ESD disqualified my claim without explanation - uploaded firing proof but stuck in limbo

This happened to me last month. The 'disqualified' status doesn't always mean you're actually disqualified - sometimes it's just their system's placeholder while they review your documents. Look under the 'Issues and Decisions' tab to see if there's anything specific mentioned there. If not, they're probably still reviewing your case. It typically takes 7-10 business days for them to process uploaded documents in my experience.

dont worry 2 much, ESD always does this!! they disqualifiy first then fix it later, super annoying system. they did same 2 me but eventually fixed it + paid back weeks. just keep filing ur weekly claims even if it says disqualified ok

THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME!! This is how ESD operates now - they disqualify EVERYONE first and make you prove you deserve benefits. It's their new strategy to reduce fraud but it punishes honest people! I was disqualified for 4 WEEKS before someone finally reviewed my documents. And guess what? They never sent any notification when they approved me - the status just magically changed one day. Keep checking your eServices account DAILY and keep filing those weekly claims no matter what!!

There are a few things you should do in this situation: 1. Check if there's a fact-finding questionnaire you need to complete. Sometimes these appear under 'Alerts' or in your secure messages. 2. Make sure the documents you uploaded are readable and clearly show you were terminated without misconduct. If they're unclear, upload better copies. 3. If it's been more than 10 business days since you uploaded documents, you should call ESD directly at 800-318-6022 to check on your claim status. 4. Continue filing weekly claims even while disqualified so you'll receive backpay once approved. 5. Check your postal mail carefully - sometimes they send physical letters that don't appear in eServices. The appeal option typically becomes available after they make an official decision, which hasn't happened yet in your case.

I found myself in a similar situation last month after being laid off. The ESD phone lines are completely jammed most of the time - I tried for days and couldn't get through. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent within about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was happening with my claim and why it was showing as disqualified. Turns out my employer had contested the claim, which I had no idea about until I spoke with the agent.

I work with unemployment cases regularly, and there's an important distinction to understand here. When you see "disqualified" on weekly claims while your issue shows as "pending" under Issues and Decisions, that's actually normal in Washington's system. The disqualification is provisional until they make a determination. The process typically works like this: 1. You file initial claim and weekly claims 2. System flags an issue (in your case, discharge from employer) 3. Weekly claims show as disqualified while the issue is pending 4. You provide documentation (which you've done) 5. Adjudicator reviews documents and makes a determination 6. If approved, status changes and all held payments are released Average adjudication time right now is about 3-4 weeks from document submission. The frustrating part is there's no way to appeal until they actually make a determination, which hasn't happened yet in your case. Keep filing weekly claims during this time!

my friend had this happen and her boss was telling ESD she quit when she was really fired!! might wanna check if your employer is saying something different than u are

One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure you're still completing your required 3 job search activities each week even while your claim is in adjudication. Document everything carefully. If they eventually approve your claim but find you weren't doing job searches during these weeks, they might disqualify those specific weeks permanently.

they took foreeeever with my claim too. like 6 weeks!! but i got all my backpay once they approved it so just hang in there! the waiting is the worst part but at least the money comes eventually

Update: We're seeing a lot of similar cases recently. ESD appears to be scrutinizing termination cases more carefully in 2025. Make sure the documents you uploaded clearly demonstrate you were terminated without misconduct. If your termination was part of a larger layoff or reduction in force, providing documentation that shows others were also let go at the same time can be helpful. Many claimants are seeing 3-4 week adjudication periods for termination cases right now.