ESD determination letter stuck pending for a month after contact with office - who handles this?

You're waiting on an adjudicator to review your case and make a decision. The "fixes" they made probably just meant they noted something in your file but didn't actually complete the review. ESD is notorious for telling people things are fixed when they're just making notes in the system. I went through the exact same thing - took 6 weeks after my "everything is fixed" call before I got my determination letter.

ugh i kno how u feel. been there 2x already this year. the whole system is designed to make ppl give up. they hope ull just stop filing claims and go away.

In my experience, when they say they "fixed things" it often means they just flagged your file for review, not that they actually resolved anything. The determination letter comes from the adjudication department, and they're backlogged by several weeks right now because of the new system rollout. You need to keep filing your weekly claims while you wait, even though they're in pending status. If you stop filing, you'll lose those weeks permanently even if you're eventually approved. Have you checked your eServices portal for any alerts or messages? Sometimes they request additional information through there without calling you.

I had something similar last year and what finally worked was using Claimyr to get through to ESD again. I spent weeks trying to call on my own with no luck, but used claimyr.com and got through in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 When I finally got through, I asked specifically to speak with an adjudicator or have one call me back. Turns out my file was just sitting there and nobody was working on it. The regular agents can't do much besides make notes.

The determination letter process has specific timeframes that ESD is supposed to follow, but they frequently go beyond them due to backlog. Here's what's actually happening: 1) When the agent "fixed things" they likely just updated your file and put it in a queue for adjudication 2) Your claim is assigned to an adjudicator who reviews all documentation 3) If they need more info, they should contact you 4) If they have everything they need, they make a determination and issue the letter The legal timeframe is supposed to be 21 days from initial filing to determination, but in reality, it's taking 6-8 weeks minimum right now. The department you're waiting on is specifically the Adjudication department. I recommend requesting a formal escalation due to financial hardship if you're in that situation. Use those exact words - "formal escalation due to financial hardship" - when you call. That puts you in a different queue.

Does anyone else feel like the ESD system is DELIBERATELY designed to be confusing and take forever?? I swear they're hoping people just give up and stop claiming. I waited 11 weeks for my determination letter last time and when I finally got it, they had the WRONG EMPLOYER listed!! Started the whole process over again... another 8 weeks. The system is completely broken.

I just went through this exact situation in January. After my call with ESD where they "fixed" things, I waited 3 weeks with no change. I finally contacted my state representative's office (seriously!) and explained my situation. They have liaisons who work directly with ESD's executive team. Two days after contacting my rep, I suddenly got my determination letter and all my pending payments were released. Not saying this works for everyone, but it's worth a try if you're desperate. Google "[your county] state representative" and you'll find their contact info.

So I'm an adjudicator with experience in the unemployment system (not in Washington though). Here's what's likely happening: After initial processing, claims with any issues go into an adjudication queue. When the agent "fixed" your claim, they probably just made notes in your file and either 1) put it back in the general queue or 2) assigned it to a specific adjudicator's workload. The problem is adjudicators typically have 100+ cases at any given time. They're supposed to work them in order received, but cases get prioritized based on various factors. When you call, your file gets a "contact" note, which sometimes bumps you up in priority. You need to specifically ask for: 1. The status of your adjudication 2. Who specifically is handling your case (get a name if possible) 3. Request a callback from that adjudicator within 48 hours 4. Ask if there's anything missing they need from you Be persistent but polite. The front-line agents have limited power, but they can add urgency notes to your file.

I had a similar issue back in December and my determination letter was stuck for weeks! My cousin had good luck with contacting the ombuds office at ESD rather than the regular customer service line. They're specifically there to help with issues that aren't being resolved through normal channels. Might be worth a try?