Keep us posted OP. Really hoping this works out for you. The fact that you're thinking it through carefully and getting advice shows you're handling this right.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago when my employer tried to cut my pay by 20%. I ended up negotiating with them first - asked if they could reduce my hours instead of my hourly rate, or if the pay cut was temporary with a timeline to restore wages. Sometimes companies are more flexible than they initially seem, especially if you've been there a while like you have. It's worth having that conversation before you decide to quit, and it also shows Washington ESD that you tried to work with your employer if you do end up filing for unemployment later.

Quick update: I tried all the suggestions here. Left detailed message for governor's office (no response yet), filled out the form for my state rep (got an auto-reply saying they'll contact me within 3 business days), AND used Claimyr this morning to get through to ESD directly. The Claimyr thing actually worked - I got a call back when they reached an agent and spoke to someone who could see my claim. Here's what they told me: my adjudication is for "able and available" verification because I had a 2-week trip during my claim period. The agent said it could take another 2-3 weeks to resolve but they added notes about my hardship situation. So at least I know what's happening now. I'll update again if the governor's office or my rep gets back to me!

Just went through something similar last month! The governor's office voicemail system is actually monitored - I know it seems like a black hole but they do respond. Here's what worked for me: I left a very specific message with my full name, claim ID, phone number, and a brief timeline of how long I'd been waiting. I also mentioned specific hardships (behind on utilities, car payment due). Got a call back 5 days later from their constituent services team. They didn't solve it directly but they sent an inquiry to ESD's executive escalation team. My adjudication was resolved within 10 days after that call. The key is being very detailed in your voicemail - treat it like you're filling out a form, not just venting frustration. Include claim ID, dates, specific issue if you know it, and your contact info. Good luck!

did u check ur eservices account? sometimes the decision shows up there before u get the mail. just login and look under 'letters' or 'decisions' tab

I went through a similar situation about 6 months ago! My employer also didn't show up to the OAH hearing, and I was so nervous testifying alone. The good news is I won my case and got about 9 weeks of back pay. From what I learned during my experience, employers often don't show when they realize their documentation isn't strong enough to defend their position. The fact that you brought performance reviews and had approved medical leave documentation sounds really promising. One tip - keep checking your eServices account daily, but also watch your mail carefully. My decision letter actually arrived a day before it showed up online. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but it sounds like you prepared well and presented your case thoroughly. Fingers crossed for you!

One last thing I'll add - if you have any doubts or Washington ESD questions your claim for any reason, don't panic. Severance issues are usually easy to resolve if you've been honest about reporting everything.

Just wanted to add my experience here since I went through this exact situation recently. I received 10 weeks of severance pay when I was laid off in March, and I was able to collect unemployment benefits the entire time without any reduction in my weekly amount. The key is being completely transparent about the severance when you file your weekly claims. Washington ESD processed everything smoothly once I reported it correctly. Don't let the severance stop you from filing - you've earned those unemployment benefits and the severance is separate compensation for your past work. File your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work!

Final reminder for OP - file your claim on February 16th, report your severance during weekly claims, keep your job search log updated, and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you run into issues. Washington ESD can be challenging to navigate but the benefits are worth it.

Just want to add that when you file your initial claim, make sure you have your employer's information handy including their federal employer identification number (FEIN) if possible. Washington ESD will need details about your job separation and having all the info ready will make the process smoother. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, you'll need employment dates and wages from all of them. The more complete your initial application, the less likely you'll face delays or need to provide additional documentation later.