ESD claim in adjudication despite having CEO's letter about reduced hours - confused why?

yeah dont worry this is normal. ESD puts literally EVERYTHING thru adjudication even when u have perfect docs. they have to verify with ur employer and make sure everything matches up. took me 6 weeks last summer even tho i had solid proof too

This is actually a standard part of the process. When you quit a job (even with good cause like reduced hours), ESD is required by law to review your case through adjudication. They need to verify with your former employer that: 1. The reduction in hours was indeed mandatory (not optional) 2. The reduction was substantial (which 40 to 15-20 certainly qualifies as) 3. Your employer gets a chance to respond to your claim The good news is that you did everything right by getting documentation and checking eligibility beforehand. Adjudication for cases with clear documentation typically takes 3-5 weeks in 2025. Keep filing your weekly claims during this time!

i had the exact same thing happen last month!!! quit cuz hours cut from 38 to 14 and they put me in adjudication for like 5 weeks even tho i had proof too. its just how they do things. they don't trust anything we upload i swear

I went through this exact situation in early 2025. Even though you have the CEO letter (which is excellent documentation), ESD must follow their process. Here's what's happening: 1. When any claim involves quitting, it automatically triggers adjudication 2. An adjudicator must review your documents and contact your former employer 3. Your employer has 10 business days to respond to ESD's inquiry 4. If they don't respond, ESD typically rules in your favor My adjudication took 4 weeks with similar documentation. Since you already spoke with ESD before quitting and have the proper documentation showing a substantial reduction in hours (40 to under 20 is definitely substantial), you're in good position for approval. Make sure you continue filing weekly claims during adjudication. When approved, you'll receive all back payments for weeks properly claimed.

just becuz u talked to someone at esd before quitting doesnt mean anything tbh. they tell everyone different things. i talked to 3 different people and got 3 different answers about my claim last month!

After spending weeks unable to reach ESD about my adjudication (similar situation with reduced hours), I found Claimyr and it literally saved my sanity. I was getting hung up on repeatedly trying to reach ESD, but Claimyr got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was happening with my claim and what additional information they needed. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Their website is claimyr.com - way better than spending days trying to get through on your own, especially when you need answers about adjudication status.

One thing to remember is that while your documentation is strong, Washington state law requires ESD to investigate ANY voluntary quit, even with good cause. The specific law under RCW 50.20.050 covers "good cause voluntary quits" including substantial reduction in hours, but the burden of proof is on you as the claimant. Your case sounds very straightforward based on what you've shared - a reduction from 40 to 15-20 hours is well over the 25% reduction that's typically considered substantial. As long as your employer confirms the same facts, you should be approved. For anyone in this situation, the key elements ESD looks for are: 1. Was the reduction mandatory (not by your choice) 2. Was it substantial (generally 25%+ reduction) 3. Did you attempt to remedy the situation before quitting Having the CEO letter is excellent documentation for points 1 and 2.

Word of warning: my gf had similar situation, had all docs proving hours cut, still took 7 weeks in adjudication & they kept asking for more stuff! Make sure u answer EVERY call (even unknown numbers) cuz if u miss adjudicator call they delay everything!!!!

Honestly this is just how ESD works - super inefficient and frustrating. They HAVE to verify with your employer no matter what documentation you provide. I was in adjudication for 8 weeks despite having similar proof about my hours being cut. The system is designed to be difficult. The most important advice I can give: CALL THEM. Don't just wait. Call every few days for a status update. I finally got mine resolved because I kept calling and finally got a helpful agent who escalated my claim. The worst part is they don't even tell you how long it will take or exactly what they're investigating! It's a completely opaque process designed to frustrate claimants.