I went through something similar last month and ended up having success with a combination approach. First, I visited the WorkSource office in Federal Way (they were really helpful and less crowded than Seattle). The staff there couldn't change my claim status but they helped me identify what specific information Washington ESD was waiting for regarding my separation from my employer. Then I used the secure messaging system through SecureAccess Washington to submit the additional documentation they recommended. It took about 12 business days to get a response, but my adjudication was finally resolved. The key was having someone at WorkSource explain exactly what ESD needed in plain English - the online instructions were confusing. I'd definitely recommend trying a WorkSource office first before paying for any third-party services. Bring your claim confirmation number, any letters from ESD, and employment records if you have them.

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like visiting a WorkSource office is definitely worth trying even though they can't directly change your claim status. I'm planning to visit one this week with all my documentation in hand. It's really helpful to hear that they can at least explain what Washington ESD is looking for in plain language - that seems to be half the battle with these adjudication issues. I'll try the Federal Way or Tacoma locations since people mentioned they're less crowded than Seattle. If that doesn't work out, I might look into that Claimyr service as a backup option. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!

Hope this all works out for you OP. The waiting week is just a minor bump in the road once you get your claim sorted out.

Just to add another perspective - I went through this exact situation last year. The adjudication process can feel endless when you're waiting, but once it's resolved, the waiting week timing becomes much clearer. In my case, I was approved on a Tuesday and my waiting week was the Sunday-Saturday period that included that Tuesday. Even though I only had a few days left in that week when approved, the whole week counted as my waiting week. The key thing to remember is that you'll still need to file your weekly claim for that waiting week - you just won't receive payment for it. Make sure you report any job search activities and wages accurately during that week too, because it all still counts toward your ongoing eligibility. Hang in there - the process is stressful but it does get sorted out!

Last thing I'll add - make sure you have a reliable way to access the internet for your weekly claims. The Washington ESD system is mostly online now and you'll need to log in every week. Don't rely on just your phone if you can avoid it.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I went through this exact situation last month. I was laid off from my job at a manufacturing plant and filed my claim the very next day online at esd.wa.gov. The whole application took me about 40 minutes, and I had my confirmation within a few hours. My first payment came exactly 3 weeks later (after the one-week waiting period and processing time). The key is having all your documents ready - I had my Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months organized beforehand. Don't overthink it, just get that application submitted as soon as possible!

Bottom line - file TODAY if possible. The Washington ESD system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Even if you were fired, you probably still qualify unless it was for something really serious.

I work in HR and can confirm - you absolutely should file immediately. There's no waiting period to submit your application, and every day you delay potentially costs you money. Since you mentioned it was for attendance issues rather than something like theft or violence, you'll likely qualify even though you were terminated. The key is being honest about why you were fired when they ask. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify the details, so make sure you have documentation about any safety complaints you made. That could actually work in your favor if they retaliated against you for reporting legitimate concerns. Get that application in tonight!

While you're working on your appeal, don't forget to keep applying for jobs and doing your job search activities. If you win the appeal, you'll need to show you were meeting the job search requirements for all those weeks to get paid for them. The system is definitely frustrating, but staying on top of all the requirements will help if you eventually win.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this financial stress on top of an unfair decision. One thing I wanted to add - when you're writing your Petition for Review, make sure to cite specific WAC sections that support your case. For example, if this was a misconduct case, WAC 192-150-200 outlines what constitutes misconduct and the burden of proof requirements. Also, if your employer gave contradictory statements between what they told ESD initially versus their hearing testimony, that's a huge point in your favor. The Commissioner's office takes inconsistent employer testimony very seriously. Keep your chin up - the fact that you have documented evidence and clear employer contradictions gives you a much stronger case than many people who appeal. Focus on the legal errors and factual inconsistencies rather than the emotional impact (as hard as that is), and you'll have the best shot at success.