one more thing nobody mentioned - make sure ur checking ur mail too not just online messages. ESD sent me a paper form asking for more info and i almost missed it cuz i never check my mailbox lol

As someone who just went through this process a few months ago, I wanted to share what worked for me. I created a simple spreadsheet to track my job search activities with columns for date, company, position, method of application, and any follow-up actions. This made it super easy to stay organized and detailed. Also, don't stress too much about the adjudication - mine took about 3 weeks and was approved with full backpay. The waiting is the hardest part but just keep doing everything you're supposed to do (weekly claims, job searches) and it usually works out. You're asking all the right questions which shows you're taking it seriously!

when i was on unemployment it was like this the whole time. first payment took like 4 weeks after approval, then after that it was pretty regular. hang in there!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got approved two weeks ago but all my payments are still showing "pending" with no explanation. It's so stressful not knowing if there's an issue or if it's just their normal slow process. Reading everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful - at least I know I'm not the only one dealing with this. Going to try calling again tomorrow morning right when they open, maybe I'll have better luck getting through then. Thanks for posting about this!

One last thought - consider consulting with an employment attorney before you quit. Many offer free consultations and they can help you understand if your situation truly qualifies for good cause under Washington law.

I've been through this exact situation and want to share some practical tips. First, make sure you keep a detailed log with dates, times, and specific incidents - not just general statements about toxicity. Washington ESD looks for patterns of behavior that would make any reasonable person quit. Second, save any text messages or voicemails if your boss contacts you outside work hours with abusive language. Third, if you have coworkers who witnessed the behavior, get their contact info as potential witnesses. The adjudication process is thorough but fair if you have solid documentation. Also, start job hunting before you quit so you can show ESD you're actively seeking work immediately after leaving. Your mental health matters, and Washington does protect workers in genuinely hostile situations.

Just wanted to add that construction workers sometimes have additional considerations with their claims since the work is often seasonal or project-based. Make sure when you're doing your job searches that you're looking for work that matches your availability and skills - ESD requires "suitable work" searches, not just any random jobs. For construction, that usually means looking at union halls, contractor websites, and industry-specific job boards. Also, if you have any union affiliation, make sure you're checking in with them regularly as that can sometimes count toward your work search requirements. Good luck!

Adding to what others have said - I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when I got laid off from my warehouse job. That "disqualified" status for Week 1 is definitely the waiting week, even though the terminology is super confusing. What helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track my weekly claims and job search activities from the very beginning. I'd recommend documenting everything - dates you filed, what status shows up, your three job searches each week with company names and how you applied. This way if any issues come up later, you have all your records organized. The construction industry can be tricky with unemployment since work is often temporary, but as long as you keep filing consistently and doing your job searches, you should be fine. Don't let that first week status stress you out!

The key is just getting started with the process. Don't overthink it - file your claim, file weekly, look for work, and be patient with the system.

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - definitely file right away! I made the same mistake as some others here and waited thinking I needed to be unemployed longer. Cost me about 10 days of potential benefits because I didn't understand the system. The waiting week is mandatory regardless of when you file, so there's literally no benefit to delaying your application. Washington ESD's online system at esd.wa.gov is pretty user-friendly once you get started. Make sure you have your last employer's information handy and your social security number. Good luck with your claim!