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I'm dealing with the same exact issue! Started getting the "Unable to process your request" error on Tuesday when trying to file my PFML weekly claim through SecureAccess. I was getting so stressed thinking I'd miss my deadline and lose benefits. This thread has been a lifesaver - I had no clue about the maintenance window since I don't use Twitter. It's honestly ridiculous that ESD doesn't post maintenance notifications prominently on their main website. We shouldn't have to hunt down random social media posts to find out when their systems are down! I'm going to try the direct paidleave.wa.gov link and the Firefox browser suggestions once everything is supposedly back up tomorrow evening. Really grateful for everyone sharing the phone numbers and tips here - this community is way more helpful than ESD's actual communication!
I totally feel your frustration! I'm new to this whole PFML process and have been having the exact same login errors since Tuesday. Like you said, it's absolutely ridiculous that we have to rely on Twitter posts and community forums to find out when their systems are down. A simple banner on their main website would solve so many problems! I'm really grateful for this thread too - without everyone sharing info here, I would have been completely lost and probably would have panicked about missing my claim deadline. I'm definitely going to try the Firefox suggestion and bookmark that direct PFML phone number for future reference. Hopefully once the maintenance is done tomorrow evening, we can all finally get our claims filed without any more headaches!
I'm having the exact same login issues! Been trying to access my PFML weekly claim since Tuesday and keep getting that "Unable to process your request" error through SecureAccess. This thread has been so helpful - I had no idea there was scheduled maintenance happening since I don't follow their Twitter account. It's really frustrating that ESD doesn't communicate these outages better on their main website. I was starting to panic about missing my filing deadline, but knowing about the 3-day extension is such a relief! I'm going to try the Firefox browser tip and going directly to paidleave.wa.gov once the system is back up tomorrow evening. Thanks to everyone for sharing all the helpful phone numbers and workarounds - this community is way more responsive than ESD's actual support channels!
Remote work unemployment claims are processed the same way as any other claim. The only potential complication is if there's confusion about which state you should file in, but since you're a Washington resident that's not an issue for you.
I went through this exact situation last year - worked remotely for a New York company while living in Washington. Filed with Washington ESD without any issues. The key thing is that your employer should have been paying Washington unemployment insurance taxes since you're a resident here. When you file, they'll verify this automatically through their interstate system. Just make sure you have your employment documentation ready and be prepared to explain your remote work arrangement if they ask during the application process.
Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful. Try to take care of your mental health during this process too. The uncertainty is really tough to deal with.
I went through this exact same situation last year - 7 weeks in adjudication hell. What finally broke it loose for me was getting my state representative's office involved. I called their constituent services line and explained how the delay was causing financial hardship. They have a direct line to Washington ESD and can sometimes get cases escalated. It took about 2 weeks after I contacted them, but my claim finally moved forward. Worth a shot if all else fails - most rep offices are pretty responsive to unemployment issues since they're affecting so many constituents.
I really appreciate everyone's advice! I'm definitely going to keep filing my weekly claims and start documenting my job search activities. It sounds like the identity verification is just part of the normal process, even if it's frustrating to wait. I'll try to be patient for a few more weeks before I panic. If I don't hear anything by week 4, I might try that Claimyr service to get through to someone directly. Thanks again for all the helpful information!
Just want to echo what others have said - identity verification adjudication is totally normal! I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago when I filed after losing my retail job. It took about 5 weeks for them to clear my identity verification, but once they did, I got all my back pay deposited within 2 business days. The waiting is the hardest part, but definitely keep filing those weekly claims even though they'll show as pending. I made the mistake of not doing my job search activities the first couple weeks thinking "what's the point if I'm not approved yet" but thankfully someone on here told me to start doing them right away. Stay patient and keep checking your messages - you've got this!
Jacinda Yu
This thread has been really helpful! I'm in a similar situation as a school paraprofessional. Going to file this week too and see what happens.
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PaulineW
•Good luck! Sounds like we're both in similar boats. Hope it works out for both of us!
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Annabel Kimball
•Best of luck to both of you. Remember to file your weekly claims consistently if you get approved.
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Yuki Ito
I'm a school custodian and went through this same situation last year. The good news is that Washington ESD approved me after about 4 weeks of review. What really helped my case was showing that even though I've worked at the same school for 3 years, I don't have any written contract or formal guarantee that I'll be rehired each year. They just verbally ask me to come back. Also, make sure to emphasize that you work full-time hours even though you're classified as part-time - that was a key factor in my approval. I'd recommend filing as soon as possible since the adjudication process can take a while, and you want to get that clock started. Don't let the bureaucracy discourage you - if you're truly not guaranteed to return, you deserve those benefits during the summer months when you have no income.
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