How long does a Washington ESD unemployment appeal take to process?

16 weeks?! That's almost 4 months. How am I supposed to survive that long without any income?

You should check if you qualify for any emergency assistance programs while waiting. Also make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even during the appeal.

Same here with the phone issues! I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD in like 20 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. What exactly do they do?

They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

I submitted photos of the broken equipment and a few text messages from coworkers about the safety issues. Should I send more documentation?

You can submit additional evidence up until the hearing. If you have any written complaints you made to management about safety, that would be very helpful.

14 weeks is really long even for Washington ESD. Did you check if there are any issues with your paperwork or if they need additional info?

thats the thing - nobody can tell me anything specific. just keep getting transferred around

Good point about the job search log. I've been looking for work but wasn't sure if I needed to track it during the appeal.

Yes, definitely keep tracking. The job search requirement is 3 activities per week in Washington, and you'll need to show that for back pay.

That's encouraging! What was the hearing like? Was it intimidating?

Not really intimidating. The hearing officer just asked questions about why I left and what I did to address the issues first. Having documentation really helped my case.

The phone hearings are definitely less stressful than in-person ones used to be. Just make sure you're in a quiet place with good cell service.

Were you able to get any kind of timeline or updates during the wait?

First time no updates at all. Second time I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got to talk to someone who could see my file status. Made the waiting less stressful.

Good idea about the utility companies. I'll call them tomorrow about payment plans.

Also check with local food banks and community assistance programs. No shame in getting help while you're fighting for what you're owed.

Thanks for the insider perspective! Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?

Not really speed it up, but make sure all your evidence is submitted and clear. Incomplete files just get sent back for more info which adds weeks.

I've been filing them but wasn't sure if it mattered since I'm not getting paid anyway.

It absolutely matters. If you don't file weekly claims, you can't get back pay for those weeks even if you win the appeal.

Congratulations! That gives me hope. What was the key evidence that won your case?

Documentation of me trying to resolve the issues before quitting. Emails to HR, safety complaints, stuff like that. Showed I didn't just walk out.

I felt the same way. Try to focus on things you can control like job searching and getting your documentation organized.

You're right. Just hard not to stress when bills keep coming and there's no income.

Do you have that direct number? I've only been calling the main line.

It's 800-318-6022 but honestly good luck getting through. That's where Claimyr really helped me - they got me to the right person instead of getting transferred around.

That seems like such a waste of time if the employer isn't even fighting it.

Even uncontested appeals go to hearing to ensure the decision is legally sound. It's frustrating but protects everyone's rights.

Thanks for the encouragement! Did you have a lawyer or represent yourself?

Represented myself. The hearing officer was fair and asked good questions. Having photos and witness statements really made the difference.

Thank you for the positive words. Some days are definitely harder than others but I know I was right to leave that unsafe job.

Absolutely right to prioritize your safety. No job is worth getting injured over.