ESD adjudication after leaving job due to DV situation - how long will it take?

First, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Regarding your claim, when you leave a job due to domestic violence, ESD considers this a "good cause quit" but they do need to verify your situation. The adjudication process for DV cases typically takes 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer. The "waiting on information" status likely means they're waiting for your employer to respond or provide documents. Employers have 10 business days to respond, but ESD often gives them extra time. I recommend checking your correspondence tab in your eServices account to make sure you haven't missed any requests for information. You might need to provide some documentation about your DV situation (though this can be done confidentially). Don't worry if you don't see alerts - sometimes they don't show up properly in the system.

ive been thru this. left job bcause of my ex. took FOREVER like 2 months before i got aproved. the dv situation makes it take longer cause they gotta verify everything. its super frustrating but hang in there!!!

My claim was stuck in adjudication for SEVEN WEEKS last year (not DV related, but still). ESD is ALWAYS "waiting on information" even when they already have everything they need! The system is broken! Half the time employers don't even respond and ESD still makes us wait the full time period. It's absolutely ridiculous that people in crisis situations have to wait so long for benefits they DESERVE! My advice - keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting. Document EVERYTHING. And good luck actually reaching a human being at ESD... I called 47 times in one day and never got through!

I had a similar situation last year (though not DV-related) and finally got through to ESD using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me from having to redial constantly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I actually talked to someone, they were able to push my adjudication through within a week. Sometimes all it takes is getting someone on the phone. In your situation, I'd definitely try to talk to a real person since DV cases can have special handling procedures.

Contact your state representative ASAP. That's what ended up working for me after 5 weeks in adjudication hell. They have special liaisons who can contact ESD directly and push claims through faster. It's literally their job to help constituents with state agency issues. Google "[your county] state representative" and send them an email explaining your situation. Mine responded within 48 hours and my claim was resolved the following week.

To clarify some previous comments - for DV situations specifically, ESD is required to handle your case with additional confidentiality protections. Make sure when you do speak with an agent, you remind them that your claim involves domestic violence so they can apply the appropriate protocols. Also, while waiting: 1. Continue filing weekly claims 2. Check if your shelter has an employment advocate who can help 3. Ask about emergency assistance funds that might be available while waiting 4. Look into the Address Confidentiality Program if you haven't already The standard employer response time is 10 business days, but adjudication often takes longer because ESD reviews all information thoroughly. If you can safely provide documentation of your DV situation (protection order, police report, letter from the shelter), this can sometimes speed up the process.

hi there, just wondering - have you checked your spam folder for emails from esd? they sent me a request for more info but it went to spam and i almost missed it. just a thought!

my cousin works at esd (not supposed to tell anyone that lol) but she says theyre SUPER backlogged right now cuz of budget cuts and staff shortages. claims that used to take 3-4 weeks now take 6-8 sometimes. its not ur fault just fyi

One more thing - when you do get through to ESD, ask specifically about the Domestic Violence Unemployment Benefits provisions. There are special considerations for DV survivors under Washington law, including potentially waiving certain requirements. Also ask about backdating your payments to when you first applied once your claim is approved. The adjudication process for DV cases does tend to be more complex because they need to verify your situation while also protecting your privacy, but they should prioritize these cases when possible. If your shelter has legal advocates, they might be able to help navigate this process with you.