How long does ESD take to determine initial eligibility? Stuck in 'pending' limbo

Initial eligibility can take 3-6 weeks depending on your circumstances. If you worked for multiple employers or had any unusual separation (not a standard layoff), it often takes longer. Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait - that's super important! You'll get backpaid for all weeks claimed if approved. The system is sluggish right now because of the winter layoff season.

mine took 8 weeks before i got any $$$. just keep doing ur weekly claims. they dont tell u anything while ur waiting its frustrating af

This happens to a lot of people, especially first-time claimants. The key is understanding what might be causing the delay: 1. Multiple employers in your base year requires verification from each 2. If your employer contests your claim, it goes to adjudication 3. Identity verification issues can hold things up 4. Seasonal work (like construction) sometimes triggers additional review Try calling early in the morning (7:30am) when the queue is shorter. Check your Secure Message Center daily for any information requests. Also make sure your job search activities are properly documented each week while waiting.

If you need to speak with an ESD agent about your pending status, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me get through when I was stuck in adjudication for weeks. They have a system that connects you with ESD without having to constantly redial. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I got through to an agent, they were able to tell me exactly why my claim was delayed and what I needed to do to resolve it. Saved me from waiting in anxiety for another month.

Also, make sure you're answering your phone even if you don't recognize the number! ESD often calls from blocked or strange numbers, and if you miss their call, it can add weeks to your waiting time. They typically only try once or twice before putting your claim back in the queue.

u should probly double check ur identity verification stuff 2. my friend had to wait 2 months cuz they needed more id proof but the message got lost in his spam folder or something

One more important thing - make sure your contact information is 100% up-to-date in the ESD system. Sometimes they're trying to reach you using outdated information. Also check that your current mailing address is correct because they sometimes send physical letters requesting additional documentation rather than electronic notices.

my brother in law applied in december too and he just got approved yesterday so maybe ur close??

In my experience, the "we don't need anything else from you" message is COMPLETELY MISLEADING! They absolutely DO need something but their system is too outdated to tell you what! I was stuck for 9 weeks last year with that same message until I finally got through to someone who told me they needed proof of my legal status even though I'm a citizen and have worked in WA for 15 years!!! The whole system is designed to make people give up.

Update: I just checked the ESD website and they've posted that they're experiencing higher than normal processing times due to a significant increase in new claims this winter. They're saying initial eligibility determinations are currently taking 4-7 weeks on average. So your timeline isn't unusual right now.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in early December and still pending with that same frustrating message. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - I had no idea about answering unknown calls or that multiple employers could cause delays. I worked three different jobs last year so that probably explains it. Going to try calling first thing Monday morning and maybe look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this limbo!