Based on everything in this thread, here's what I think you should consider: 1. If you need the money from those weeks you were unemployed before your new job, keep the appeal going. It's already been 6 weeks, so you're probably getting close to a hearing date. 2. If you don't urgently need that backpay and your new job seems stable, you could withdraw the appeal and save yourself the stress. The requalification option will protect you for future claims. 3. If you do withdraw, make sure you get it in writing that you've met the requalification requirements once you've worked 7+ weeks and earned 7x your WBA. Also, for future reference, quitting for mandatory educational requirements CAN be considered good cause in some cases, but ESD is very strict about it. You typically need to prove you tried to arrange alternative work schedules before quitting.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I went through a similar healthcare program situation in 2024. My clinical rotations were also mandatory and conflicted with my work schedule. When I appealed, I made sure to bring documentation from my school showing the rotation was required for graduation AND that the hours/schedule were non-negotiable. I also included evidence that I had asked my employer about flexible scheduling options before making the decision to quit. The hearing officer seemed more receptive when I framed it as "completing required education to enter an essential healthcare field" rather than just "going to school." I ended up winning my appeal and got about 8 weeks of backpay. Since you're already 6+ weeks in and your hearing is probably coming up soon, I'd definitely stick with it. Good luck with your new job AND your appeal!

This has been such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking it in case I need to reference it later. The Washington ESD system makes so much more sense now.

One last tip for anyone filing multiple claims - keep good records of your work history between claims. It makes filling out the application much easier and helps avoid any delays in processing.

update? did u get it figured out? hope u got paid!

Glad to hear you got it sorted out! For anyone else reading this thread - the key takeaways are: 1) The waiting week means no payment for your first eligible week (it's WA state law), 2) Always check your eServices notifications tab for important messages, and 3) "Payment pending" for more than 3 business days usually means there's a verification hold that needs to be cleared by speaking with an ESD agent. The system can be frustrating but most issues get resolved once you know what to look for!

Bottom line: 26 weeks maximum, file immediately, keep up with job search requirements, file weekly claims on time, and don't count on extensions. Plan accordingly!

I've been collecting unemployment for about 12 weeks now and this thread has been incredibly helpful in clarifying the 26-week limit. One thing I'm wondering about - if I do temporary or contract work for a few weeks, will that reset my benefit year or just pause my weekly claims? I want to take on some short-term projects but don't want to mess up my remaining benefits if those projects end.

One more thing to be aware of - if his claim shows active but doesn't reflect his most recent employment, he might need to call and have them add missing wages. This is especially important if he worked for a different employer since his last claim. The system sometimes doesn't automatically pick up all employers. If the wages and benefit amount look correct based on his recent work history, then you're probably good to go and just need to wait for processing.

Just went through this same process in January! My claim also showed active immediately with the benefit amount calculated. I got my first payment exactly 8 days after filing my first weekly claim. One tip - make sure he's checking his eServices account regularly for any messages or requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll ask for clarification on something and if you miss it, it can delay the whole process. Also, since he's had previous claims, the system should have most of his info already which definitely speeds things up. Just keep filing those weekly claims on time every week - that's the most important thing right now!