One last thing - make sure you have all your employment information handy when you file (dates of employment, employer address, supervisor names, etc.). Makes the process much smoother if you have everything ready.

Don't get discouraged if the process takes longer than expected! I was fired for attendance issues similar to yours and it took about 6 weeks total to get my first payment, but I did get approved. The adjudication interview was actually pretty straightforward - they just wanted to understand the specific circumstances of each absence. Having any kind of documentation (even text messages to your supervisor about being sick) can really help your case. The most important thing is to stay on top of your weekly filings and respond promptly to any requests for information from Washington ESD.

This is really helpful advice, especially about tracking earnings mid-week to optimize total income! I hadn't thought about strategically stopping gig work if I'm getting close to that earnings threshold. Quick question - when you say "gross earnings," are you including tips that customers add through the app, or just the base delivery fees? I know tips are part of what the apps report to the IRS, but I want to make sure I'm reporting the right numbers to ESD. Also, do you use any specific spreadsheet template or just create your own columns? I'm pretty organized but want to make sure I'm tracking everything ESD might ask for if my claim gets reviewed. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's reassuring to hear from someone who's been successfully managing this for months!

I've been doing DoorDash while on unemployment for about 3 months now and wanted to share a few additional tips that have helped me stay compliant: 1. **Weekly claiming timing matters** - I always file my weekly claim on the same day each week and make sure to report earnings for the correct work week, not the pay week. The apps sometimes pay you the following week for work you did, so don't get confused by that. 2. **Track your mileage too** - Even though you're reporting gross earnings to ESD, you'll want mileage records for tax purposes. I use the Stride app to automatically track miles while doing deliveries. Come tax time, you can deduct business mileage which helps offset the self-employment taxes you'll owe on gig earnings. 3. **Be prepared for quarterly tax payments** - Since gig work is 1099 income, you'll likely need to make estimated quarterly tax payments to avoid penalties. Something to factor into your financial planning while job hunting. 4. **Keep your availability flexible** - I only work gig jobs during off-peak job search hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends). This way I'm always available for interviews during business hours and it shows ESD you're prioritizing your job search. The earning limit can be frustrating when you hit it mid-week, but honestly the flexibility to earn some extra cash while job hunting has been a lifesaver. Just stay organized with your tracking and you should be fine!

just wanted to say hang in there - i was in adjudication for 7 weeks in february/march and finally got paid last week. the stress was unbearable but it did eventually resolve. sending good vibes your way!

I went through something very similar last year - 7 weeks in adjudication with no communication from ESD. What finally broke things loose for me was filing a complaint with the Washington State Auditor's office through their online fraud reporting system. I know it sounds extreme, but there's actually a category for "failure to provide timely services" that applies to ESD delays. Within 48 hours of filing that complaint, I got a call from an ESD supervisor who resolved my claim the same day. Turns out there was a simple employer response that had been sitting in someone's queue for weeks. The auditor's office takes these complaints seriously because they're tasked with oversight of state agencies. It's definitely worth trying alongside contacting your legislators. The complaint form is pretty straightforward and you can reference your specific timeline and financial hardship. Don't let them normalize these delays - 6 weeks is absolutely unacceptable for a basic unemployment claim.

One more thing - if you're worried about the adjudication process taking forever, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually helped me check on my claim status when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. Worth trying if you get stuck in limbo for weeks.

Just went through this exact situation last year when my company did budget cuts. Your position elimination definitely qualifies as "no fault of your own" - Washington ESD approved mine without any issues. The key things they look for are: you didn't quit voluntarily, you weren't fired for misconduct, and the job loss was due to circumstances beyond your control (like budget cuts, layoffs, company closure, etc.). Since you have documentation from your employer about the budget constraints and position elimination, you should be in good shape. Make sure to keep all that paperwork and be ready to upload it if they ask during the application process.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in early February and been stuck in adjudication for almost 4 weeks. It's so frustrating not knowing what's even being reviewed or how much longer it might take. I've been keeping up with my weekly claims and job searches like everyone suggested, but the financial stress is getting really intense. Has anyone had luck with the ESD live chat feature, or is calling still the best option? I saw someone mention calling right at 8am - I'm definitely going to try that tomorrow. Thanks for posting this question, it's somewhat reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare of a process.

I've been following this thread closely since I'm dealing with a similar situation. My claim has been in adjudication for about 3 weeks now, and like many of you, the uncertainty is the worst part. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I called ESD yesterday and while I didn't get through, I noticed they have an automated message that now gives you an option to request a callback. It's option 4 after you get through the initial menu. I requested one yesterday morning and haven't heard back yet, but it might be worth trying since it saves you from having to redial constantly. Also, for those worried about bills - I reached out to my utility company and landlord to explain the situation. Both were surprisingly understanding and willing to work with me on payment plans while waiting for ESD to resolve this. It's uncomfortable to have those conversations, but most places would rather work with you than deal with missed payments. Hang in there everyone - from reading all these experiences, it seems like they do eventually clear, it's just a matter of when.