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!

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.

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!

After my appeal, I had to wait nearly 3 weeks for payment, but a friend of mine got hers in just 8 days, so it really varies. I think it depends on: 1. How complicated your case was 2. Whether your employer contests the judge's decision 3. Current ESD workload 4. If you have any other issues on your claim The most frustrating part is there's no good way to check the status during this waiting period. The online system just shows your original disqualification until suddenly it updates all at once when they process it.

Hey Malik! I just went through this exact same process about 2 months ago. Had my hearing on a Tuesday and was super nervous about the timeline too since my rent was due soon. Here's what happened in my case: Got the decision letter exactly 14 days after the hearing (it was favorable!), and then ESD took another 6 days to actually update my claim and release the payments. So total time from hearing to money in my account was 20 days. The backpay was automatic for all the weeks I had filed during the appeal - didn't have to do anything special for that. Just make sure you keep filing every single week like others have said! One tip: I set up text alerts on my bank account so I'd know immediately when the deposit hit. The ESD website updated the same day but I saw the money first. Good luck, sounds like your hearing went really well!

One more important thing: even if you have to report the full UI amount, make sure you're claiming all possible deductions on your DSHS application. Housing costs, utilities, childcare expenses, and medical expenses can all help you qualify for more benefits even with higher income. Don't leave any deductions on the table!

I went through a similar situation with ESD overpayment recovery a few months ago. Just wanted to add that when you call ESD to request a hardship reduction, be prepared with specific documentation of your monthly expenses - rent, utilities, food costs, etc. They'll likely ask for proof that the current recovery rate is causing genuine financial hardship. Also, if you qualify for reduced recovery, make sure to get the new rate in writing through your eServices account. The process took about 3 weeks for me, but I was able to get my recovery rate reduced from 25% to 15%, which made a huge difference in my ability to cover basic expenses while still paying back the overpayment.