ESD adjudication dragging on for 7 weeks - employer disputing claim - when will they decide?

Ugh, unfortunately this is super common now. My claim was disputed by my employer too (restaurant industry) and I waited 9 weeks in adjudication hell before getting a decision. The system is so backed up since they cut staff after covid. Just keep filing the weekly claims even though you're not getting paid - if approved, they'll pay all those weeks retroactively.

9 WEEKS?? That's insane! Did they at least contact you during that time for your side of the story? We haven't heard anything and I'm worried they're only listening to his employer's side.

The adjudication timeline really depends on the complexity of the dispute and current ESD workload. For employer disputes, it typically takes 6-10 weeks right now, though I've seen some resolved faster. Make sure your husband has submitted all documentation supporting his case for being laid off (any communications about the reduction in workforce, etc.).\n\nAlso important: he should be completing his 3 job search activities each week and documenting them properly. If he wins the adjudication but hasn't kept up with job search requirements, he could still be denied for those weeks.

Thank you for this info. He's definitely keeping up with the job search requirements and documenting everything. We have the layoff notice that specifically mentions \

I had almost the exact same situation last year. Employer disputed saying I quit but I was actually laid off. Took 8 weeks in adjudication before I finally got approved. The most important thing I did was contact my state representative's office. I filled out their constituent services form explaining the hardship the delay was causing, and within 3 days an ESD supervisor called me to get more information. Decision came a week later. Seriously, contact your state rep!

That's a great idea I hadn't thought of! Did you just go to their website to find the form? I'm willing to try anything at this point.

have you tryed claimyr? my brother was stuck in adjudication for like 5 weeks and couldn't get thru to anyone at ESD. He used claimyr.com and they got him connected to a real person at ESD in like 20 mins. they have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 might be worth trying if you need to talk to someone directly about the situation instead of just waiting forever

I haven't heard of this before but I'm definitely checking it out. At this point I just need to talk to a real person who can tell us what's happening and maybe light a fire under someone.

I can second this. I used Claimyr when my claim was stuck and it saved me weeks of frustration. Just be prepared with all your info when you get connected.

THE ESD SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I waited ELEVEN WEEKS during adjudication last year and then they DENIED me based on employer lies!!! Had to appeal to OAH and wait ANOTHER 6 weeks for a hearing. Finally won but they made me wait almost 5 MONTHS for my money!!!! Call your state rep like someone else said and file a complaint with the governor's office too!!! The system is DESIGNED to make people give up!!!

thisss!!!! happened to my cousin too. they denied him after 8 weeks and he had to appeal. whole system is rigged to help employers not workers

One more tip: make sure your husband is checking his ESD online account DAILY, especially the

That's really good advice - I'll make sure he's checking everything daily. I didn't realize they might give such short deadlines for responding. Would hate to miss something and cause more delays.

To address your earlier question - yes, it might be helpful to resubmit documentation directly to the adjudicator when they contact you. When they start the actual investigation, they should call both your husband and the employer to get statements. Make sure his phone number is updated in the system and that he answers ALL calls, even from unknown numbers, during this period.\n\nAnd as others mentioned, contacting your state representative can be effective. Find yours here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

Thank you! We haven't received any calls yet which makes me think they haven't even started investigating. I'll look up our rep today.

My wife went through this back in February. What finally worked for her was calling ESD right when they opened at 8:00 AM. She had to try for 3 days straight but finally got through to someone who could see that her file had basically been sitting untouched. They escalated it and she had a decision (approved!) within a week after that. The early morning calls seem to work better than afternoon.

I'll try the early morning calls. We've been trying mid-day and can never get through - either constant busy signals or the automated system just disconnects.

got denied after 5 weeks adjudication last month. turned out my boss claimed I was fired for being on my phone when I was actually laid off!!! had text mesages proving it was layoff and won appeal eventually. make sure ur husban has ANY proof that it was actually layoffs!!

We have the official layoff notice that mentions workforce reduction, so hopefully that will be enough. So frustrating that employers can just lie like that!

Don't forget while you're waiting you should be applying for other assistance if you need it. Food banks, energy assistance, rental assistance etc. No shame in using resources that are there to help during these situations. We had to use food banks during my adjudication period and it made a huge difference.

You're right, and thank you for the reminder. I think we do need to look into some temporary assistance while this gets sorted out.