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Miguel Silva

ESD sent message about 'Separation issue' in adjudication despite submitting employer docs - what now?

Just got this message from ESD and I'm totally lost. I got laid off 3 weeks ago from my restaurant job (budget cuts), applied for unemployment, and my former manager gave me a detailed separation letter explaining everything. I uploaded it with my initial claim AND emailed it to the address they provided. Today I got this message: "This is Pamela from the Employment Security Department. I received your request for assistance. In reviewing your claim, there is a Separation issue that is pending in Adjudication. Your request has been assigned to a staff person, who will reach out to you directly if they need more information from you. Our goal is to resolve the issues on your claim as soon as possible. It is important to remember that resolution of a claim is not a guarantee that you will receive benefits. You will be denied benefits if you are not eligible. Regards, Pamela #643 Washington State Unemployment Claims Center" What separation issue? I already provided all the documentation! My rent is due next week and I have $247 left in my account. Why would they still have questions if my employer confirmed the layoff? Should I call them or just wait? Has anyone dealt with this before?

Zainab Ismail

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This happened to me in january. its just standard procedure even with documentation. the "separation issue" just means they're verifying your employment ended the way you said it did. they contact your employer directly and you wait. took 5 weeks for me before i got my 1st payment.

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Miguel Silva

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5 WEEKS?! Oh god I can't wait that long. I thought having the documentation would speed things up. Did you have to do anything or just keep filing weekly claims?

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Even when you submit all the right documentation, ESD still has to verify directly with the employer and process everything through their adjudication workflow. This is standard procedure, not a reflection on your claim legitimacy. The message you received is an automated response letting you know they're working on it. Here's what you need to do: 1. Continue filing your weekly claims on time 2. Check your ESD account messages daily 3. Answer any phone calls from unknown numbers (often ESD calls from blocked numbers) 4. Have your separation letter and any other employment documents ready if they do call Most importantly, understand that the adjudication process for separation issues typically takes 3-6 weeks right now, regardless of how clear-cut your case seems.

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Miguel Silva

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Thank you for the detailed response. I'll definitely keep doing my weekly claims and watch for any calls. Do you know if there's any way to expedite this process? My situation is pretty desperate.

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Yara Nassar

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I was in the exact same situation last month. The "separation issue" is basically ESD talk for them double-checking that you didn't quit or get fired for misconduct. Even with your documentation, they have a mandatory verification process they follow. One thing that helped me speed things up was using Claimyr to get through to an actual ESD agent on the phone. I was on hold for HOURS trying to call directly, but with Claimyr I got through in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent couldn't remove the adjudication, but they added notes to my file and told me exactly what was happening. My claim got approved a week after that call. Check out their website at claimyr.com - definitely worth it when you're in a time crunch!

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Is this service legit tho? Sounds too good to be true, ESD phone lines are always busy.

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Yara Nassar

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It's completely legit. They use a system that continuously redials ESD for you until they get through, then connect you. Saved me hours of redial frustration.

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Miguel Silva

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Thanks, I'll check it out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to speed this up. Can't believe they make this process so complicated even with clear documentation.

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THEY DO THIS TO EVERYONE!!! It's such BS! I had a letter from my employer too and they still put me through 7 WEEKS of "adjudication" before approving my claim. Then had the nerve to tell me I should've been more proactive about following up. The whole system is designed to discourage people from collecting benefits they EARNED. Keep calling them every day until someone helps you!!!!

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Paolo Ricci

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yep. my cousin waited 9 weeks even with perfect docs. system is broken

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Amina Toure

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im in adjudication rn too (since march 16) and my frnds who work at a restaurant same as u said its normal... do u think maybe ur boss said something different than what was in ur letter?? that happened to my roomate and thats why it took longer for him. maybe call ur old manager and ask if ESD contacted them yet and what they said

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Miguel Silva

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That's a good idea, I'll text my manager tomorrow. We were on good terms when I left, so I can't imagine he'd say anything different, but maybe they haven't even talked to him yet.

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Just wondering if you've been able to find resources for immediate financial help while waiting? When I was stuck in adjudication last year I applied for emergency assistance through my county's community action agency and got help with rent. Also some food banks offer gas cards now.

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Miguel Silva

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I hadn't even thought about that. Thank you for the suggestion! I'll look into what's available in my area. Food banks would help a lot right now too.

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Just to update you on the current timeline expectations: I'm an employment counselor, and the adjudication backlog for ESD is currently averaging about 4-5 weeks for most separation issues. The department is understaffed since the post-COVID restructuring. While waiting: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims accurately 2. Check your ESD online account for any requests for information 3. Be especially careful with your job search activities - document everything 4. If you do get through by phone, ask them to note in your file that you're experiencing financial hardship The good news is that if your claim is approved, you'll receive all back payments for the weeks you've properly claimed.

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Miguel Silva

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Thank you for this information. I'll make sure to be extra careful with my job search activities and documentation. It's just frustrating that it takes so long even when everything seems clear-cut.

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Zainab Ismail

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Hey just wanted to say dont give up on the weekly claims even if it feels pointless. my buddy stopped doing them while in adjudication and when he finally got approved he didnt get any backpay for those missed weeks. big mistake!!

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Miguel Silva

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Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely keep filing every week, no matter how long this takes.

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I went through this exact same thing last year - got laid off from a retail job with full documentation from my employer, but still ended up in adjudication for 6 weeks. The "separation issue" flag is automatic for most claims now, even when everything looks straightforward. A few things that helped me during the wait: - Called 211 for local emergency assistance programs (got help with utilities) - Many churches and community centers have emergency food pantries even if you're not a member - Some credit unions offer small emergency loans if you have an account with them - Gig work apps like DoorDash can provide some quick cash while you wait The hardest part is just the uncertainty and stress. But keep filing those weekly claims religiously - when your approval comes through, you'll get all that back pay. Hang in there, this really is just bureaucratic process, not a reflection of your claim's validity.

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Nia Harris

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This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't know about calling 211 - that sounds like exactly what I need right now. The gig work idea is smart too, I could probably do some food delivery while I wait for this to resolve. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing and came out okay on the other side.

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Sofia Torres

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I'm going through this exact situation right now too! Filed my claim 2 weeks ago after being laid off from my office job, submitted all the paperwork from HR, and just got the same form letter from Pamela. It's so stressful not knowing how long this will take. One thing I learned from calling around is that you can also reach out to your state representative's office - they sometimes have staff who can help with ESD issues. I called mine yesterday and they said they'd make an inquiry on my behalf. Not sure if it'll speed things up but at least someone else is advocating for me now. Also, if you have any friends or family who can lend you money for rent, don't be too proud to ask. I had to swallow my pride and ask my parents for help, but it's better than getting evicted while waiting for bureaucracy to sort itself out. This whole system is so broken - you shouldn't have to choose between paying bills and following their endless processes.

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Sadie Benitez

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That's a great idea about contacting your state representative - I never would have thought of that! I'm definitely going to look up who mine is and give their office a call tomorrow. And you're absolutely right about asking for help from family/friends. I've been hesitating to reach out because I feel embarrassed about the situation, but you're right that it's better than risking eviction. Thanks for sharing what you're going through too - it helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess right now.

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