitable work.

Just wanted to add that when you're reporting your severance payments each week, make sure you're reporting the gross amount (before taxes) not the net amount you actually receive. Washington ESD bases their calculations on the gross severance amount. I made this mistake initially and had to correct it later, which caused some confusion in my claim. The weekly claim form should be pretty clear about this, but it's worth mentioning since tax withholdings can make the amounts look quite different.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation but with a twist - my company is paying my severance through their regular payroll system over 8 weeks, but they're also continuing my health insurance during that time. Does anyone know if the continued health insurance coverage affects how Washington ESD views the severance payments? I want to make sure I understand the full picture before I file my claim. From everything I've read here, it sounds like I should still file immediately and report the weekly severance amounts, but I'm wondering if the insurance continuation adds any complications to the process.

The whole system is confusing but at least Washington has decent benefits compared to other states. Could be worse I guess.

I'm new to the unemployment system and this thread has been super informative! One thing I'm still unclear on - when they calculate your base period wages, do they use gross wages or net wages after taxes? I want to make sure I'm estimating my potential benefit correctly before I file.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - filed 5 weeks ago and still pending determination. It's so frustrating not knowing what's causing the delay or when it might be resolved. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful though. I had no idea interstate wages could cause such long delays, and the Claimyr service sounds like it might be worth trying if I can't get through soon. Thanks for posting this question Connor, at least we know we're not alone in this waiting game!

I'm in week 7 of waiting for my determination and honestly, this thread has been more helpful than anything I've gotten from Washington ESD directly. The interstate wages explanation makes perfect sense - I worked in California before moving here and filed my claim based on those wages. Really wish they would communicate this stuff upfront instead of leaving us all in the dark guessing what's wrong. Going to try that Claimyr service this week because I'm tired of hitting redial 100 times a day just to get a busy signal. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least now I know I'm not crazy for expecting better communication from the system!

FINAL UPDATE: The money arrived in my bank account this morning! So the full timeline was: - Monday: Approval letter - Wednesday: Status changed to "paid" in eServices - Friday morning: Money in my bank account Thanks again to everyone who helped explain the process and timeline. Such a relief to finally have this resolved after 3 months of stress and uncertainty. Hope this helps anyone else going through adjudication!

Congratulations on finally getting approved! Three months in adjudication sounds absolutely brutal. I'm currently on week 6 of waiting for my adjudication decision and posts like yours give me hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel. Your timeline from approval to actual payment (Monday approval letter to Friday deposit) is really helpful to know. I've been stressing about how long the payment process would take once I finally get approved. Thanks for sharing all the updates - this kind of detailed timeline is exactly what people in our situation need to see!