Another option to consider: Some banks offer small short-term loans or advances for customers with direct deposit history. If you've had your unemployment benefits direct deposited, your bank might offer something to help bridge the gap. Credit unions especially tend to have more flexible options than big banks. Also, if you've been doing your job search activities through WorkSource, they sometimes have funds specifically to help with employment transition barriers - which could include the gap between starting work and first paycheck. Definitely ask about this specifically when you talk to your specialist.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I started a state job that paid monthly. It's incredibly stressful! Here's what I found out: once you start working full-time, your UI benefits stop immediately regardless of when you get paid. But there are some things that helped me survive that gap: 1) Many food banks don't require proof of income and can help stretch your grocery budget, 2) Some utility companies have hardship programs that can defer payments, and 3) If you're renting, talk to your landlord ASAP - many are willing to work with you if you're honest about starting a new job and when you'll get paid. Also, see if your new employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - some offer emergency financial assistance or can connect you with resources. The first month is tough but you'll get through it!

This whole thread is incredibly reassuring! I'm currently dealing with a different claim issue (overpayment notice that I think is incorrect) and have been dreading the phone call process. Seeing how @Yuki Nakamura got through with Claimyr and how understanding the ESD staff were gives me hope. It's amazing how one small UI mistake can cause such panic when you're already dealing with financial stress. The fact that they see these accidental clicks regularly and have processes to fix them shows the system isn't completely broken, even if the phone access is terrible. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that helps people navigate these scary situations!

I'm so glad you got through and got it resolved! Reading through all these experiences really shows how common this mistake is - the UI system definitely needs better design to prevent these accidental clicks. The fact that ESD sees these cases routinely is both comforting and frustrating at the same time. It's great that they have processes to handle it, but it shouldn't be so easy to make these mistakes in the first place. Anyway, hoping your adjudication goes smoothly and you get your backpay soon. Thanks for keeping us updated - it really helps other people who might face the same situation!

One last tip - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about a denial, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first, but it saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own. Sometimes you need to talk to a human to understand what went wrong with your claim.

Another reason people get denied that hasn't been mentioned yet is refusing to participate in reemployment services. Washington ESD sometimes requires certain claimants to attend workshops, job fairs, or meet with career counselors. If you're selected for these services and don't show up or participate, they can deny your benefits. They usually send you a notice if you're required to participate, so make sure to read all your mail from ESD carefully.

If she's still having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone after filing, I second the recommendation for Claimyr. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through to anyone. Used their service and finally got connected to resolve my issue. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human!

Based on everything shared here, your sister should definitely apply! With 8 months of steady retail work and a clear layoff (not a quit), she likely meets the entitlement requirements. The key things to remember: 1) File ASAP since benefits start from when you file, not when you were laid off, 2) Have all her employer info and wage records ready before starting the online application, 3) Keep that layoff letter from her employer as documentation, and 4) Don't worry about the DoorDash gig work - her W-2 retail wages are what matter for regular unemployment benefits. If she runs into any issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone later, the Claimyr service mentioned above seems to really help people connect with agents. Good luck to her!

I remember when I was on training benefits they sent me something called a "Continued Claim Form" that I had to fill out. Maybe check your mail carefully? Sometimes they send important stuff through regular mail instead of putting it on eServices.

Just went through this exact situation last month! Here's what I learned the hard way: ESD has a "Training Benefits Continuation" process that's separate from regular UI extensions. When you get that extension notification, ignore it - that's for people NOT on training benefits. What you need to do is log into eServices and look under "Correspondence" for a form called "Training Program Status Verification" or something similar. If it's not there yet, it should appear in the next week or two. This form asks you to confirm you're still enrolled and making satisfactory progress. The key thing is to submit this form BEFORE your regular UI runs out. If you wait until after, there's definitely going to be a gap. I submitted mine 2 weeks early and the transition was seamless - my payments continued without interruption. Also, double-check that your training program is still sending enrollment verification to ESD each quarter. My school forgot to send the winter quarter update and it almost screwed up my benefits.