UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent told me they were waiting for income verification from my previous employer, who apparently never responded to their request from August. The agent said since it's been over 30 days with no employer response, they can process my claim based on the documentation I provided. She said I should see a decision within 5-7 business days! I'm so relieved!!

Congrats on finally getting through and getting answers! Your experience is exactly what I went through last year - my claim was stuck for months because my former employer never responded to ESD's requests. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't automatically move forward after a reasonable time period, but at least once they make the decision to process without employer input, it moves pretty quickly. Fingers crossed you get your approval soon! And thanks for sharing the update - it gives the rest of us hope that persistence pays off.

I've been on unemployment since November and noticed the direct deposits are getting less predictable lately. Sometimes it's there at 9am, sometimes not until late afternoon. I think they're processing more claims since those January layoffs in tech hit. One thing to check - make sure your payment method didn't accidentally switch to the debit card. That happened to my sister and she was checking her bank account while the money was sitting on the ESD card she never activated!

mine just came in guys! check ur accounts

This has been really informative. I manage people and honestly didn't realize that firing someone for performance wouldn't necessarily disqualify them from unemployment. Good to know from the employer side too.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - got fired from my retail job for "not meeting sales targets" even though I was trying my best. I was really worried about applying for unemployment because I thought getting fired meant automatic disqualification. But everyone here is right - performance issues are totally different from misconduct in Washington ESD's eyes. I filed my claim and got approved within about 3 weeks. The key is to be completely honest about what happened and don't try to sugarcoat anything. They'll figure out the truth anyway when they contact your employer. My advice is definitely file immediately - you're losing money every day you wait, and based on what you described, you have a really good chance of getting approved. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but you'll probably be fine.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to file your new claim yet? The sooner you start that process, the better, even while you're working on the overpayment situation. Remember that your claim effective date is based on when you apply, not when you got laid off, so every week you wait is potentially lost benefits.

Great to hear you filed your claim! That's the most important first step. While you're working on reaching ESD, just wanted to add a few practical tips: 1. Keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact them (dates, times, what happened) - this can help support your good cause explanation if needed. 2. When you do get through, ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed. ESD agents sometimes give conflicting information, so having it in writing helps. 3. Consider filing your weekly claims even if they're taking money for the overpayment - you're still building a benefit year and establishing your claim. 4. If you haven't already, gather all your employment documents from the warehouse job (pay stubs, termination notice, etc.) in case ESD needs them during processing. The system is definitely frustrating, but you're taking all the right steps. Hang in there!

To answer your follow-up question about the job search verification - ESD typically conducts random audits of job search activities. For each week you claim benefits, you need to complete at least 3 job search activities and document them. These can include job applications, interviews, creating profiles on job sites, attending job fairs, etc. Since you'll be relocating, ESD understands there may be a transition period. You can request standby status for up to 12 weeks if you have a definite return-to-work date with a Washington employer, but that likely doesn't apply in your PCS situation. The key is being honest about your availability for work. Once you're physically in North Carolina, that's where your job search should be focused. And yes, as someone mentioned, keep ALL documentation for at least a year after your claim ends.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when my husband got orders from McChord to Ramstein - make sure you screenshot or print out your entire ESD claim portal once you get approved. When we moved overseas, I had trouble accessing some of the online features due to IP restrictions, and having those screenshots saved me when I needed to reference my claim details later. Also, if you're moving to an area with a high cost of living like the DC area near Fort Liberty, don't forget that your unemployment benefits are based on your Washington wages, so budget accordingly since North Carolina wages might be different. The military spouse provision is a lifesaver though - definitely take advantage of it!