I'm about 3 weeks into adjudication and this thread is both helpful and terrifying! The phone system really is impossible - I've tried calling over 80 times and only got through to the automated system once before it hung up on me. It's crazy that we have to pay third-party services just to talk to our own state agency. Has anyone had luck with emailing their local legislators? I found my rep's contact info but wasn't sure if they actually help with individual cases or just policy issues. The financial stress is getting real - I'm already behind on my car payment and dreading having to explain to my landlord why rent might be late again.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue - filed my claim 6 weeks ago and it's been stuck in adjudication ever since. The complete lack of communication is maddening. I've tried calling countless times, always get busy signals or disconnected after hours on hold. What's really frustrating is not knowing if there's something specific they need from me or if it's just sitting in a pile somewhere. My savings are nearly gone and I'm starting to panic about making rent next month. Reading through all these comments, it seems like Claimyr might be worth trying despite having to pay for something that should be free. Has anyone had success getting their state legislator involved? I'm in King County and wondering if that office has any pull with ESD. This whole system feels designed to wear people down until they just give up.

I'm in a similar situation - been waiting about 5 weeks now for my adjudication to complete. From reading all these responses, it sounds like the key is really getting through to an actual person who can tell you what's holding up your case. I've been hesitant to keep calling because I hate being on hold for hours, but it seems like that's what it takes. Going to try the secure messaging option first since that sounds less painful than the phone lines. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it helps to know I'm not alone in this frustrating process!

I went through this exact same situation last year and completely understand the stress you're going through. My adjudication took about 8 weeks total, which felt like an eternity when bills were piling up. What finally worked for me was being persistent with the phone calls - I started calling every single day at exactly 8:00 AM when they opened. Yes, it was frustrating and time-consuming, but eventually I got through to someone who could actually see my file. Turns out my case was just sitting in a queue waiting for an adjudicator to review it - there wasn't even a real issue, just understaffing. The agent was able to escalate it and I got a decision within a week after that call. My advice is don't wait for them to contact you - at 6 weeks you're well past normal processing time and need to advocate for yourself. Also make sure you're checking your secure messages daily in case they've requested additional documentation. Hang in there - I know it's awful but most people do eventually get approved and receive all their back payments.

I just went through this last month!!!! The key is you HAVE to call between 8:00am-8:15am. Any later and you'll never get through. And yes, it's 1 → 4 → 7 → 9. I got my adjudication cleared up after 7 weeks of waiting. Hang in there!

I've been dealing with ESD for months and want to add something important - if you're calling about adjudication specifically, there's actually a separate option that might help. After you press 1 for language and 4 for claim questions, try pressing 2 instead of 7 - this goes to the adjudication department directly. Sometimes this line has shorter wait times than the general claims agents. Also, keep detailed notes of every call - date, time, who you spoke with, and what they told you. ESD agents don't always have access to previous call notes, so you might have to explain your situation multiple times. Having your own record helps you stay consistent and shows you've been actively trying to resolve the issue if you need to escalate later. The 5-week wait you mentioned is unfortunately pretty normal for adjudication cases, but don't give up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with ESD.

Something similar happened to me last year. My employer waited almost 3 weeks after I started getting benefits to file their protest. The stress was unreal! But here's what I learned - even if they do protest, you still have rights in the process. You'll get to present your side at a hearing if it goes that far. That text message about downsizing is GOLD - it directly contradicts any claim that you were fired for cause. Make sure you have multiple copies saved. Also, if you have any other documentation from your time there (performance reviews, emails, etc.) that shows you were a good employee, gather those too. The worst part is the waiting and not knowing. But don't let them intimidate you - if you were truly laid off due to downsizing like that text shows, you have every right to those benefits. Stay strong and document everything!

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. My employer waited until I had received 4 weeks of payments before filing their protest. The whole process was nerve-wracking, but I ended up keeping my benefits because I had clear documentation that I was laid off for business reasons, not fired for cause. Here's what helped me: I immediately gathered every piece of evidence I could find - emails, text messages, even my original layoff paperwork. The appeal hearing was conducted over the phone and lasted about 45 minutes. Both my employer and I got to present our sides, and the administrative law judge asked specific questions about the circumstances of my separation. Your text message about downsizing is exactly the kind of evidence that makes a huge difference. In my case, I had an email from HR confirming the layoffs were due to "restructuring and budget constraints" and that was basically game over for my employer's appeal. The key is don't panic if they do file a protest. You'll get proper notice and time to prepare your case. And remember, the burden of proof is on THEM to show you were fired for misconduct, not on you to prove you weren't.

I wanted to add one more resource that might be helpful for both of your questions - ESD's Handbook for Unemployed Workers is available online and has detailed explanations of what needs to be reported and the school/training rules. It's pretty comprehensive and might give you more confidence about what you're dealing with. Also, I've found that when you're in adjudication like your husband is, it's actually a good time to get all these other questions sorted out (like the PTO reporting and school situation) so you don't run into issues later. You're being really proactive by asking these questions now. One small thing - when he does report the PTO payout on his weekly claim, there should be a section asking about "other income" or "earnings" for that week. Make sure to put the full amount there, not just a portion of it. ESD's system is pretty automated for calculating benefit reductions, so accuracy is key. Hang in there with the adjudication process - from everything you've described, it sounds like a straightforward performance issue rather than misconduct, which should work in your favor. The fact that your husband is being honest about it being "his fault" actually shows good character, but remember that fault doesn't automatically equal disqualifying misconduct in ESD's eyes.

I just want to say how helpful this entire thread has been! I'm not in the exact same situation, but I've been worried about some similar issues with my own unemployment claim. The clarity everyone provided about PTO payouts being reported in the week they're received (not when earned) is something I never would have figured out on my own. And all the detailed advice about community college classes while on unemployment - especially the documentation tips and being prepared to quit school for full-time work - gives me confidence about some training I've been considering. @Anastasia Sokolov - I hope your husband's adjudication goes smoothly! From everything people have shared here, it sounds like you're handling everything exactly right by being proactive and transparent. The fact that so many people have successfully navigated similar performance-related terminations is really encouraging. This community is such a valuable resource when ESD's phone system seems impossible to navigate. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it makes such a difference to hear from people who've actually been through these situations!