How long does it take to hear back from Washington ESD unemployment appeal?

16 weeks?? That's almost 4 months! How are people supposed to survive that long without any income?

I know it's rough. I had to move back in with family temporarily. The waiting is the worst part.

I did get the acknowledgment letter but that was over a month ago. Nothing since then.

That's normal then. The acknowledgment just confirms they received it. The actual hearing notice comes much later.

Never heard of that before. Did they actually help you get information about your appeal?

Yeah, I was able to confirm my appeal was in the queue and get an estimated timeline. Way better than hanging up after 2 hours on hold.

Interesting. I might try that too since I can't get through either.

I understand the frustration, but the appeals process exists for a reason. Sometimes initial denials are overturned when all the facts are presented.

Sure but why does it have to take 4 months? Other states handle this way faster.

They said I quit voluntarily but I was actually laid off. My employer apparently told them something different.

Oh that's a separation issue appeal. Those definitely take longer because they need to investigate both sides. Make sure you have documentation of your layoff.

I have the layoff notice from HR. Hopefully that's enough proof.

That gives me hope! Did you have to provide a lot of documentation during the hearing?

Just what I had already submitted with my appeal. The judge already had everything and asked specific questions about the situation.

Have you tried calling to check on the status? I know it's hard to get through but sometimes they can give you updates.

I've tried dozens of times. Either busy signal or get disconnected after waiting for hours.

I filed mine online through SecureAccess Washington. That should be more reliable than mail right?

Yeah online is definitely better. You should have gotten a confirmation number and everything.

That makes sense. Probably way more volume in King County.

Exactly. Rural areas might get scheduled faster just because there are fewer cases.

Really? I stopped filing because I thought there was no point since I was denied.

No, you definitely need to keep filing! Otherwise you won't be eligible for those weeks even if you win. It's called maintaining your claim.

Oh no, I haven't filed in like 3 weeks. Can I still go back and file those?

You might be able to but you'll need to explain the gap. Call them ASAP or use that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

Thanks, that's reassuring. I'm pretty confident I have a good case, it's just the waiting that's killing me.

The back pay when you win makes the wait somewhat worth it. I got almost $8,000 when my appeal went through.

Good idea. I've been too proud to ask for help but I might not have a choice soon.

Nothing wrong with using available resources. That's what they're there for.

Good luck with your hearing! Let us know how it goes.

Will do. Nervous but ready to finally get this resolved.

That's actually helpful to know. At least gives us a realistic timeframe instead of just guessing.

Yeah exactly. Worth the cost just to get real information instead of wondering.

That's good to hear. I felt like my initial claim was just automatically denied without any real review.

The initial process is pretty automated. The appeals are where they actually look at the details.

Good advice. I'll start putting together a timeline now while everything is still fresh in my memory.

Also practice explaining your situation out loud. It helps when you're nervous during the actual hearing.

Hang in there. I know it's brutal but you'll get through this. Consider reaching out to creditors to explain your situation - many will work with you.

Haven't thought of that. Maybe they'd be understanding about late payments if I explain.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. This thread has been more helpful than anything I could find on the Washington ESD website.

That's what we're here for. Keep us updated on how it goes!

Congratulations! That gives me hope. How long before you actually got your back pay?

They said 1-2 weeks for the back pay to process. Much faster than the original wait!