How long does it take for an appeal for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thanks! I've been checking my account daily but nothing new yet. Should I be worried that it's taking this long?

Three weeks is still within normal range. The holidays might have slowed things down a bit too.

Did you win your appeal? I'm so nervous about the hearing process.

Yes I did! Make sure you have all your documentation ready. The ALJ was actually pretty fair and listened to my side of the story.

Really? I've been trying to call for weeks and can never get through. How does it work?

You just go to claimyr.com and they handle getting you connected to an actual Washington ESD representative. Saved me so much time and frustration.

This sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

7 weeks?! That's way longer than what others are saying. Did you call to check on it?

I've called probably 50 times and can never get through. The system is completely broken.

Yes, I filed it within 2 weeks of getting the denial letter. I got an email confirmation with a case number.

Good, then you're in the system. The case number means they received it properly.

Exactly! I don't understand why it takes so long just to schedule a hearing.

This is exactly why I recommend using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. At least you can get status updates instead of waiting in the dark.

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

It was actually pretty straightforward. The judge asked questions about why I disagreed with the denial. Had it over the phone which made it less intimidating.

Same experience here - phone hearing was much easier than I expected.

First level I think? I just got denied and filed an appeal. I didn't know there were different levels.

Yeah first level is what you want. That goes to an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing. Much faster than the Board of Appeals.

Good advice! What kind of documents should I gather?

Anything related to your job separation - emails, texts, employment records, witness statements if you have them. Basically anything that supports your version of events.

That's great news! Gives me hope that mine will come soon too.

Good luck with the hearing! You'll do great.

That's frustrating but good to know it's not just me. Thanks for the inside info.

Why don't they hire more judges if there's such a backlog? This is people's livelihoods we're talking about.

Budget constraints and the hiring process for ALJs is pretty complex. It's not as simple as just posting a job opening.

Thank you for the encouragement! I really needed to hear that today.

I'm seriously considering trying this. The not knowing is driving me crazy.

I was skeptical but tried Claimyr last week and it actually worked. Got connected to someone who could look up my appeal status.

Congratulations! That gives me hope. What was the reason for your original denial if you don't mind me asking?

They said I quit voluntarily but I was actually laid off. Had to prove it with documentation from my employer.

That's true, but waiting is still really hard when you have bills due now.

I totally understand. See if you can get help from local food banks or assistance programs while you wait.

That matches what others have said too. I guess I just need to be patient for a few more weeks.

Easier said than done but you're right. The constant checking isn't helping my stress levels.

Yes, I've been filing every week. The denial letter said to keep filing to preserve my claim.

Correct, you should always continue filing weekly claims during an appeal. Otherwise you might lose those weeks even if you win.

Thank you! All these success stories are really helping me feel more confident.

That's reassuring. I was worried it would be biased against claimants.

Not at all. They're independent judges, not Washington ESD employees. Big difference in how they approach cases.