Update: I managed to reach ESD today (used Claimyr after seeing it recommended here - actually worked!). The agent explained that I needed to look specifically under the Training Benefits section in eServices, not the regular UI section. Also found out SEAP participants get connected with Small Business Development Centers for free consulting, which sounds amazing. Going to submit my application this weekend. Will update when I hear back!

Just wanted to add my experience - I was approved for SEAP in 2024 for my consulting business. One thing that really helped my application was including letters of intent from potential clients showing there was actual demand for my services. Also, don't underestimate the entrepreneurial training component - it's not just a formality. The coursework actually covers crucial stuff like tax obligations for self-employed individuals, which is super important since you'll be transitioning off UI benefits eventually. The training providers vary by region, but most offer both online and in-person options. Good luck with your application!

One last important thing to note: If your business progresses to the point where you're getting customers/clients, even if you're not paying yourself yet, you need to report any gross income received by the business on your weekly claims. ESD looks at gross business income, not net profit after expenses. Also, if you've registered your business officially (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.), make sure you understand how that impacts your "able and available" status. Some business structures could potentially affect your eligibility more than others. Best of luck balancing your job search and entrepreneurial journey!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been through this recently. I was in a similar situation last year - got laid off from a marketing role and wanted to work on my app idea while job searching. What I learned is that ESD really focuses on your "primary activity." If your primary focus is job searching and you can genuinely say you'd drop everything for a good job opportunity, then working on your business in your spare time is usually okay. But if the business becomes your main focus, that's when you run into trouble. I kept a simple rule: no business activities during normal business hours (9-5) unless I had already completed my daily job search tasks. This way I could honestly say I was prioritizing employment and was available during standard interview times. Also, document EVERYTHING. I kept screenshots of job applications, emails with recruiters, and notes from networking calls. When ESD did question me about my availability, having that documentation made all the difference. They could see I was genuinely committed to finding work, not just going through the motions while focusing on my business. Hope this helps! The key is being strategic about how you balance both priorities.

That's a really good point. Looking at my letter more carefully, it does specify

Hey Aiden! Congrats on your appeal win! 🎉 Just wanted to add that when I went through this last year, I actually called ESD about a week after getting my OAH decision just to confirm they had received it and were processing it. The rep told me it was in their "implementation queue" which gave me peace of mind that things were moving along. Also, when your eServices finally updates and shows the back payments, double-check that the amounts match what you calculated you're owed. I caught a small error in my case that would have cost me about $300 if I hadn't noticed. The whole process is exhausting but you're almost at the finish line!

Keep your chin up. Performance issues happen to good people all the time, especially when employers set unrealistic expectations. The unemployment system recognizes this difference.

I went through something very similar at my previous job in food service. They were constantly critiquing my speed and efficiency, saying I wasn't keeping up with their standards. When they finally let me go, I was terrified I wouldn't get unemployment benefits. But Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues because I could show I was following all their procedures and trying my best to improve. The key thing that helped me was keeping records of all the training sessions I attended and the feedback meetings where I was asking questions about how to do better. Even though I wasn't great at the job, I was clearly making good faith efforts to meet their expectations, which is what matters for unemployment eligibility. Don't let them pressure you into quitting - make them fire you if that's what they're planning to do.

Update us when you hear back! These threads help other people going through the same thing. Good luck with your claim!

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim about 8 days ago and constantly refreshing my SecureAccess account hoping for an update! Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful. It sounds like 10 days is still within the normal timeframe, so I'm trying to be patient. The hardest part is not knowing if there are any issues with my application or if it's just taking the standard processing time. I've been keeping busy with job applications like someone mentioned, which does help with the anxiety a bit. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's reassuring to know we're all going through this together!