The whole process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get into it. Washington ESD has improved their online system a lot in recent years. Just gather your documents, set aside an hour or so, and work through it step by step. You've got this!

Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me - when you're filling out the work history section, if you can't remember exact start/end dates for previous jobs, your best bet is to check old tax documents or even your LinkedIn profile if you keep it updated. The system accepts month/year format, so you don't need to stress about the exact day. Also, if you have any gaps in employment, be prepared to explain what you were doing during those periods (school, caring for family, etc.). Washington ESD asks about this to make sure you meet the work requirements for benefits.

One more question - if you're getting unemployment and then find a job, do you need to notify Washington ESD right away or just stop filing claims?

I'm new to the Washington unemployment system and this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that I found the WorkSource website (worksourcewa.com) really useful for tracking job search activities. They have templates for job search logs and it integrates well with the ESD requirements. Also, if you're doing online training through LinkedIn Learning or similar platforms, make sure to save certificates - those count as valid job search activities too. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

Just wanted to add that I used Claimyr a few months ago when I couldn't reach Washington ESD about my adjudication status. Really saved me time and stress trying to get answers about my claim. The video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ shows exactly how it works if anyone's curious.

I went through almost this exact situation in 2022. My Honda Civic needed a new engine and I couldn't afford the $4500 repair. What really helped my case was creating a detailed budget spreadsheet showing that rideshare costs would exceed 40% of my gross income, making it financially impossible to continue working. I also got a written statement from my employer confirming they couldn't offer remote work or flexible scheduling. Washington ESD approved me after about 5 weeks of adjudication. The key is treating it like building a legal case - document everything, get multiple repair quotes, research all transportation alternatives even if they're not viable, and show the math on why continuing to work would actually cost you money. Don't give up if you get initially denied - the appeals process is where having thorough documentation really pays off.

To clarify what others have said: 1. Being physically outside the US typically means you are not "able and available" for work in Washington's job market, which is a requirement for benefits. 2. However, ESD does have exceptions for temporary absences due to emergency situations with immediate family members. 3. You have a few options: - Contact ESD and request a formal exception before you leave - Temporarily stop filing weekly claims while you're away - Apply for a formal leave from job search requirements 4. If you do file while overseas without disclosure, ESD can detect this through IP tracking, and it could result in an overpayment determination or investigation for potential fraud. I recommend being completely transparent with ESD. Document your communication attempts. If you can't reach them before leaving, at minimum send an email to create a record of your attempt to notify them of your emergency situation.

I'm so glad you got through to ESD and got this sorted out! That must be such a relief during an already stressful time with your mom being ill. You made the right choice being upfront with them about the emergency. I hope everything goes well with your mom and that the family time helps during this difficult period. Safe travels, and don't worry about the unemployment stuff while you're dealing with more important family matters - it'll be there when you get back.

One final piece of advice - document everything. Keep a log of all your weekly claims with confirmation numbers, take screenshots of your claim status showing the adjudication date, and note any attempts to contact ESD. If there are any issues with backpay once your claim is processed, this documentation will be crucial for proving you did everything correctly on your end.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My claim has been in adjudication since July 15th with absolutely no communication from ESD. It's so frustrating to see that portal just sitting there showing "pending" day after day. I've been filing my weekly claims religiously too but zero payments. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and terrifying - reassuring that I'm not alone in this mess, but terrifying that some people have waited 12+ weeks! I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that Brady mentioned because I've called ESD probably 15 times and can never get through to a human. @Daniel Rivera - please keep us updated on how your interviews go and whether you end up getting your backpay sorted out. We're all in this together and it helps to know we're not going crazy dealing with this broken system.