One more option - if you're tech savvy, you can try using an auto-dialer app on your phone to keep calling repeatedly. Some people swear by this method but personally I'd rather just use something like Claimyr that does all the work for me.

Has anyone tried the early morning strategy on different days of the week? I'm wondering if certain days are consistently better than others for getting through at 8 AM. I've been trying randomly but maybe there's a pattern to when they're less swamped. Also curious if anyone knows what happens if you get disconnected while on hold - do you have to start completely over or is there any way to get back in the queue?

For anyone else reading this thread, always check your pay stub first. It's the easiest way to determine which state you should file in.

I went through this exact situation a few years back - lived in Washington but worked in Oregon. The key thing to remember is that you always file where your employer paid unemployment taxes, which is typically where you worked. Since your employer was in Idaho, that's where their unemployment taxes were paid for your position. The Idaho Department of Labor website has a really clear section on this under their FAQ. Don't let the conflicting info online confuse you - your pay stub will show which state's unemployment taxes were deducted, and that's your answer right there!

I just went through something similar! I live in Nevada but work remotely for a Washington-based company. When I got laid off, I was initially confused about which state to file with, but it's definitely based on where your employer is located and pays taxes. Since your employer is withholding Washington taxes and paying into Washington's unemployment system, that's exactly where your benefits should come from. The fact that Washington ESD approved your claim confirms you're on the right track. Your Oregon residency just means you'll need to report those unemployment benefits on your Oregon state tax return when tax season comes around, but it doesn't affect the actual unemployment claim process at all.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar boat - live in Oregon, work in Washington, and was totally confused about the tax implications. What really clicked for me reading through everyone's responses is that unemployment insurance is essentially a business expense that employers pay to the state where they operate, not where their employees happen to live. It's kind of like how a business pays property taxes where their building is located, not where their customers live. The system makes so much more sense when you think of it that way. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - especially those who've dealt with the interstate complications. Definitely saving this thread for future reference!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! Really helped clarify the work rules for unemployment benefits in Washington state.

Just wanted to add that if you're working multiple part-time jobs while on unemployment, you need to report ALL of them when filing your weekly claim. I learned this the hard way when I was juggling two different gig jobs. Washington ESD requires you to report every source of income, no matter how small. The good news is that as long as your total earnings stay under that weekly benefit amount plus $5 threshold, you'll still get your full unemployment benefits. It's actually pretty encouraging that the system supports people who are trying to piece together income while job hunting!

Final piece of advice based on helping several clients with similar appeals: Practice explaining your situation concisely. The judges hear dozens of cases and appreciate when claimants can clearly articulate: 1) Why you had good cause to quit the first job (offer letter for better position), 2) That you were performing adequately at the new job, and 3) That you were terminated for reasons other than misconduct. Stick to facts rather than emotions, and when asked yes/no questions, answer directly then elaborate only if needed. Good luck with your appeal!

I'm in a very similar situation right now! Just got denied last week for the same "insufficient good cause" reason even though I quit my retail job because I got hired at a healthcare facility with better pay and benefits. Then they let me go after 3 weeks saying I wasn't "adapting quickly enough" to their computer system. It's so frustrating because we did everything right - we found better jobs, quit responsibly, and then got fired through no fault of our own! I'm filing my appeal this week too. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope that we can win these cases. The advice about continuing to file weekly claims is huge - I almost made that mistake. Good luck with your hearing!