How to help unemployment - Washington ESD claim stuck for weeks, need advice

Thank you! I'll check with him about the weekly claims. He mentioned something about uploading documents but wasn't sure if he did it right.

Yeah the ID verification is super important. They won't process anything until that's done completely.

He's tried calling multiple times but keeps getting hung up on or put on hold for hours. Any tips for getting through?

Try calling right at 8am when they open. Also clear your whole morning because you might be on hold for 2-3 hours even if you get through.

That sounds almost too good to be true. Is it legitimate? How much does it cost?

It's totally legit - they don't ask for any personal info about your claim, just help you get connected. The cost varies but honestly after wasting weeks trying to call myself it was worth every penny.

I used them too when my claim got stuck in some weird adjudication loop. Got through to an agent same day and found out it was just a simple form I needed to submit.

I'll have him double-check his messages. What are the job search requirements exactly?

He needs to make 3 job contacts per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. If he's not doing this it could delay or disqualify his claim.

Wait, I thought it was 2 job contacts per week? The requirements keep changing.

It's 3 per week unless you're in an approved training program or have a standby status with your employer.

He was laid off due to company downsizing, so it should be straightforward. Maybe that's not the issue?

If it was a clear layoff then yeah, that's weird it's taking so long. Definitely sounds like something else is holding it up.

That's exactly what my brother is experiencing. It's so frustrating to watch him stress about this.

Same here, I've called probably 200 times in the past month. The system is completely broken.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr - couldn't deal with the endless calling anymore. They handle all that frustration for you.

Good point. What specific documents should he have ready?

Last 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, the layoff notice or separation paperwork, and his social security card. Also any correspondence he's received from Washington ESD.

I hadn't thought of that. Do you know where to look for those programs?

Check with his county social services department or local food banks. Many have emergency rent/utility assistance programs.

211 is a good resource too - just dial 2-1-1 and they can connect you to local assistance programs.

It really does feel that way. He's starting to wonder if it's even worth continuing to pursue.

don't let him give up! he's entitled to those benefits if he was laid off. make them do their job.

That's a great idea! I didn't know they could help with unemployment issues.

Most elected officials have staff dedicated to helping constituents with state agency issues. Worth a shot if nothing else works.

I tried this route and it took 3 weeks just to get a response. Better than nothing but don't expect quick results.

He's getting close to that point with rent. How does he request expedited processing?

He'd need to call and speak to a supervisor, but good luck getting through to anyone. This is another case where a service like Claimyr might help.

That gives me hope! How did you finally get through to talk to someone?

Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Got connected within a few hours instead of calling for weeks myself.

Same experience here - weeks of calling got me nowhere, Claimyr got me through same day. Found out it was just a missing form.

Good thinking. I'll help him start keeping a log of all his attempts to contact them.

Yeah, screenshots of his online account status, notes about phone calls, everything. The more documentation the better.

It is frustrating watching him go through this. He worked for 15 years and never asked for help before.

That's exactly how I felt. You pay into the system your whole career and then they act like they're doing you a favor.

I'll make sure he understands this. Thanks for the reminder - seems like this is really important.

Super important. I've seen people lose months of benefits because they stopped filing weekly claims during adjudication.

Yep, the weekly claims keep your place in line basically. Don't skip them ever.

Will do! I'm going to help him try some of these suggestions this week and see what happens.

Thanks! Good luck to your brother. The system is broken but don't give up.

Thanks, I just feel helpless watching him stress about money when he should be getting these benefits. Really appreciate everyone's advice here.

Family support makes a huge difference during unemployment. Keep being there for him.

I'll check on this too. So many requirements to keep track of!

I know it's overwhelming but better to do everything right from the start than have to appeal later.

The WorkSourceWA registration is mandatory and they check it. Don't skip this step.

You're right. I think we're going to try that Claimyr service to help him get through. Seems like multiple people here had success with it.

That's probably the most efficient approach at this point. Six weeks is too long to wait without answers.