Finally got ESD claim released after 8 weeks stuck in ID verification limbo

This is great information, thank you for sharing! ID verification issues are extremely common with ESD right now. Their automated system tends to flag perfectly valid documents, especially when there are small discrepancies (like a different address on your license than what's in their system). What's frustrating is that many of these verifications actually passed their system but get stuck in a technical limbo where a supervisor needs to manually approve the release of funds. For others facing this issue: make sure all your documents are clear, readable PDFs or JPGs. Any blurry images will cause automatic rejection. Also check that your name matches EXACTLY across all documents (including hyphens, middle initials, etc). The system is incredibly sensitive to these small details.

does this really work?? ive been stuck in verification for 6 MONTHS!!! uploaded my ID and ss card 3 times already and they keep saying they dont have it or cant see it. this is ridiculous im about to lose my apartment

I had the same experience with my claim being stuck for weeks. The ESD phone lines are absolutely useless - I tried calling over 30 times in one day and couldn't get through. I finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying to call. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent was able to see that my ID verification had actually passed weeks ago but was stuck in some weird status limbo. They manually pushed it through and I got paid within 48 hours. Saved me from having to go the Governor's Office route, though that's good to know as a backup option!

This whole identity verification process is such a disaster. I work for a non-profit that helps people navigate unemployment, and we're seeing HUNDREDS of legitimate claims stuck in this limbo. The worst part is that the verification often passes their system but then gets stuck in a technical queue waiting for manual review. If anyone is facing this issue, here's what I recommend: 1. Call the Governor's Office as OP suggested 2. Contact your state representative's office (they often have direct channels to ESD) 3. Request a formal determination letter if you've been waiting more than 3 weeks - this gives you appeal rights 4. Make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even if you're not getting paid 5. Check your ESD online account for secure messages - sometimes they request additional info but don't notify you by email or phone The system is overwhelmed, but being persistent really does make a difference.

I HATE ESD SO MUCH!!!! Been dealing with this exact issue for 10 WEEKS NOW!!!! Every time I call they tell me something different. First it was "we need more documents" (which I sent), then it was "documents are under review" then it was "we don't see any issues with your claim" but STILL NO MONEY!!!! This system is DESIGNED to make people give up. They're STEALING our benefits by making it impossible to get through!!!

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this - I was in the same situation (7 weeks waiting) and called the Governor's Office this morning. Got a call back from ESD by lunchtime, and they told me my payments would be released within 48 hours. The agent admitted they've been having major issues with their identity verification system since they upgraded it in January 2025. Apparently thousands of claims are stuck in the same situation - verified but not released for payment due to a system glitch.

my cousin works at esd and says their whole computer system is a mess since the 2025 upgrade. apparently the verification system and the payment system aren't talking to each other properly. lots of claims are getting stuck in this weird limbo where the docs are verified but the payment release doesn't happen automatically like it should. she says they're totally overwhelmed with these cases.

I had the exact same problem last month - stuck in ID verification for 7 weeks despite uploading crystal clear documents. The regular phone line was completely useless (when I could even get through). One thing I discovered is that if you go to your nearest WorkSource office in person, they sometimes have direct lines to ESD specialists who can help with these identity verification issues. I went to the one in Tacoma and the staff person there made a call on my behalf to someone who could actually see what was happening with my claim. Turned out my verification had passed weeks ago but was stuck in what they called a "technical exception queue" waiting for manual review. The in-person WorkSource staff escalated it for me, and my claim was paid three days later. Might be worth trying if the Governor's Office approach doesn't work for anyone.