To answer your follow-up question - no, it won't ask for both weeks' job searches at once. Each weekly claim only covers the specific week you're filing for. So when you file this Sunday, you'll be reporting for the current week only. By the way, when the system asks if you completed your job search activities, it just asks yes/no. You don't actually enter the details into the ESD system unless you're selected for a job search review. But you absolutely must keep detailed records of all your job search activities (I use a spreadsheet).

Just went through this same process last month! The initial claim filing can be really confusing because it doesn't walk you through everything step by step. Here's what I learned: you're totally fine - the initial application just sets up your claim basics. The weekly reporting (including job searches) happens separately when you file your weekly claims starting this Sunday. One tip that helped me: set up a simple tracking system NOW for your job searches. I keep a basic log with date, company name, position, and how I applied (online, in person, etc.). Makes the weekly reporting so much easier when you have everything organized. The ESD can randomly audit your job search records, so keeping good documentation from the start is super important. You're on the right track - don't stress too much about it!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to set up the 10% withholding and also use the IRS calculator to see if I need to make any estimated payments. Really appreciate all the guidance.

Just wanted to add that if you're collecting unemployment benefits and also have a spouse who's working, you might want to have them adjust their W-4 withholding at work too. We found out the hard way that my unemployment income pushed us into a higher tax bracket, and my husband's regular paycheck withholding wasn't enough to cover the extra tax liability from both incomes combined. It's another option to consider if changing your unemployment withholding percentage doesn't feel like enough.

Hang in there. I know it's frustrating but most people do get approved eventually. The system works, it's just slow. Make sure you're doing everything required on your end - weekly claims, job search log, responding to any requests for information.

I went through the exact same thing when I was laid off from my restaurant job last year. The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you're new to the system. Here's what I wish someone had told me: First, definitely start filing those weekly claims right away even though your initial claim is pending - this is super important for getting backpay later. Second, keep a detailed job search log with at least 3 contacts per week (applying online, calling employers, networking events all count). Third, the "under review" status is totally normal for store closures - they just need to verify details with your former employer. It took 7 weeks for mine to get approved, but I got all the backpay once it went through. The system is frustrating but it does work eventually. Stay on top of the weekly filings and job search requirements, and try not to panic about the delay!

I'm currently on week 4 of pending status and this thread has been incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips! I've been doing the daily 8am call routine with no luck, but after reading through everyone's advice I'm going to try several new approaches: 1. Switching to "payment status" instead of "claim status" when calling 2. Checking my Notices/Letters section thoroughly (haven't looked there in weeks) 3. Reaching out to my state representative 4. Trying the 7:58am call timing trick The most valuable thing I'm taking from this discussion is that I need to be more proactive about checking for missing documentation requests. It seems like a lot of people discover they missed some critical notice that was holding up their entire claim. It's both reassuring and frustrating to see that this is such a widespread problem. We're all just trying to get the benefits we've paid into and are legally entitled to. The fact that we have to become amateur detectives and develop elaborate strategies just to access basic unemployment services is completely ridiculous. For anyone else reading this who's stuck in pending hell - keep filing those weekly claims no matter what, and don't give up. Based on what I'm seeing here, persistence and trying multiple approaches eventually pays off. We'll get through this!

I'm in week 3 of pending status and this entire thread has been a lifesaver - thank you all for sharing your experiences and strategies! I was starting to panic thinking I was doing something wrong, but clearly this is a systemic issue affecting tons of people. I'm definitely going to implement the advice I've seen here: - Check Notices/Letters section immediately (haven't looked there recently) - Try the "payment status" option when calling instead of "claim status" - Call at 7:58am or exactly 8:00am - Contact my state representative if the above doesn't work What strikes me most is how many people found critical document requests buried in their Notices section without any email notification. That seems to be the smoking gun for a lot of stuck claims. I'm going to check that first thing tomorrow morning. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to crowd-source solutions and become experts in navigating a broken system just to access benefits we've earned. But I'm grateful for communities like this where people actually help each other instead of leaving everyone to figure it out alone. For anyone just starting this journey - definitely keep detailed records of everything you try and when. And most importantly, keep filing those weekly claims no matter how hopeless it feels. Based on what I'm reading here, when things finally get resolved, the backpay comes through for all eligible weeks. Hang in there everyone - we'll get through this nightmare eventually!

I went through something similar a few years ago and want to share what I learned. The most important thing is that Washington ESD distinguishes between intentional fraud and honest mistakes. If you were genuinely attempting to report your work but made errors in calculation or reporting, that's treated very differently than someone who deliberately hides employment. I had issues with reporting freelance income correctly and was worried sick about potential consequences. When I finally got through to an agent (took weeks of calling), they walked me through exactly what I should have reported and helped me understand where I went wrong. The key is being proactive - contact them before they contact you. It shows you're trying to make things right rather than hiding anything. Document everything you can about your work and what you reported, and be completely honest when you speak with them.

I can understand your anxiety about this situation, but try to take some comfort in knowing that genuine reporting errors are handled very differently than intentional fraud. From what you've described - attempting to report your part-time work but being unsure about the calculations - this sounds like exactly the kind of situation where Washington ESD looks at your intent rather than just the outcome. The fact that you were trying to report your work shows good faith, even if some details were missed or miscalculated. I'd strongly recommend getting in touch with them proactively rather than waiting. Many people here have mentioned Claimyr as a way to actually reach an agent, which might be worth trying given how difficult it is to get through their phone lines. When you do speak with someone, be completely honest about your efforts to report and any confusion you had about the process. Having documentation of your work hours, pay stubs, and what you reported each week will really help your case. The key thing is showing that you were making good faith efforts to comply with the reporting requirements.