ESD approval timeline for new yearly claim with standby status - sheet metal worker laid off

I filed a new claim last month (January 2025) after my benefit year ended. I did have to go through the ID verification, but it only took about 2-3 weeks this time around. Much better than the 6+ weeks it was taking last year. Make sure your husband uploads clear photos of his ID documents and follows all the instructions exactly. One small mistake can delay things significantly. Also, standby status doesn't speed up the initial claim processing - it just exempts him from the job search requirements once the claim is approved. He should still do the weekly claims while waiting for approval though - they'll pay those weeks retroactively once the ID verification clears.

my wife filed in december and it took 4 weeks for id verification but then there was a issue with her previous employer contesting something and that threw it into adjutication for antoher 3 weeks!! just make sure he answers everything truthfully and checks his eservices account daily for any notices, they dont always email you when they add stuff

I'm in a similar situation! Just got laid off from construction and my previous claim expired in October. Following this thread for info...

The current average processing time for new benefit year claims with standard ID verification is 2-4 weeks as of February 2025. Standby status applications are currently being processed at the same rate as regular claims initially, but once approved, they do have the advantage of not requiring job search activities. Since your husband has been working steadily for almost a year, his wage verification should be straightforward. Make sure he has his last paystub handy when filing, and that all information matches exactly what his employer will report. One important note: ESD has implemented a new verification system in January 2025 that has streamlined the process compared to last year. If he has a WA state driver's license or ID card, he can use the new SecureID+ option which can verify identity in as little as 3-5 business days instead of weeks. If his claim does get stuck, I recommend having him call early in the morning (right when they open at 8:00 AM) for the best chance of getting through.

wait whats standby status? is that different from regular unemployment? do u get more money with that or something?

I had a NIGHTMARE with ESD back in December. My new claim took 7 weeks to process because the ID verification system kept rejecting my perfectly clear license photo for no reason! Calling was useless - constant busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting for hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach a real person and got it fixed in one day. Worth every penny since I was about to miss rent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 So if your husband's claim gets stuck, don't waste weeks trying to call ESD directly like I did. The stress nearly broke me.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!!! I waited NINE WEEKS last year while they "verified" my identity that I've proven to them for YEARS. Then they had the nerve to demand I pay back $1200 because THEY miscalculated something on their end. Every time the economy gets rough they deliberately slow down the process hoping people will just go away. IT'S CRIMINAL!!!!

Just to clarify some of the information in this thread: 1. The current ID verification timeframe is averaging 2-4 weeks (not 6-9 weeks like last year) 2. Standby status approval requires employer verification and is good for up to 8 weeks for most industries, but construction/building trades can get up to 12 weeks 3. Sheet metal workers fall under the construction category, so your husband should qualify for the 12-week standby period 4. Make sure he files his initial claim within 7 days of being laid off 5. He should file weekly claims even while waiting for approval 6. The new SecureID+ option is significantly faster if he's eligible (WA state ID required) 7. Having his union representative contact ESD can sometimes help expedite the process Hope this helps!

one more thing - tell him to check his spam folder everyday!! my wifes approval notice went straight to spam and she almost missed the deadline to respond to something