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UPDATE: My backdating was approved! Used that new form in the eServices portal that @profile2 mentioned, and got an approval email after 6 days. My waiting week is now correctly showing as May 5-11, and I'm getting paid for May 12-18. For anyone else with this issue, definitely check for that form under More Services before spending hours on the phone!
Wow, this is such helpful information! I'm new to this community and currently dealing with my own unemployment claim issues. It's really reassuring to see that there are multiple ways to get help - from calling ESD directly to using the messaging system and now this new "Request Claim Adjustment" form. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. It's clear that persistence pays off, and it's great to see @Oscar Murphy got his issue resolved! This gives me hope for my own claim situation.
If anyone else is dealing with getting through to Washington ESD about quit situations, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. Being able to actually talk to an agent when you need clarification on these complex good cause rules is invaluable. The peace of mind alone was worth it for me.
How does that service work exactly? Do they just help you get through or do they provide advice too?
I've been through a similar situation and can share some hard-learned lessons. First, make absolutely sure you understand Washington's specific definition of "good cause" before you quit. The state looks at whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under the same circumstances, and they'll scrutinize whether you exhausted all other options first. Document everything with dates, times, and witnesses. If it's harassment, save emails, texts, and write down verbal incidents immediately. If it's unsafe conditions, take photos if possible. Try to address issues through your company's HR department or management in writing - this shows you attempted to resolve things internally. Most importantly, consider calling Washington ESD BEFORE you quit to discuss your specific situation. They can't guarantee approval, but they can help you understand what documentation you'll need and whether your situation potentially qualifies. Getting this guidance upfront could save you weeks of uncertainty and potential financial hardship later. The process can take 4-6 weeks for adjudication, so make sure you have some financial cushion. But don't let that stop you from leaving a truly toxic situation - your mental health and safety matter too.
Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread - I spoke with an ESD supervisor last month about this exact issue. Here are the facts: 1. Filing method (online vs phone) does NOT affect processing speed 2. Claims filed Sun-Mon are processed in the same batch 3. ANY reported work hours trigger a manual review (which adds 1-2 days) 4. Bank processing times vary (credit unions are often faster than major banks) 5. Holiday weeks always add at least one day to processing If you consistently have delays even with clean claims (no work reported), call ESD and ask them to check if there's a flag on your account.
As someone who's been claiming benefits for about 3 months now, I can confirm what Alice said about work hours triggering manual review. I learned this the hard way after doing some temp work and wondering why my claim was stuck for almost a week! One tip that's helped me - I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking when I file, when it processes, and when I get paid. After tracking for 8 weeks, I can see the pattern clearly: clean claims process Tuesday/Wednesday, claims with work hours process Thursday/Friday. It's actually pretty predictable once you know the rules. Also seconding the banking thing - I switched from Bank of America to a local credit union and started getting deposits about 12 hours earlier on average. Every little bit helps when you're living paycheck to paycheck!
That's really smart to track it in a spreadsheet! I might start doing that too. The credit union tip is interesting - I'm with Wells Fargo right now and always seem to get my deposits later than other people mention. Did you have any issues switching your direct deposit info with ESD, or was it pretty straightforward?
Bottom line for OP: File by Sunday night, expect payment Wednesday morning, check your Washington ESD account if there are any delays. The system is pretty reliable once you know the schedule.
One thing I learned the hard way - make sure your bank account info is exactly right when you set up direct deposit. I had one digit wrong in my routing number and it took 3 weeks to get it sorted out because the payment kept bouncing back to Washington ESD. Double and triple check those numbers! Also keep your bank statements handy in case they need verification.
Yuki Sato
make sure u keep ur ESD account login info somewhere safe in case u need it again!! i lost all my info and had to go thru the whole identity verification nightmare again when i got laid off a second time last year 🤦♂️
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Emma Wilson
Great advice everyone! I just want to add one more thing - when you file that final weekly claim, make sure you answer the work search questions correctly too. Since you're now employed full-time, you won't need to show work search activities for that week. But if you did any job searching earlier in the week before you started work, you might still need to report those activities. Also, keep screenshots or records of your final claim submission just in case there are any questions later. ESD's system can be glitchy sometimes and it's good to have proof that you properly reported your return to work and earnings. Better safe than sorry!
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