How long before unemployment is approved in Washington ESD system?

What kind of issues would cause delays? I was laid off due to store closure so I thought that would be pretty clear cut.

Store closure should be straightforward, but sometimes they need to verify your earnings history with your employer or if there are any discrepancies in your work history. Did you work anywhere else in the past 18 months?

I had the same issue trying to reach someone at Washington ESD. Found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Did they charge you anything crazy?

They focus on the value of actually getting through rather than the cost. For me it was worth it just to get my questions answered instead of calling 100 times.

Four weeks?? That's so long. Did you get backpay for all the weeks you waited?

Yes, they paid me for all the weeks I was eligible from when I first filed. So even though it took a month, I got the full amount.

What documentation did they ask for? I want to make sure I have everything ready just in case.

They wanted pay stubs from my last employer and some form about my separation. Apparently my employer hadn't responded to their request for information.

Yeah I've been doing the weekly claims. Just nerve wracking not knowing when it will be approved.

Higher volumes because the economy is still rough or just because they're understaffed?

Both really. There have been some layoffs in tech and retail sectors, plus they're still rebuilding their staffing after the pandemic surge.

Good tip, I'll start checking that daily. Thanks!

How does that service work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

They handle the calling and waiting on hold, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saves you from spending hours trying to get through yourself.

Unfortunately there's no way to speed up the actual processing, but you can make sure you haven't missed any requests for information. Check your online account and any mail from Washington ESD carefully.

I've checked everything multiple times. Just seems like they're taking forever with no explanation.

Exactly! The uncertainty is killing me. At least if they gave better estimates I could plan better.

Good reminder. I've been applying places but haven't been keeping detailed records. Should probably start doing that.

Definitely keep records. You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and be able to document them.

Congrats! That gives me hope. Did you get any notice before the approval or did it just change status?

it just changed status in my account one day, no advance warning

I agree it's frustrating, but they do have to verify everything to prevent fraud. Still, they could communicate better about timelines.

I keep seeing people mention these calling services. Might have to try that if I don't hear something soon.

Claimyr seems to be the main one people use successfully. They specialize in getting through to Washington ESD agents.

Yeah I've been doing that. It feels weird filing for weeks when I don't even know if I'm approved yet.

I know it feels strange but it's required. You can't go back and claim weeks you didn't file for.

Three times? That's rough. At least you know what to expect now.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll try to be patient and keep following up.

I think I'm going to try that. Better than sitting here wondering what's happening with my claim.

Yeah, they were able to tell me exactly what stage my claim was in and what to expect next. Much better than just guessing.