< Back to Washington Unemployment

Henry Delgado

ESD adjudicator left voicemail about separation - decision coming if I don't call back?

I'm freaking out a bit! My UI claim has been in review for about 11 days, and today I got this voicemail from someone saying they're an adjudicator with WA State Unemployment. They said they need to discuss my separation from my employer, and if I don't call back they'll make a decision with the info they have. Does this mean they already talked to my old company? I'm worried because I was let go for "performance issues" but honestly my manager just didn't like me and kept changing expectations. Also, what's the difference between this adjudication thing and an actual appeal? The message made it sound like if I don't call back, they'll just decide without my side of the story. Anyone dealt with this before? How quickly do I need to call back?

Olivia Kay

•

This is actually standard procedure during adjudication - and no, it doesn't mean they've already spoken with your employer. The adjudicator is trying to get both sides of the story before making a determination on your claim. This is NOT the appeal stage yet - that would only happen if you disagree with their decision after adjudication is complete. You should absolutely call them back ASAP. If you don't, they'll make a decision based only on whatever information your employer provided, which obviously could hurt your chances of approval. The adjudicator needs to hear your explanation about the performance issues and changing expectations. Make sure when you call that you're calm and can clearly explain your side. Write down key points beforehand so you don't forget anything important during the conversation.

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

Thank you! I called and left a message but nobody answered. Do you know how long they typically give you to respond? The voicemail didn't specify a deadline.

0 coins

Joshua Hellan

•

When I got that call last year i IGNORED it cause i was scared and they DENIED my claim!!!! dont make my mistake, call them BACK asap!!

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! Did you ever appeal the denial?

0 coins

Jibriel Kohn

•

I went through this exact process in February. Here's what you need to know: 1. The adjudicator is gathering facts from both sides before making a determination on your eligibility. 2. They likely already sent a request for information to your employer, but that doesn't mean they've received a response yet or that they've spoken directly with them. 3. If you don't call back, they will make a decision based solely on the information they have - which could be just your employer's perspective if they responded. 4. This is the fact-finding phase of adjudication, not an appeal. Appeals only happen after a determination has been made. 5. You should prepare to discuss your separation in detail - have dates, specific incidents, and any documentation ready. Also, performance issues can be tricky. If you can demonstrate that expectations were unclear or constantly changing, that could help your case. Document any instances where you asked for clarification or additional training that wasn't provided.

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I'll put together some notes about specific incidents where my manager changed expectations on me. I have some emails that might help show this pattern too. Should I mention that I have these documents during the call?

0 coins

For what it's worth, I had a really similar situation last month. Got the voicemail, called back the next day, and had a 15-minute conversation with the adjudicator. They asked specific questions about why I left my job, and I explained my side. My employer had already responded to their questionnaire apparently, and the adjudicator actually told me what my employer had claimed so I could respond directly to those points. I was approved about 3 days after the phone interview. Definitely call back - they seemed to appreciate hearing both sides.

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

That's reassuring to hear! I'm hoping for a similar outcome. Did they tell you exactly what your employer said, or just the general points?

0 coins

They summarized the main points my employer made about why I was terminated. They didn't read it verbatim, but gave me enough info to respond to the specific allegations. Be honest but frame things in the most favorable light for yourself.

0 coins

ive been waiting 4 weeks and still no call from adjudicator????? why do some people get calls and others dont??? does that mean im denied already

0 coins

Jibriel Kohn

•

Not necessarily. Adjudication timelines vary based on claim complexity and current backlog. If your case is straightforward or your employer didn't contest your claim, they might not need to call you. Check your online account for status updates or try calling ESD to check (though getting through is challenging).

0 coins

James Johnson

•

Been dealing with ESD for years and trust me when I say CALL THEM BACK IMMEDIATELY! The system is designed to deny claims by default. If you don't advocate for yourself, they'll take your employer's word as gospel. Of course they didn't specify a deadline - that's how they trap you! They probably gave your employer 10 days to respond but will give you 48 hours before making a decision. It's all set up to favor businesses over workers.

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

That's what I'm worried about! I've been trying to call back since I got the message yesterday afternoon, but I just keep getting sent to voicemail. Should I keep calling or just leave detailed messages?

0 coins

James Johnson

•

Keep calling AND leave detailed messages. Call first thing in the morning when they open - that's your best shot at getting through. If you get a direct number for your adjudicator, even better. Document every call attempt too - write down the dates/times you called in case you need that info for an appeal later.

0 coins

Wait so is adjudication the same as an interview? I got a letter saying I have a telephone interview scheduled for next week but it doesn't say adjudication anywhere??

0 coins

Olivia Kay

•

Yes, the telephone interview is part of the adjudication process. They just use different terminology in different communications, which makes it confusing. Your scheduled interview is for the same purpose - to gather information about your claim before making a determination.

0 coins

If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same boat last month - kept calling and couldn't get through. Claimyr connected me with an ESD agent within 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was honestly worth it to get my adjudication issue resolved quickly instead of risking a denial because I couldn't reach anyone.

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

Thanks for the tip! I've been calling constantly today with no luck. How does it work exactly? Did they actually get you through to your specific adjudicator?

0 coins

They don't connect you directly to your adjudicator, but they get you through to an ESD agent who can see your claim details and make notes on your account. The agent I spoke with documented that I was actively trying to respond to the adjudicator and added detailed notes about my side of the separation. My adjudicator called me back the next day after seeing those notes.

0 coins

Joshua Hellan

•

My freind had this happen and she just emailed the adjudicator instead of calling and that worked for her just fine!!! maybe try that???

0 coins

Jibriel Kohn

•

If the adjudicator included their email in the voicemail, then yes, emailing is a valid option. However, many adjudicators prefer phone conversations since they need to ask follow-up questions in real-time. If you do email, be extremely thorough and address all aspects of your separation from employment.

0 coins

Mia Green

•

just wondering...did they tell u how long ur claim would be in adjudication for? mines been in that status for 5 weeks now and idk what to do

0 coins

Henry Delgado

•

No, they didn't mention any timeframe in the voicemail. Just that they needed to speak with me about my separation and that they'd make a decision with or without my input. Have you received any calls from an adjudicator during those 5 weeks?

0 coins

James Johnson

•

After 5 weeks with no contact, you should be raising hell! Call your state representative's office and file a complaint. That often speeds things up mysteriously. ESD has legal timeframes they're supposed to follow for making determinations.

0 coins

I just went through this exact same thing two weeks ago! Got the scary voicemail and panicked just like you. Here's what I learned: the adjudicator is required to give you a reasonable opportunity to respond, but "reasonable" is subjective. In my case, I called back within 24 hours and had the interview the next day. During the call, be prepared to explain not just what happened, but WHY it happened. For performance issues, focus on specifics - were you given clear performance metrics? Did you receive proper training? Were the expectations communicated in writing? If your manager kept changing expectations without proper documentation or training, that actually works in your favor. Also, don't be afraid to ask the adjudicator questions during your call. They're supposed to be neutral fact-finders, not advocates for your employer. Ask them to clarify anything your employer claimed that doesn't match your experience. The whole process took about a week from my phone interview to getting the approval decision. You've got this - just call them back ASAP and be honest but thorough in explaining your side!

0 coins

Washington Unemployment AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,095 users helped today