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I was in almost the exact same situation - got fired from a retail job for being late too often because of unreliable public transit. The good news is that Washington ESD approved my benefits because I could prove the transportation issues were beyond my control. Here's what really helped my case: I documented everything with screenshots from the bus tracking app showing consistent delays, saved the official service alerts from the transit authority about route disruptions, and most importantly, I had evidence that I'd tried to work with my manager on solutions (like starting later) but was told company policy wouldn't allow it. The fact that you've been there 2 years with no other issues and that you proactively asked about schedule changes will definitely work in your favor. When you file, be very specific about the circumstances - don't just say "attendance problems" but explain the transportation challenges and your attempts to resolve them. Even if it goes to adjudication, having all that documentation ready will speed up the process. File as soon as possible since benefits only start from when you apply, not when you were terminated.
This is exactly the kind of detailed advice I was looking for! I've actually been keeping screenshots of the bus delays on my phone for the past few weeks just out of frustration, but now I realize they could actually help my case. I also have the transit authority's service alerts about construction delays on my route that have been ongoing for months. The part about being specific in the application really resonates - I was worried about sounding like I was making excuses, but it sounds like the key is presenting facts and showing I tried to be proactive. Did you have to provide all that documentation upfront when filing, or did they ask for it later during the review process?
You don't need to provide all the documentation upfront when filing - just be detailed in the separation reason section. They'll ask for supporting documents if your claim goes into adjudication. I uploaded my bus delay screenshots and service alerts through the secure messaging system in my online account after they requested additional information. The construction delays on your route sound like perfect evidence since they show it's an ongoing infrastructure issue, not something you could control. Keep saving those screenshots and alerts - having months of data really strengthens your case that this was a persistent problem you were dealing with, not just occasional lateness.
Don't lose hope - your situation sounds very winnable! I was fired for tardiness due to my kids' school bus being consistently late, and I got approved for benefits after adjudication. The key things that helped my case were: 1) Documenting the transportation issues with screenshots and official alerts, 2) Showing I had tried to work with my employer on solutions (like you did when asking about schedule changes), and 3) Demonstrating that my tardiness wasn't willful misconduct but due to circumstances beyond my control. Your 2-year employment history with no other issues will definitely work in your favor. When you file, make sure to explain in detail about the bus route problems and how you requested accommodation but were denied due to company policy. Keep collecting those bus delay screenshots and service alerts - they're gold for your case. File ASAP since benefits only start from your filing date, and don't let the potential for adjudication scare you. Having solid documentation makes the process much smoother.
Thank you so much for the encouragement! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through such a similar situation and came out successful. The school bus comparison is actually really helpful because it shows how transportation delays can affect anyone regardless of the specific circumstances. I'm feeling much more confident about filing now after reading everyone's advice here. I've already started gathering my documentation - I have about 3 months worth of bus delay screenshots and several service alerts from the transit authority about ongoing construction on my route. The fact that I asked my manager about adjusting my schedule and was denied due to company policy seems to be a key point that multiple people have mentioned as helpful. I'm going to finish my application this weekend and make sure to be very detailed in the separation reason section about the specific transportation challenges and my attempts to address them.
I'm in the exact same situation and it's honestly such a relief to find this thread - I was starting to feel like I was the only one dealing with this nightmare. Been stuck on "requires more research" for 2 weeks now after being laid off from my job of 4 years due to company downsizing. Like many of you, I can't figure out what could possibly need investigating since my separation was clearly not my fault and I provided all requested documentation upfront. The worst part is feeling completely powerless while bills keep coming. I've been following everyone's advice about continuing to file weekly claims and documenting everything, but the uncertainty is eating away at me. Reading that 4-6 weeks is normal is both helpful to know and absolutely terrifying given my financial situation. One thing that's been helping me cope is reaching out to family and friends for emotional support - I was embarrassed at first but realized there's nothing shameful about needing help when you're caught in bureaucratic delays through no fault of your own. Also started looking into community resources early rather than waiting until I'm completely desperate. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and timelines. It really does help to know we're not alone in this frustrating limbo, even though I wouldn't wish this stress on anyone. Hoping we all get good news soon!
I'm so glad you found this thread too - it really does help to know we're not going through this alone! I'm in week 3 of the same "requires more research" limbo and can totally relate to that feeling of being powerless while watching bills pile up. You're absolutely right that there's nothing shameful about reaching out for support - this bureaucratic nightmare isn't our fault and we shouldn't have to suffer in silence while waiting for ESD to do their job. Your approach of looking into community resources early is really smart. I waited too long to start exploring those options and wish I had been more proactive like you. The emotional support from family and friends really does make a difference too, even when they can't fix the actual problem. It's so frustrating that all of us seem to have straightforward cases (layoffs, downsizing, etc.) yet we're all stuck in this same research black hole with zero communication about what's actually being investigated or when it might resolve. But seeing how many people eventually do get approved with backpay gives me hope that we'll all get through this eventually. Hang in there and keep taking care of yourself during this stressful time!
I'm in week 2 of the exact same situation and this thread has been both incredibly helpful and anxiety-inducing! Like everyone else, I was laid off due to budget cuts at my company where I worked for 5 years with no performance issues, so I have no idea what could need "research." The complete lack of communication from ESD is the most frustrating part - even a simple "we're reviewing your employment verification and expect it to take 4-6 weeks" would be so much better than this vague "requires more research" message. I've been religiously filing my weekly claims and keeping detailed records of everything, but the mental stress of not knowing when this will end is really getting to me. I keep oscillating between "surely it'll resolve any day now" and "what if this takes months?" Reading everyone's experiences here helps me feel less alone, even though hearing about 6+ week waits is terrifying when you're already struggling financially. For those asking about emergency assistance - I've found that calling 211 connects you to local resources pretty quickly. Also check if your utility companies have hardship programs you can apply for while waiting. It's not ideal but at least there are some safety nets while we wait for ESD to get their act together. Thanks to everyone sharing their timelines and coping strategies. This waiting game is absolutely brutal but it helps knowing we're all in it together. Will definitely update if anything changes on my end!
I'm right there with you - week 1.5 of this "requires more research" nightmare and already feeling that same mental rollercoaster you described. One day I'm optimistic it'll resolve soon, the next I'm spiraling about what if it takes forever. The 211 tip is really helpful, I hadn't thought to call them yet but definitely will now. It's so frustrating that we all seem to have straightforward layoff situations yet we're stuck in this same black hole. Your point about even basic communication being better than nothing really hits home - like just tell us WHAT you're researching so we're not left wondering if we did something wrong! Thanks for sharing the utility hardship program idea too, that's really practical advice. Hoping we both see movement soon because this uncertainty is absolutely exhausting.
Don't stress too much about the exact amount until you get your determination. Focus on getting your claim filed properly and having all your documentation ready. The benefit amount will be what it is based on your wages.
I went through this exact same process last year working retail at similar wages. The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD uses your "base period" which is typically the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at July 2023 through June 2024. The timing of when you file can actually make a difference in which quarters they include. I'd recommend checking your pay stubs from your highest earning quarter and doing the rough math: (highest quarter wages ÷ 26) × 0.5. That should give you a ballpark figure to work with for budgeting purposes.
That's really helpful about the base period timing! I hadn't thought about how the filing date could affect which quarters they use. So if I wait a month or two to file, I might get a different set of quarters included? That could actually work in my favor since my hours increased over the past few months. Thanks for breaking down the math too - I'll dig out my old pay stubs and calculate my best quarter.
I'm so glad to see this success story! I just filed my claim yesterday and seeing your update gives me hope that the process actually works. I was getting really anxious reading some of the horror stories online, but your timeline of 8 business days seems totally reasonable. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone - it really helps those of us who are new to this whole process!
Welcome to the unemployment journey! I just went through this exact same anxiety last month when I filed my first claim. The waiting period is definitely nerve-wracking, especially when you're dealing with bills and uncertainty. Based on what I've learned from this community and my own experience, 8 business days seems to be pretty standard for first-time claims. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the first one to process - that was something I almost missed! This community has been super helpful for getting real answers instead of just the confusing official ESD website info.
Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same confusion a few months ago! The terminology ESD uses is definitely not intuitive. I remember staring at my screen wondering if "active" meant I was good to go or if it was just step one of a million-step process. From my experience, you're right to be cautious about assuming approval. I had "active" status for about 10 days before it switched to "paid." The key thing I learned is that "processing web" just confirms they received your weekly claim submission - it doesn't say anything about whether your overall eligibility has been determined yet. One tip: if you're checking multiple times a day (totally understandable!), try to check in the early morning. The system seems to update overnight, so if there's going to be a status change, it usually shows up by around 6-7 AM. Saved me from refreshing the page obsessively throughout the day! Hang in there - the waiting is the worst part, but it sounds like you submitted everything correctly. Keep filing those weekly claims on schedule and hopefully you'll see that "paid" status soon!
Angelica Smith
Based on your $4,200/month salary, you're probably looking at somewhere between $450-500 per week, assuming consistent earnings. Not exact but should be in that ballpark.
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Grace Lee
•That matches what I calculated using the formula someone shared earlier. Thanks for the confirmation!
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Logan Greenburg
•Remember that's before taxes if you choose to have them withheld.
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Charlotte Jones
I used that Claimyr service too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my benefit calculation questions. They connected me super fast and the agent was really helpful explaining everything. Definitely worth it if you want to talk to someone directly.
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Lucas Bey
•I'm always skeptical of third-party services but if it actually works...
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Charlotte Jones
•I was skeptical too but desperate after weeks of busy signals. It actually delivered what it promised.
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