To answer your question about phone numbers - ESD typically calls from their main number (800-318-6022), but they sometimes use regional office numbers as well. The call might show as "Washington State" or just the number. Since they usually only try to call once or twice before putting your claim on hold, it's a good practice to answer calls from any Washington State numbers during business hours when you're waiting for ESD contact. Regarding your claim status - "processing" for 6+ weeks is longer than usual, even with current timelines. It might be worth checking if there are any unresolved issues or requested information in your online account that needs addressing.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim 5 weeks ago and still waiting for any kind of contact from ESD. Reading through these responses is both reassuring and concerning! It sounds like the process has definitely changed since 2021. I'm curious though - for those who did eventually get their interviews/calls, did you receive any advance notice or did they just call out of the blue? I work during the day and I'm worried about missing their call if they don't give any heads up about when to expect it. Also, has anyone had success with the online messaging system in ESD's portal, or is calling really the only way to get answers?

Thank you for checking that! It's helpful to have realistic expectations. I'll give it until next Friday and then try to get through to someone if it's still pending. I appreciate everyone's help and advice here.

I'm going through something similar right now! My claim was approved in January, I received my backpay, then got hit with the identity verification request two weeks ago. Just like you, I uploaded my driver's license and birth certificate through eServices, and now I'm back in adjudication limbo. The frustrating part is they don't give you any timeline or updates - you just have to wait and hope. I've been filing my weekly claims as everyone suggests, but seeing "pending" every week is nerve-wracking when bills are due. Really hoping both of our situations get resolved soon. At least it sounds like most people are getting through this within 1-2 weeks based on the responses here.

You've got this! The application really isn't as scary as it seems once you get started. Just have all your information ready and take your time filling it out accurately. Feel free to come back here if you run into any specific issues during the process.

Just wanted to add that you should also gather any W-2s or 1099s from the past year if you have them - they can help verify your work history and earnings. Also, if you worked for any temporary agencies or had contract work, make sure to include those too since they count toward your eligibility. The more complete your work history is, the smoother the process will go.

Been following this thread and learned a lot. Thanks for asking the question OP, I was wondering the same thing!

As someone who's been through multiple unemployment periods, I can confirm that Washington ESD does verify job search activities, but they're generally reasonable about it. The key things that have helped me avoid issues: 1) Keep a detailed spreadsheet with company name, position title, application date, method of contact, and any follow-up actions. 2) Save screenshots of online application confirmations - these are gold if you ever need proof. 3) Focus your search on positions that match your skills/experience level - random applications to unrelated jobs can raise red flags. 4) If you do get selected for review, don't panic. As long as you've been genuinely searching and have documentation, the process is straightforward. Most audits I've heard about were resolved quickly when people had proper records.

Just to add onto what others have said - the tax withholding is typically 10% for federal taxes. There's no state income tax in Washington, so that's all they take for taxes. The healthcare premium will vary based on your previous plan. Do double-check that the base amount before deductions matches your monetary determination letter. If that number is wrong, then there's a different issue that would require contacting ESD. But if it's just the deductions causing the difference, then everything is probably working as intended.

Glad you got it figured out! This is such a common confusion - I wish ESD would make the deductions more clear upfront. For future reference, you can also adjust your tax withholding by filling out form ESD 1042 if you want to change the amount they take out (or stop it entirely). Just keep in mind you'll owe taxes on the full amount when you file your return if you reduce/eliminate the withholding.