ESD adjudication since Nov - employer claiming I quit when I was laid off

Yes, I went through something similar last year. My claim was in adjudication for 6 weeks because my former employer claimed I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. Here's what worked for me: 1) Send a detailed message through eServices explaining EXACTLY what happened with dates, times, and any witnesses 2) Upload any evidence you have - text messages, emails, anything showing the layoff 3) Contact your state representative - seriously, this made a huge difference in my case 4) Keep filing your weekly claims without fail while waiting. In my case, they eventually ruled in my favor, but it took almost 8 weeks total to resolve.

omg the SAME thing happened to me!!! my boss told everyone i quit but actually told me not to come back after i asked for time off for my moms surgery. adjudication took foreverrrr but i got approved in the end. just keep filing every week!

You're in what's called a "quit vs. discharge" dispute, which is one of the most common reasons claims go to adjudication. ESD has to determine who initiated the separation. Since you don't have documentation, here's what will happen: 1) An adjudicator will schedule fact-finding interviews with both you and your former employer 2) Both parties will present their version of events 3) ESD will make a determination based on preponderance of evidence DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down exact dates, conversations, witnesses. If you have ANY texts, emails, or voicemails that suggest you were laid off, those will be crucial. Also, Washington is an "able and available" state, meaning you must prove you're actively seeking work each week (3 job search activities) regardless of your claim status.

I had a similar thing happen and my claim was in adjudication for TWO MONTHS!! The system is completely broken. I kept filing every week thinking I would eventually get paid and then they denied me anyway saying I "voluntarily quit" which was total BS. Now I'm appealing and that's taking forever too. Good luck but don't count on that money coming anytime soon.

I was stuck in adjudication for 9 weeks last year with a similar issue. I finally managed to get through to an ESD agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an ESD rep in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. The agent was able to expedite my adjudication by adding notes to my file and scheduling my fact-finding interview. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was honestly worth it just to finally talk to someone who could help.

Look, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but without written documentation of your layoff, you're fighting an uphill battle. ESD almost always sides with the employer in these disputes unless you have solid evidence. I've seen this play out dozens of times - the burden of proof is on YOU to prove you were laid off, not on them to prove you quit. Your best shot is to write down EVERYTHING you can remember - exact conversations, dates, who was present, any witnesses who can verify you were laid off. If you have any indirect evidence (like texts where you mentioned being laid off and the employer didn't correct you), that can help. Also, did anyone else get laid off at the same time? Their testimony could be crucial. Be prepared for this to potentially go to appeal. If denied, you have 30 days to file an appeal for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

Update: I finally managed to get through to ESD! They said my adjudication is delayed because they haven't been able to reach my former employer for their side of the story. The agent scheduled me for a fact-finding interview next week. She also suggested I upload any text messages or emails that might help my case, which I've done now. Thanks everyone for your advice - fingers crossed this gets resolved soon!