I just wanted to update everyone. I finally managed to reach someone at ESD after trying for 3 days straight. They confirmed that for our company's Shared Work plan, I should continue filing through my existing Shared Work claim even during the full shutdown week. I won't need to file a new claim or serve another waiting week! Apparently different Shared Work agreements have different terms, which explains why there's so much conflicting information out there. Such a relief to know I won't miss that week of pay. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such a perfect example of why the ESD system is so confusing! I'm dealing with something similar at my retail job - we're on Shared Work but they're talking about closing completely for inventory week. Reading through all these responses, it's clear that every company's Shared Work agreement can be different, which explains why people are getting conflicting information. Really glad you got through to ESD directly and got it confirmed for your specific situation. For anyone else reading this, it sounds like the key takeaway is that you MUST verify with ESD directly for your company's specific Shared Work terms rather than assuming it works the same for everyone. Thanks for sharing your outcome - this thread is going to help so many people!

Don't forget that you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA as part of the unemployment requirements. It's the same for federal employees as everyone else - you have to show you're actively looking for work.

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share that I just went through this process as a federal employee myself. The information everyone's shared is spot on - you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD under the UCFE program. One thing I'd add is that when you call Washington ESD, specifically mention that you're a federal employee filing under UCFE. This helps them route you to the right specialist who understands federal employment separations. Also, if you're having trouble getting through by phone, you can start the application online at esd.wa.gov, which might be easier than waiting on hold. The online system will ask for the same information and you can always call later if you need help with specific questions about your federal employment history.

so does this mean were still getting paid? just a day late? i already filed my claim yesterday

Thanks for the heads up! I'm new to unemployment benefits and this kind of information is exactly what I needed. I was wondering though - does this delay affect the unemployment debit card payments too, or just direct deposits? I'm using the ESD debit card and wasn't sure if that goes through the same banking system delays.

Make sure he starts looking for other work right away too, even if he gets approved for unemployment. The job search requirements are pretty strict these days.

This is such a difficult situation, and I really feel for your cousin. From what I've read here, it sounds like the driving requirement is going to be the main issue Washington ESD will focus on. Even though the DUI happened on personal time, the fact that it directly impacts his ability to perform essential job duties (driving company vehicles) will likely be seen as work-connected misconduct. That said, definitely file the claim anyway - every case is unique and you never know how they'll interpret the specific circumstances. The worst that can happen is a denial, which can then be appealed. Make sure he's completely honest on the application and keeps all documentation from his termination. If he does get denied and needs help navigating the appeal process, it sounds like there are resources available to help get through to actual ESD representatives. Wishing him the best of luck with this whole mess.

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! Been approved and receiving payments since early February, then last week I noticed "adjudication in progress" appeared on my account with no warning or explanation. Like you, I'm still getting my weekly payments deposited normally, but it's nerve-wracking not knowing what's going on. I tried calling ESD multiple times but kept getting busy signals or dropped calls after long hold times. The uncertainty is really stressful - you start wondering if you did something wrong or if there's going to be some surprise demand for repayment later. Reading through all these responses is actually really comforting though. It sounds like these random adjudication reviews are much more common than I realized, and most people seem to have them resolve without any major issues. I'm going to keep filing my weekly claims accurately and check my account daily like everyone suggested. Fingers crossed it just disappears like yours did!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! I've been approved since mid-January and getting regular payments, then suddenly last Thursday I see "adjudication in progress" pop up with absolutely no explanation. Still getting my weekly deposits but I've been checking my account obsessively every few hours expecting the worst. What's really frustrating is how they just drop this status on you with zero context. No email, no letter, no message in eServices - just suddenly there it is making you panic. I called the customer service line about 15 times yesterday and either got busy signals or sat on hold for over an hour before getting disconnected. Reading everyone's experiences here is honestly the most helpful information I've gotten about this whole process. It's reassuring to know that these mystery adjudications are apparently pretty routine and most people have them resolve without major issues. I was convinced I had somehow messed up my weekly claims or that my former employer had filed some kind of complaint against me. Going to keep filing my weeklies accurately and checking for any communications like everyone suggested. Hopefully mine disappears as mysteriously as it appeared! Thanks for sharing your experience and coming back to update - it really helps those of us going through the same thing right now.