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I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in early February and been stuck in adjudication for almost 4 weeks. It's so frustrating not knowing what's even being reviewed or how much longer it might take. I've been keeping up with my weekly claims and job searches like everyone suggested, but the financial stress is getting really intense. Has anyone had luck with the ESD live chat feature, or is calling still the best option? I saw someone mention calling right at 8am - I'm definitely going to try that tomorrow. Thanks for posting this question, it's somewhat reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare of a process.
You're definitely not alone in this! I'm in almost the exact same boat - filed in early February and stuck in adjudication since late February. The financial stress is real, and it's so hard not knowing when it will end. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like calling at 8am sharp is the way to go. I haven't tried the live chat yet but from other posts I've seen, people seem to have better luck with phone calls. We just have to keep pushing through and stay persistent. Hang in there!
I've been following this thread closely since I'm dealing with a similar situation. My claim has been in adjudication for about 3 weeks now, and like many of you, the uncertainty is the worst part. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I called ESD yesterday and while I didn't get through, I noticed they have an automated message that now gives you an option to request a callback. It's option 4 after you get through the initial menu. I requested one yesterday morning and haven't heard back yet, but it might be worth trying since it saves you from having to redial constantly. Also, for those worried about bills - I reached out to my utility company and landlord to explain the situation. Both were surprisingly understanding and willing to work with me on payment plans while waiting for ESD to resolve this. It's uncomfortable to have those conversations, but most places would rather work with you than deal with missed payments. Hang in there everyone - from reading all these experiences, it seems like they do eventually clear, it's just a matter of when.
One more thing - if you're worried about the adjudication process taking forever, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually helped me check on my claim status when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. Worth trying if you get stuck in limbo for weeks.
Just went through this exact situation last year when my company did budget cuts. Your position elimination definitely qualifies as "no fault of your own" - Washington ESD approved mine without any issues. The key things they look for are: you didn't quit voluntarily, you weren't fired for misconduct, and the job loss was due to circumstances beyond your control (like budget cuts, layoffs, company closure, etc.). Since you have documentation from your employer about the budget constraints and position elimination, you should be in good shape. Make sure to keep all that paperwork and be ready to upload it if they ask during the application process.
Quick update on my similar situation - I finally got through to ESD (thanks to the Claimyr recommendation from someone above - total game changer). The agent confirmed that being required to move more than 50 miles is considered an unreasonable distance in Washington State, and my claim was approved. Just sharing in case it helps your situation - sounds like you're on the right track with how you're handling it.
I'm dealing with something very similar right now - my employer just announced they're eliminating all remote work and requiring everyone to relocate to their main office in another state. The stress of potentially uprooting my entire family while worrying about unemployment eligibility is overwhelming. Thank you for posting this question and to everyone who's shared their experiences and legal knowledge. The advice about documentation and specific language to use when filing is incredibly valuable. It's reassuring to know that Washington State recognizes forced relocation as an unreasonable change in working conditions. I'll be following this thread closely as I navigate my own situation.
One thing to remember is that the SEAP program in Washington is highly competitive with limited spots. For 2025, they significantly reduced the number of available slots, which might be affecting processing times. While waiting for your appeal decision, make sure you: 1. Continue to meet with your SEAP counselor if you've been assigned one 2. Document any business startup costs you're incurring 3. Keep detailed notes from your business course 4. Check your eServices messages daily for any requests If approved, ESD should backdate the training benefits to when you first qualified. However, be aware that not all course costs may be covered - SEAP primarily provides income support while you're in training rather than paying for the training itself. If it's been more than 6 weeks, I'd recommend escalating through these channels in this order: 1. Appeals Office (360-570-5970) 2. ESD Commissioner's Office (360-902-9303) 3. Your state legislator's constituent services
Thank you for the detailed advice! I wasn't assigned a SEAP counselor yet since my application was denied, but I've been keeping all receipts and detailed notes from the course. I didn't know about the 2025 reduction in available slots - that might explain the delay. I'll start with calling the Appeals Office tomorrow.
I'm going through something similar right now with my SEAP appeal - submitted it 5 weeks ago and still waiting! The uncertainty is the worst part, especially when you're investing your own money upfront. One thing I learned from calling around is that you can actually request a "priority review" if you're facing financial hardship due to the delay. You have to submit a written request explaining why the delay is causing undue burden (like having to pay out of pocket for required training). I'm not sure how much it actually speeds things up, but it's worth a shot. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you submitted ALL the documentation they requested with your original SEAP application. Sometimes appeals get delayed because they're missing something from the initial file. The appeals reviewer has to look at everything together. Hang in there - from what I've read here it sounds like most people do eventually get approved if they meet the requirements, it just takes forever. Keep attending that course and saving those receipts!
I had no idea about the priority review option - that's really useful information! How do you submit the written request? Is there a specific form or do you just write a letter explaining the hardship? I'm definitely facing financial burden paying for this course out of pocket while waiting. Also, good point about double-checking all the documentation - I think I submitted everything they asked for originally but maybe I should call to confirm they have it all. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Nia Jackson
just wanted to say hang in there - i was in adjudication for 7 weeks in february/march and finally got paid last week. the stress was unbearable but it did eventually resolve. sending good vibes your way!
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Sean Doyle
•Thanks for the encouragement - genuinely appreciated. It helps just knowing I'm not alone in this mess.
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Savannah Vin
I went through something very similar last year - 7 weeks in adjudication with no communication from ESD. What finally broke things loose for me was filing a complaint with the Washington State Auditor's office through their online fraud reporting system. I know it sounds extreme, but there's actually a category for "failure to provide timely services" that applies to ESD delays. Within 48 hours of filing that complaint, I got a call from an ESD supervisor who resolved my claim the same day. Turns out there was a simple employer response that had been sitting in someone's queue for weeks. The auditor's office takes these complaints seriously because they're tasked with oversight of state agencies. It's definitely worth trying alongside contacting your legislators. The complaint form is pretty straightforward and you can reference your specific timeline and financial hardship. Don't let them normalize these delays - 6 weeks is absolutely unacceptable for a basic unemployment claim.
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Felicity Bud
•This is really valuable information! I had no idea the State Auditor's office handled these kinds of complaints. 48 hours is amazing compared to the endless waiting game with ESD directly. I'm definitely going to look into filing a complaint there - at this point I've tried everything else and I'm running out of time before serious financial consequences kick in. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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