Quick update on current adjudication timeframes - I was at a WorkSource event last week and the ESD rep there said they're currently running about 8-9 weeks for most adjudications due to staffing shortages. However, they are prioritizing hardship cases, so definitely mention any urgent financial situation when you do get through. Regarding the hour reduction - that's definitely considered good cause for quitting in Washington, as long as it was at least a 25% reduction (which 40 to 15 certainly is). Make sure you emphasize that point when you speak with them.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of waiting for adjudication while bills pile up is absolutely terrible. I went through something similar last year (different issue though - employer dispute) and it took about 7 weeks total. A couple things that helped me: 1. Document EVERYTHING - keep records of all your attempts to contact ESD, screenshot your weekly claims, save any correspondence 2. If you haven't already, write up a clear timeline of what happened with your hours reduction and have all your paystubs ready 3. Consider reaching out to your state representative's office - they sometimes have liaisons who can help with ESD issues The waiting is brutal but from what others are saying, your case sounds pretty straightforward since the hour reduction is clearly documented good cause. Hang in there and keep filing those weekly claims! You'll get through this.

Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much more prepared to file my claim now. I'm going to gather all my employment info this weekend and file online early next week. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but at least I know what to expect and have resources like Claimyr if I need help reaching Washington ESD.

One important thing to add - if you've received any severance pay or vacation payout, make sure to report this accurately. Washington ESD needs to know about any money you received after your last day of work, as it can affect when your benefits start. The severance might delay your first payment, but it's better to be upfront about it than have them find out later and create complications with your claim.

Your friend should also check if she needs to serve a waiting week. Some claims require you to serve one week without payment before benefits start, which might look like a denial if she doesn't understand the process.

honestly the whole system is confusing and they don't explain things clearly. half the time even the washington esd agents give different answers to the same question

This has been really informative. I bookmarked this thread in case I need to reference it later. Thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge!

I went through this exact situation last year when my company downsized. With your $4,200/month salary, you're probably looking at somewhere between $600-800 per week in benefits, depending on your wage history. The key thing to remember is that Washington calculates based on your highest earning quarter in the base period (last 4 of 5 completed quarters), not your current pay. I'd recommend gathering your pay stubs from the past 15 months so you can estimate which quarter was your highest. Also, start preparing financially now - even in the best case scenario, you're looking at roughly half your current income, and that's before taxes. Good luck with the potential layoffs - hopefully it doesn't come to that!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. This thread has given me a lot to think about and some concrete steps to take. At least I feel like I have a better understanding of my options now.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now - my benefits are set to end in about 3 weeks and I'm terrified. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening. I had no idea about some of these options like applying for SNAP or checking into county assistance programs. The Claimyr service sounds like it might be worth trying too since I've been completely unable to get through to anyone at Washington ESD to ask about my wage credits. It's scary how little support there seems to be once regular UI runs out, but at least now I have some concrete steps I can take instead of just panicking. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it helps to know I'm not alone in this.