< Back to Washington Unemployment

Zoe Stavros

ESD claim showing disqualified for 5 weeks straight - adjudication since January with no updates

This is so frustrating! I lost my job at the construction company I worked for in early January and immediately applied for unemployment. Since then, I've filed for 5 consecutive weeks and EVERY SINGLE ONE shows 'disqualified' status. There's no explanation provided! My account shows 'adjudication in progress' as of January 15th (it previously said January 8th until yesterday when it suddenly changed). I'm completely in the dark about what's happening. Does anyone know how long this adjudication process typically takes before I'll see any benefits? I've got a mortgage payment coming up, car insurance due next week, and I'm seriously stressing about making ends meet. Called the ESD number at least 20 times but can't get through to a live person. Is this normal or did I mess something up in my application?

Jamal Harris

•

Unfortunately this is sadly common with ESD right now. My claim was stuck in adjudication for almost 6 weeks before it finally processed. The system is seriously backed up. When you say "disqualified" - are you seeing that exact word or is it showing "pending" with an adjudication issue? There's a big difference. If it's actually saying disqualified, you should have received a determination letter explaining why (separation reason, availability issues, etc). Check your ESD dashboard for letters/notices.

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

It specifically says DISQUALIFIED in red letters for each week. But I haven't received ANY letters or notices explaining why! That's what's driving me crazy. Nothing in my online account or physical mail. I did have a short leave of absence in December before being permanently laid off in January - could that be causing the issue?

0 coins

GalaxyGlider

•

SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME!! Every week disqualified with no explanation!!! Been in adjudication since Dec 28th and its now been almost 7 weeks with ZERO communication from ESD!!! This system is completely BROKEN and they don't care at all about people who are struggling. I've called literally 40+ times and either get disconnected or told the wait is over 2 hours. Meanwhile my landlord is threatening eviction and I'm living on credit cards. Did you check your decision status page? That's where my disqualification reasons were buried but they make NO SENSE for my situation.

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

I just checked the decision status page and there's nothing there! Just says my claim is under review. This is insane. How are we supposed to survive while they take their time with this process? Did you ever get through to anyone?

0 coins

Mei Wong

•

Based on what you're describing, it sounds like there's an issue with your claim that triggered automatic disqualification while they investigate. The most common reasons are: 1. Your employer contested the separation reason 2. There's a question about your availability for work 3. You reported something on your weekly claim that flagged the system (like being out of town) 4. Your identity verification isn't complete That change in adjudication date (from Jan 8 to Jan 15) suggests they're actively working on your case, which is actually a good sign. The adjudication process typically takes 4-8 weeks currently, though some cases are resolved faster. What you should do immediately: 1. Check your spam/junk folders for ESD emails 2. Make sure your contact info is up to date in the system 3. Continue filing weekly claims even while disqualified 4. Check your account daily for questionnaires or fact-finding interviews 5. Document your job search activities (3 per week minimum

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'm definitely keeping up with my weekly claims and job search activities. My separation was a straightforward layoff due to lack of work, so I'm surprised the employer would contest it. I'll double-check my spam folders and make sure my contact info is correct. Is there any way to find out what specific issue triggered the adjudication?

0 coins

Liam Sullivan

•

disqulified usualy means theres a issue with ur claim they need to ivestigate. but in my case i was disqualifid for 4 weeks back in november and then suddenly got all backpay at once. so just keep filing evry week even if its showing disqualified. sometimes the pay comes all at once after adjutication is done

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

That gives me some hope! Did you do anything special to speed up the process, or did it just resolve itself eventually?

0 coins

Amara Okafor

•

After weeks of frustration trying to reach someone at ESD about my disqualified weeks, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. It cost money but was totally worth it for peace of mind. The agent was able to tell me exactly why my claims were disqualified (turned out my employer had reported incorrect info) and helped fix it. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - might be worth it if you really need answers.

0 coins

Is this legit? Seems sketchy to pay for something that should be free.

0 coins

Amara Okafor

•

It's basically just a service that holds your place in the phone queue. I was skeptical too but it worked for me when I was desperate. They don't access your ESD account or anything - they just connect you to the regular ESD phone line but bypass the busy signals.

0 coins

The timing of your adjudication date changing is actually normal. ESD's system automatically updates those dates when they're reviewing claims, and it doesn't necessarily mean progress is being made. Just to set expectations - my adjudication took 9 weeks to resolve last year, and that was supposedly faster than average. Keep filing those weekly claims no matter what! When the adjudication is complete, you'll get all eligible back weeks paid at once IF they determine you qualify.

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

9 weeks?! That's absolutely insane. I don't think I can financially survive that long without income. Did your weeks show as disqualified during that entire time too?

0 coins

Jamal Harris

•

One important thing to check - log in to your ESD account and go to the "Decision Status" tab. Even if you haven't received formal letters, sometimes the reasons for disqualification are listed there. Also, go to your "Notices/Letters" section and make sure you've opened all documents. The system sometimes doesn't notify you when new documents are added. Based on what you mentioned about having a leave of absence in December before being laid off in January, that's very likely the issue. ESD needs to verify that your separation was qualifying, and the combination of leave + layoff often triggers manual review.

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

I checked both of those areas and still don't see anything explaining the disqualification. The leave was medical - I had surgery in mid-December and was supposed to return in January, but they eliminated my position while I was out. Maybe that's complicating things?

0 coins

Mei Wong

•

That medical leave followed by position elimination definitely explains the adjudication. This is actually a common scenario that requires manual review because ESD needs to determine if: 1. Your medical condition has resolved and you're now able and available for work 2. The timing of the position elimination was related to your leave (which could have legal implications) 3. Whether you qualify for regular UI or might need to apply for Paid Family & Medical Leave instead This type of case typically does take 6-8 weeks to resolve because they need information from both you and your employer. Since it's been about 5 weeks already, you're likely nearing resolution. Make sure you've submitted any medical clearance documentation showing you're able to work now. If you absolutely need to speak with someone, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM or trying the online chat feature that sometimes has shorter wait times.

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'm cleared to work now and have documentation from my doctor. I never thought to submit that to ESD since they never asked for it. Should I upload it to my account somehow or wait for them to request it?

0 coins

GalaxyGlider

•

Don't wait for them to ask!! Upload EVERYTHING proactively! My adjudication dragged on forever because I was waiting for them to tell me what documents they needed. Finally I just uploaded everything I could think of - doctor's notes, termination letter, final paystub, everything. Magically my claim was approved 3 days later. They won't tell you what they need, you have to guess!!!

0 coins

Zoe Stavros

•

That's really helpful advice - thank you! I'll gather all my documentation tonight and upload everything tomorrow. Fingers crossed this helps resolve things faster.

0 coins

has anyone actually been paid yet in 2025? my brothers been waiting since January 3rd and hasn't seen a penny. i think the whole system is broken this year

0 coins

Mei Wong

•

Yes, many claims are being processed normally. The system isn't broken, but complex claims that require adjudication are taking longer than usual because of staffing shortages at ESD. Standard claims without separation issues or availability questions are typically processing within 2-3 weeks.

0 coins

Washington Unemployment AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,087 users helped today