Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow and also check out that Claimyr service as a backup. Will update if I make any progress.

I feel your pain - I've been in the exact same situation for the past month. One thing that finally worked for me was using an auto-redial app on my phone so I didn't have to manually keep calling the 800-318-6022 number over and over. I set it to redial every 30 seconds and just let it run while I did other things. Eventually got through after about 3 hours of auto-redialing. Also, if you have any documentation or case numbers related to your stuck claim, have those ready when you do get connected - it speeds up the process significantly.

I'm going through something very similar right now - laid off from a senior engineering role at a major Seattle tech company 3 weeks ago and still waiting on ESD approval. The whole process feels deliberately opaque and stressful. What really caught my attention in your post is the immediate healthcare cutoff. That's becoming way too common with these tech layoffs - they treat people like security risks rather than valued employees who've contributed for decades. The contrast between your husband's 23-year tenure and the brutal 10-minute dismissal is just heartbreaking. I've been documenting everything from my layoff (emails, Teams notifications, even screenshots of my deactivated badge access) based on advice I got here. One thing that might help is if your husband saved the original layoff notification email or any documentation mentioning "reduction in force" or similar language. The COBRA costs are crushing - we're in the same boat paying over $2000/month. Have you looked into any short-term bridge insurance options while waiting for his claim to process? Some are significantly cheaper than COBRA for a few months. Keep us posted on how the WorkSource visit goes tomorrow. This community has been invaluable for navigating this broken system.

The 4+ week delay is unfortunately becoming the norm for tech layoffs in Washington. I went through this exact situation after being laid off from Meta last year - senior level position, immediate termination, and ESD took 6 weeks to approve my claim. A few things that might help speed this up: 1. **Check for pending employer questionnaires**: ESD sends these to employers and they have 10 business days to respond. Many tech companies are slow to complete them, which holds up your claim. 2. **Document everything from the layoff**: Save that Teams invite, any emails mentioning workforce reduction, or internal communications about layoffs. ESD sometimes needs proof it wasn't performance-related. 3. **Consider contacting your state legislator**: After 4 weeks with no movement, their office can often get answers from ESD that regular channels can't. I wish I'd known about this option earlier. 4. **Daily message checks**: ESD sends time-sensitive requests through their portal that don't generate email alerts. Missing these can add weeks to your timeline. The $2,350 COBRA is brutal on top of everything else. Hang in there - once approved, benefits are backdated to when he first became eligible. The system is overwhelmed but it does eventually work.

Have you tried the technical support line instead of the claims line? Sometimes the technical support agents can help with basic claim issues or at least transfer you to someone who can. Their queue usually isn't as bad. Also, I've had success with the Spanish line (if you speak any Spanish) and then asking for English assistance once connected. Not ideal but sometimes works in desperate situations.

I've been dealing with this nightmare for 2 weeks now! What's worked for me is using the callback feature on the eServices website - you have to check it multiple times a day but occasionally they'll have callback slots available. Also found that calling right at 12:30pm sometimes works because that's when some agents come back from lunch and the queue resets slightly. The whole system is broken but don't give up - your benefits are worth the hassle. One more tip: if you have a local WorkSource office, sometimes they can help escalate issues or at least give you better guidance on which phone options to try.

I work with unemployment claims regularly, and I can confirm you do NOT serve another waiting week when reopening an existing claim during the same benefit year. The one-waiting-week-per-benefit-year rule is clearly stated in RCW 50.20.010(1)(c). However, be aware that if you earned enough during your temporary job to establish a new claim with a higher weekly benefit amount, ESD might suggest you file a new claim instead of reopening the old one. In that case, you would serve a new waiting week, but it might be worth it for the higher benefit amount. This is uncommon though, and would require significant earnings during your temporary work period.

Just want to add my experience - reopened my claim in August after a 10-week temp position and definitely did NOT have to serve another waiting week. Got paid for my first week back on unemployment without any issues. The key thing is making sure you're still within your original benefit year (which sounds like you are since you filed in February). Also double-check that you're filing your weekly claims correctly - I almost missed the deadline my first week back because I forgot the routine! Good luck with your job search.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'll definitely mark "no" for that day on my claim and explain it's just a brief day trip. Better to be honest than risk issues later. I'll still be actively job searching that day and available by phone/email, so hopefully they'll just reduce by 1/7 instead of the whole week. Really appreciate all the input!

Just wanted to add my experience - I had a similar day trip to Victoria last fall and reported it exactly like Maya and Jacob suggested. ESD reduced my weekly benefit by 1/7th (about $95 in my case) but I didn't get any penalties or issues. The key is being upfront about it when you file. Also, keep any documentation like receipts or photos from your trip in case they ask questions later. The online claim system walks you through it pretty clearly once you select "no" for that day. Have fun with your friend!