Excellent! You're on the right track. The first few weeks are the most stressful, but once you get into a routine with the job search activities, it becomes much easier. Good luck with your workshop tomorrow!

Thank you! I'll update here if I run into any other questions after the workshop.

Update: Thank you everyone for the advice! I submitted my standby application yesterday and uploaded my offer letter as proof. The system says it could take 5-7 days to review, so I'm going to continue doing job search activities this week just to be safe. I'll post another update when I hear back about the standby status. This community has been so helpful!

i think your supposed to report the job on ur weekly claim too. not just apply for standby. there's a question about if u got a job offer or something

I had a similar situation last year but it was about my job separation reason. This whole thing reminded me that I also had trouble with my identity verification taking forever before that. The system kept saying my driver's license didn't match their records even though I triple checked everything. Then my neighbor told me her cousin works at ESD and apparently they're super understaffed since 2020. Anyway, hope you get it sorted out soon!

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the Claimyr service that someone recommended here, and it worked perfectly. Was connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. Turns out my adjudication was delayed because they needed additional information about my availability during a specific week. The agent scheduled a phone interview for next Tuesday and said my claim should be processed shortly after that if everything checks out. Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'll update again after my interview.

My daughter just went through this last month! You need to keep filing your weekly claims and report that you've accepted work but haven't started yet. They should keep paying you until your first day. Once you start working, you file for that last partial week (if applicable) and then you stop filing altogether. No need to formally close anything. Also wanted to mention that when you start working, make sure to check your ESD messages for a few weeks after. Sometimes they send important notices even after you stop filing claims and you don't want to miss anything important!

I think it's worth clarifying a bit more about how to correctly report this on your weekly claim, since doing it wrong can cause problems: 1. Continue filing weekly claims as normal until your start date 2. When asked "Did you accept an offer of work that has not yet started?" - answer YES 3. Provide the start date when prompted 4. When asked if you were available for work - answer YES (because you're still available until your start date) 5. When asked if you turned down any work - answer NO (assuming you didn't) As long as you answer these questions accurately, you should continue receiving benefits until your start date. Once you begin working, you'll file one last claim for that week (if it's a partial week) reporting your hours and earnings, then stop filing thereafter. If your claim gets flagged for review because of reporting the job offer (which sometimes happens), just be prepared to provide documentation of your start date and explain that you remained available for work until that date.

Have you considered looking into other benefits that might help bridge the gap? Sometimes when UI runs out, people qualify for programs like: - SNAP (food benefits) - Energy assistance programs - Temporary hardship assistance through DSHS Not ideal, but might help keep things afloat until work picks up again. Also, check with WorkSource - they sometimes have special programs for dislocated workers that include short-term financial assistance.

One more thought: since you mentioned having kids, make sure you've filed for all tax credits you're eligible for this year. The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can provide significant help if you had reduced income last year. If you've already filed, great, but if not, these credits might provide some additional funds to help bridge the gap until you find steady work again.

my cousin said if u work part time during ur waiting week u can actually get it paid? anyone know if thats true?? seems weird

When I had my waiting week last year I still did my three job search activities even though I wouldn't get paid and the ESD representative told me later that was the right thing to do because they still check those even for the waiting week. Just a heads up!

YES report it as fraud ASAP!! Call the fraud hotline at 800-246-9763 thats different from regular esd number. they take fraud calls quicker and can put a special flag on ur account.

Just called the fraud line and left a message with all my info. They said someone will call back within 48 hours. This is such a nightmare but at least I'm taking all the right steps now. Thanks for the suggestion!

For those in adjudication, here's what's likely happening: When a claim requires adjudication, it gets assigned to a specialist who reviews all documentation, may contact your employer, and determines eligibility based on law/policy. The issue is ESD is severely backlogged on these specialist reviews, despite hiring more staff over the past year. Standard wait times currently are: - Regular UI adjudication: 4-6 weeks - Quit/Fired issues: 5-8 weeks - Complex wage disputes: 6-10 weeks The governor's office trick works because they can flag your claim for expedited review, essentially jumping the queue. State representatives can do the same. It's not fair, but it's unfortunately how the system is working right now.

My adjudication took 7 weeks last month, but I never thought to call the governor's office. That's actually pretty smart. My issue was that I had two employers in my base year and one of them disputed my hours. Eventually got resolved in my favor but the wait was terrible. Glad you finally got paid!

I work in employment law and regularly help clients with ESD issues. Here's what you should know about escalation timeframes: 1. Standard adjudication currently takes 5-9 weeks on average (up from 3-5 weeks last year) 2. Governor's office escalations typically result in contact within 5-12 business days, with resolution following 1-7 days after contact 3. Legislative escalations (contacting your state rep or senator) sometimes work faster, averaging 3-8 business days for initial contact 4. The nature of your adjudication matters significantly - separation issues like yours typically take longer than other types One important thing that helps: keep filing your weekly claims without interruption during this waiting period. Once adjudication is complete, you'll only receive payment for weeks you've properly claimed, regardless of the decision outcome. If your financial situation is dire, also consider contacting your local WorkSource office directly. They sometimes have connections to emergency assistance programs while you're waiting for unemployment benefits.

Any updates on your situation? Did the governor's office escalation help? I'm curious because my partner just entered adjudication for a similar employer dispute issue.

UPDATE: I finally got an adjudicator call today! After 5.5 weeks, they scheduled a phone interview regarding my voluntary quit. The adjudicator was actually very understanding about my situation with my disabled son. She asked for documentation about his medical needs and my school schedule, which I had ready. She said she'd make a decision within 48 hours. I'm cautiously optimistic! Will update again when I get the final decision.

FINAL UPDATE: I was APPROVED! All those weeks of waiting and worrying and my claim was approved with backpay for the 6 weeks I've been filing. The determination letter specifically mentioned that caring for my disabled son qualified as good cause for leaving work, and my educational program was approved under CAT. I'm so relieved! For anyone else waiting - hang in there. The wait is horrible but there's light at the end of the tunnel.