UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what worked. I used Chrome browser and clicked on "Apply for unemployment benefits" instead of trying to restart my claim. Had to go through the whole application process again with all my employment history, but it went through! The system accepted my new claim and now I'm able to file weekly claims again. Thanks everyone for your help!

Quick tip that might help others with similar issues - I recently learned that ESD's system treats claims differently based on how they ended. If your previous claim ended because you returned to work (voluntary stop), it's handled differently than if your benefits were exhausted or if your benefit year expired. If anyone reading this is trying to restart after voluntarily stopping claims mid-year, you actually CAN use the restart button as long as you're still within your benefit year. Just another quirk of the system that's not clearly explained anywhere on their website.

I had to quit my job last year when my wife got sick (stroke). I applied for regular unemployment and got denied initially. The denial letter said I had "quit without good cause" even though I explained the medical situation. I filed an appeal and had to wait for a hearing with a judge from OAH. It was really stressful. At the hearing I showed all my wife's medical records and explained why I had to care for her. The judge reversed the decision and I got benefits, but it took almost 3 months from my initial claim to getting any money. If I had known about PFML back then I would've done that instead.

Just to follow up on the PFML suggestion, which I agree is likely your best option: When you apply, you'll need certification from your father's healthcare provider. The certification form is available on the PFML website. If you do end up going the unemployment route instead, make sure you continue filing weekly claims even while in adjudication. Many people don't realize they need to keep filing weekly claims during the adjudication process. If your claim is eventually approved, you'll receive back payments for those weeks - but only if you filed claims for them.

@haloqty87 Yes, I eventually got backpaid but had to fight for it after winning my appeal. They tried to say I "failed to properly file a new claim" even though I did everything by the book! The system is rigged against us!

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread - your appeal and BYE date are two separate processes that unfortunately can overlap. The BYE date is simply the end of your 52-week benefit period, while an appeal addresses a specific determination on your claim. When you reach your BYE date: 1. File a new claim immediately 2. Continue to file weekly claims without interruption 3. Contact ESD to have them add a notation about your active appeal 4. Keep separate documentation for your appeal process vs. your new claim If you win your appeal after your BYE date, any benefits awarded from the appeal decision will still be processed and paid, even though they relate to your previous benefit year.

Have you tried contacting your state representative? When my claim was stuck for 6 weeks, I emailed my district rep's office and they contacted ESD on my behalf. Got a call back from ESD two days later, and my claim was processed the same week. Worth a shot if nothing else is working.

Adjudication is a specific legal process where an ESD claims specialist has to review your claim when there's a potential issue that could affect your eligibility. Common reasons include: 1. Your employer disputing your reason for separation 2. Questions about your ability/availability for work 3. Job search compliance issues 4. Potential earnings reporting discrepancies Standard adjudication takes 3-4 weeks, but with current volumes, many cases are taking 6-8 weeks or longer. The system won't tell you specifically what's causing your adjudication because that's determined by the specialist. The best approach is to: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait 2. Check your eServices account daily for any correspondence 3. Respond immediately to ANY requests for information 4. Try reaching an agent through the main number using the methods others suggested Uncomplicated adjudications do eventually resolve automatically, but if there's something specific they need from you, your claim will remain stuck until they can reach you or you reach them.

my friend had this exact thing happen in 2025 and he called esd and told them it was a hardship situation and they rushed it through in like 10 days. just say ur about to be evicted or something they sometimes have ways to speed it up

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I've started documenting my job searches better and am going to try Claimyr to get someone on the phone tomorrow. I'll update when I know more about my claim status. Fingers crossed it doesn't take the full 6+ weeks again - I just can't afford that kind of gap right now.

Glad you got it resolved! This is unfortunately a common issue with ESD refunds - they get stuck in that limbo between approval and accounting. Thanks for updating us on what worked for you.

nice! so happy u got ur money back finally!

THE WHOLE ESD SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! I appealed an $8K overpayment in 2024 and waited FIVE MONTHS for a hearing, and the judge just rubber-stamped whatever ESD said!!! They claimed I didn't report some income but I HAD THE PROOF I DID and they still ruled against me. Now they're taking 25% of my paycheck AND charging interest!!! The appeal process is just for show - they ALWAYS side with ESD. Document EVERYTHING and record all phone calls (WA is a two-party state so tell them you're recording). The system is designed to frustrate you into giving up.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I called ESD today using that Claimyr service mentioned below (which actually worked!), and they confirmed what @profile1 said - no interest during the appeal process. The agent also let me know my hearing is tentatively scheduled for early November, about 4 months from when I filed the appeal. I'm going to start gathering all my documentation now. I'll update this thread after my hearing in case it helps anyone else going through this process.

just wondering did u have a lawyer for ur appeal? i have one coming up and not sure if i need one

Just to add to my earlier comment - the ESD website won't update your weeks from 'disqualified' to 'paid' all at once. It's normal to see them change status in batches as they're processed. And sometimes they'll all update at once right before payment is issued. The important thing is having your appeal decision number and the date it was finalized ready when you call, as this helps them locate where your case is in the processing queue.

Just to add something no one mentioned - RECORD EVERYTHING! Washington is a two-party consent state for recording, so you need to ask permission at the start of the hearing, but the judge will almost always allow it. Having a recording helped me tremendously when I had to fight an appeal decision later. Also, don't let your employer interrupt you - the judge should control this but sometimes they don't.

Since your employer is appealing a "discharged for misconduct" case, their burden of proof is quite high. They need to prove your actions were: 1. Willful or wanton disregard of employer's interests 2. Deliberate violation of reasonable policies 3. Carelessness so severe or repeated to show intentional disregard Simple poor performance usually doesn't meet this standard. If they never gave you written warnings or improvement plans, that works strongly in your favor. Since ESD already ruled in your favor once, you're starting from a position of strength.

To give you the official answer: You should file your weekly claim through the Sunday before you start work. During that claim, you'll need to answer "yes" to the question asking if you've accepted an offer of work, and provide the date you'll start. As long as you answer all questions truthfully, you're following the proper procedure. When you start work on Monday, you'll stop filing weekly claims. If for some reason your job falls through, you can restart your claim process, but you'd need to explain the gap in filing.

congrats on the new job!! what kind of retail management? i been looking for something similar