ESD claim stuck for 7 weeks after medical-related termination from Safeway - facing eviction

I'm sorry you're going through this. The 'waiting for information' status usually means they've requested details from your former employer. QFC (like all Kroger stores) has a centralized unemployment response team that can take weeks to reply. The good news is that termination for medically-documented absences often qualifies for benefits, and you were smart to submit your documentation early. You should call ESD directly to find out exactly what info they're waiting for. It could be something simple they need from you rather than your employer. When your housing is at risk, you can request an expedited hardship review.

OMG THIS HAPPENED TO ME TOO!! I was fired from Fred Meyer last year for missing work due to my lupus flares (even with drs notes!!!) and my claim was stuck for almost 10 WEEKS before finally getting approved. The system is totally broken and they dont care if we end up homeless while they take their sweet time!!! Have you tried contacting your state rep? Thats what finally worked for me.

Have you tried Claimyr? I was in a similar situation last month - couldn't get through to ESD for weeks. Was about to lose my mind. A friend told me about claimyr.com and it got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have this system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Saved me from spending hours on hold. There's a video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. The agent I spoke with was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim.

mite be worth chekng ur eServices account message center to c if they sent any notices that need a response. sometimes they need more info but dont call, just send message in the portal. happened to me and i didnt see it for 2 weeks lol

This is exactly why I despise ESD's 'process'. Terminations related to documented medical conditions almost always qualify for benefits, but they make you jump through endless hoops and wait for months. It's designed to discourage people from claiming what they're legally entitled to. Here's what you need to do: 1. Contact your state representative AND state senator (this works better than governor's office) 2. Get through to an ESD agent who can see the specific hold code on your account 3. Request a hardship expedition in writing (upload this to your eServices account) 4. Document every attempt to contact them (dates, times, outcomes) If you have a WorkSource office nearby, go there in person. They sometimes have direct lines to ESD agents and can help identify what's missing. The 'waiting for information' status is often code for 'we're waiting for your employer to respond' - but if they don't respond within 10 business days, ESD is supposed to move forward with the information they have.

When I got that "waiting for information" status last year, it was because they needed a form from my doctor confirming my medical condition. Did you submit the Medical Statement Form? It's different from just doctor's notes. My adjudicator never told me they needed this until I finally got through on the phone.

I went through almost the exact same situation last fall. When ESD says "waiting for information" but doesn't tell you what they're waiting for, it's incredibly frustrating. In my case, after FINALLY getting through to an agent, they told me my employer had disputed my claim saying I had "voluntarily quit" rather than being terminated for medical absences. Do you have any documentation from your termination meeting? Email, paperwork, anything stating the reason they gave? If QFC is trying to categorize this as something other than what actually happened, you'll need that documentation for your appeal hearing. Regarding your eviction situation, contact your county's rental assistance program immediately. Many have emergency funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It won't solve your ESD problem, but it might keep a roof over your head until this gets resolved.

Just wanted to follow up - if you're getting evicted and this is a medical condition situation, also contact the Northwest Justice Project right away. They have a CLEAR hotline (1-888-201-1014) for free legal help with both unemployment AND eviction issues. Since your termination was related to a medical condition, you have additional protections under disability laws that might help your case. And definitely pursue getting through to an actual ESD agent as others have suggested. The status messages in the portal are often vague and unhelpful. Only a live agent can tell you exactly what's holding up your claim.