How long does it take for unemployment appeal in Washington ESD?

I have the layoff letter but didn't think to save emails. Hope that's enough proof.

Email screenshots would definitely help your case if you can still access them from your work account or personal email.

That's reassuring about the backpay at least. Did you have a phone hearing or in-person?

Phone hearing. It was actually pretty straightforward once I got to talk to the judge. Just be prepared to explain your side clearly.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash waiting for this appeal.

It's worth it when you need answers. Much better than spending hours on hold just to get hung up on.

Honestly anything that helps you get through to ESD is valuable right now. Their phone system is a nightmare.

For a voluntary quit dispute, you'll want: termination letter, final paystub, any documentation about company layoffs, witness statements if possible, and your original unemployment application.

thanks! i definitely have most of that stuff saved

That's not true - appeals judges are independent from ESD. Sounds like you might not have presented your case well.

I had all the right documents. The whole system is rigged against workers.

Appeals judges do rule in favor of claimants when there's sufficient evidence. The key is being prepared and organized.

This gives me hope! What was your disqualification reason?

Job separation issue - they said I quit but I was actually terminated for attendance (which was due to medical issues I had documentation for).

I've been checking but it just says 'pending' still. No other details.

Yeah the online system doesn't give much detail unfortunately. You really need to call to get specific timeline info.

Good point. Also make sure your contact info is updated with ESD so you don't miss the hearing notice.

I'll double check my address on file. Last thing I need is to miss the hearing notice.

Was it helpful talking to an ESD agent about your appeal status?

Yeah they could see exactly where it was in the process and gave me a realistic timeframe. Definitely worth it for peace of mind.

That's what I'm hoping. I have the layoff notice and my supervisor said they'd be a witness if needed.

Having a witness from your former employer is huge. That should definitely help your case.

Have you tried applying for emergency assistance while you wait? Some counties have programs for people waiting on appeals.

didn't know that was a thing, i'll look into it thanks

Yeah that's exactly my situation. Bills are piling up but I can't do anything except wait.

Actually you should still file your weekly claims even with a pending appeal. If you win, those weeks will be payable retroactively.

Oh really? I thought you couldn't file during appeals. Good to know!

Good reminder. I've been checking religiously but good to know it could come at any time.

That's encouraging! I'm hoping for a similar outcome. The stress is real though.

Stories like this give me hope. Filed my appeal last week and already anxious about the wait.

Did they charge you right away or only if they get you connected?

They handle all the calling frustration for you. Much better than the endless busy signals and disconnects.

11 weeks is unusually long. You might want to contact your state representative's office - they can sometimes help expedite things.

Didn't think of that. Worth a try at this point.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. I'm still waiting but this gives me hope mine will be scheduled soon.

You got this! Make sure to be super clear about why you were laid off and not quit.

2-3 months seems to be the consensus. I'm at 6 weeks so hopefully getting close to the hearing notice.

This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing your success story!

These positive outcomes help keep hope alive while we're all waiting. Congrats on winning your appeal!

Good point. I've been applying to jobs but haven't been keeping detailed records. I should start doing that.

Yes, keep a job search log. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week minimum.