One last thing - make sure you have all your pay stubs and tax documents from this past season before you file. Washington ESD might ask for verification of your wages.

I'm also a seasonal worker (summer camp counselor) and just wanted to add that you should apply as soon as possible after your last day of work. Don't wait thinking you need to look for other jobs first - you can start the claim process right away. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week starts. Also, keep detailed records of all your job search activities from day one because Washington ESD can audit those records at any time. Good luck with your claim!

I'm currently going through this exact same situation - filed my claim about 10 days ago after being laid off from my accounting firm due to budget cuts, and my status also just says "under review." Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so incredibly helpful and reassuring! I was starting to get really anxious seeing all the different timelines online, but hearing real stories from people who've actually been through this process makes such a difference. The advice about continuing to file weekly claims even before approval is something I had no idea about - thank you for that tip! It's also really comforting to know that "under review" is just part of the normal verification process rather than indicating a problem. The waiting is definitely stressful, especially with bills coming up, but this community has given me so much more confidence that things will work out. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims and checking for any messages from ESD. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - it's so much more valuable than the generic information on government websites!

I'm also currently waiting for my claim to process - filed about 5 days ago after being laid off from my engineering position due to project cancellation. This entire thread has been such a relief to find! I was already starting to worry about the timeline after seeing conflicting information online, but reading everyone's real experiences has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. The tip about continuing to file weekly claims even before approval is invaluable - I definitely would have missed that without this discussion. It's also really comforting to know that "under review" is just part of the standard verification process rather than indicating any issues. The uncertainty is definitely stressful when you're trying to budget for upcoming expenses, but seeing so many successful outcomes from people with straightforward layoffs gives me confidence that it will work out. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and creating such a supportive community - it makes this challenging process feel much more manageable knowing we're not alone in it!

Been doing seasonal work for 10 years. The biggest mistake I see people make is waiting too long to file. Start your claim the first week you're unemployed, even if you think you might get called back. You can always stop claiming if you return to work early.

Thanks everyone for all this helpful info! I had no idea seasonal workers could get unemployment benefits. I'm definitely going to file when my landscaping season ends next month. It sounds like the key is having good documentation from employers and being prepared for the job search requirements. I'll make sure to get a proper separation notice that says "lack of work" and start gathering my pay stubs now. Really appreciate all the practical advice about filing immediately and not waiting around - I would have made that mistake for sure!

One more thing to consider - if your new job has a probationary period, you might want to keep your unemployment documentation organized and easily accessible. While your claim stays open for a year, having all your records readily available can make things smoother if you need to restart filing for any reason. Also, some employers have waiting periods for benefits to kick in, so knowing you have that safety net can give you peace of mind during your first few months. Sounds like you're being really thorough about this whole process - that attention to detail will probably serve you well in your new role too!

Another thing worth mentioning - if you're switching from unemployment to a new job, make sure you understand your new employer's pay schedule. Some companies pay weekly, others bi-weekly or monthly, and the timing can affect your cash flow during the transition. If there's going to be a gap between your last unemployment payment and your first paycheck, plan accordingly. Also, don't forget to update your address and contact information with Washington ESD if anything changes with your new job situation - they may need to reach you even after you stop filing claims. The transition period can feel a bit uncertain, but it sounds like you're handling everything really thoughtfully!

I went through this exact situation last year with Washington ESD. They initially classified my layoff as "voluntary quit" which was completely wrong. For your appeal letter, make sure to include: 1) A clear statement that you're appealing the misconduct determination, 2) Your layoff documentation from HR, 3) Evidence that this was a group layoff (like a company announcement or news article if available), 4) Your positive performance review, and 5) Contact info for coworkers who were also laid off. I'd also recommend sending it both online through your eServices account AND by certified mail to cover all bases. The key is being very specific about why their determination is factually incorrect. Good luck!

Here's a template that worked for me when I appealed a similar Washington ESD misconduct determination: **SUBJECT: Appeal of Disqualification Decision - Claim #[Your Claim Number]** Dear Washington ESD Appeals Division, I am formally appealing the disqualification decision dated [Date] regarding my unemployment claim. I was incorrectly classified as being terminated for misconduct when I was actually laid off due to company restructuring. **Facts:** - Employment dates: [Start date] to [End date] - I was one of 12 employees laid off on the same day due to department closure - My last performance review from [Date] was satisfactory/positive - No disciplinary actions or warnings were ever issued to me - I received written notification that my position was eliminated due to restructuring **Attached Documentation:** 1. Layoff notification letter from HR 2. Performance review from [Date] 3. List of other employees laid off on the same date 4. Copy of original disqualification notice I respectfully request that you reverse this disqualification decision as my separation was due to lack of work, not misconduct. Please contact me at [phone] or [email] if you need additional information. Sincerely, [Your signature] [Printed name] [Date] The key is being factual, organized, and including solid documentation. Send it certified mail and keep copies of everything!