ESD denied my claim due to missed 2021 identity verification - faxed appeal docs yesterday

I had almost the exact same situation last October. They wanted ID verification from 2022 that I never saw because I was already back at work. For me, the whole process took about 4-5 weeks from when I faxed in my documents until my claim was approved. Make sure you keep checking your ESD online account for messages - they won't always call or email you when they need additional info. The verification department moves at its own pace unfortunately.

welcome to esd hell lol. they pulled the same thing on my brother. asked for id stuff after he stopped claiming and then used it against him a year later. the whole system is designed to deny ppl

OMG I'm dealing with EXACTLY the same thing!!! They asked for my ID verification in Dec 2021 after I was already back at work for 3 months!! Now I'm trying to file a new claim and they're blocking it. I've been trying to call them everyday for TWO WEEKS straight and can't get through. This is seriously stressing me out!!! Has anyone gotten through on the phone??

I work with unemployment claims regularly, and identity verification appeals typically take 3-4 weeks to process currently. The fax is good, but I would also recommend uploading the same documents through your eServices account if possible (Document Upload section). This creates multiple contact points and can sometimes expedite the process. While waiting, you should: 1. Continue filing your weekly claims even though they'll show as "disqualified" initially 2. Check your ESD account messages daily 3. If you don't hear anything within 2 weeks, call the claims center early morning (right when they open) FYI - the identity verification process is separate from the formal appeal process, though they can overlap. Make sure your documentation clearly references your claim ID number and states "Identity Verification Appeal" at the top of your letter.

my cousin had this issue and she just kept reapplying instead of appealing and eventually got approved lol might be worth a try

One thing I forgot to mention - make sure you're checking both your regular email AND the messaging center in your ESD account. Sometimes they'll only send notifications to one or the other. In my case, they sent a crucial request for additional documentation only through the ESD messaging system with no email notification, and I nearly missed the deadline.

Identity verification appeals typically take 21-25 business days based on current ESD processing times. Since you've submitted via fax, I recommend calling the claims center after 5 business days to confirm they received your documents - faxes can sometimes get lost or be illegible. For anyone facing this situation, here's the proper procedure: 1. Submit identity verification documents (unexpired government-issued photo ID AND Social Security card or birth certificate) 2. Include a detailed letter explaining your situation with your claim ID clearly visible 3. Continue filing weekly claims during the appeal process 4. After 5 business days, call to confirm receipt of documents 5. Check both email and ESD message center daily If you receive no response after 15 business days, request an escalation to a claims specialist. Remember that under RCW 50.20.190, once your identity is verified, you may be eligible for backdated benefits if you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Just wanted to update - I tried that Claimyr service that someone mentioned and ACTUALLY got through to ESD yesterday!!! The agent confirmed they received my faxed documents and said it would take "up to 3 weeks" for processing. At least now I know they have my stuff!

Yes, absolutely continue filing weekly claims even though your initial claim shows as denied. The system will allow you to file them, and they'll appear as "disqualified" until your identity verification issue is resolved. Once your identity is verified and if the appeal is successful, those weeks will be processed for payment retroactively (assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements for those weeks). If you don't file the weekly claims now, you cannot go back and file them later - you'd permanently lose eligibility for those weeks.