Identity verification stuck for weeks with ESD - when will my payments resume?

I went through this exact same thing in January. It took them about 6 weeks to clear my identity verification issue, which is absolutely ridiculous. What helped me was contacting my state representative's office - they have liaisons who can escalate issues with ESD. In the meantime, make sure your weekly claims are still being filed even though you're not getting paid. When they finally verify your identity, they should pay all those weeks in backpay.

identity issues r the worst!!! i had mine stuck for like 5 weeks last yr. ESD is sooooo backed up all the time i swear they do this on purpose to make ppl give up. keep calling evry single day thats what i did and finaly got someone who actuly helped. good luck!!!!!

Identity verification typically takes 4-6 weeks currently due to high volume. A few important points: 1. Make sure you submitted the CORRECT documents. They need to see your full name, DOB, and current address matching what's in their system. 2. Continue filing weekly claims while waiting. 3. Check if you received any secure messages in your eServices account requesting additional documentation. 4. If you submitted through the secure portal, there should be a confirmation number. If you don't have one, your documents may not have uploaded properly. Unfortunately, identity verification is a manual process and calling multiple times usually won't speed it up unless your case is already past the typical processing timeframe.

I had this EXACT problem this February! The address mismatch absolutely can cause delays. You should immediately upload a new document that shows your current address matching what's in the ESD system (like a recent utility bill or lease agreement). I waited 5 weeks with nothing happening, then uploaded additional documents with my current address clearly shown, and my verification was completed within 3 days after that. Don't wait for them to ask for it - be proactive!

If you're desperate to get through to ESD, I highly recommend using Claimyr. Found them at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 30 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a good video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 I was in a similar identity verification situation and getting through to an actual person who could look at my specific case made all the difference. The agent was able to see that my documents were received but sitting in a backlog, and she expedited the review since I was facing eviction. Worth considering if you're in a time crunch with your rent coming due.

The identity verification process is absolutely BROKEN at ESD. I waited TWO MONTHS and eventually had to get my state senator involved to resolve it. The system is designed to frustrate people into giving up their rightful benefits. It's disgraceful how they treat us when we're already struggling. And don't get me started on their phone system! Complete joke.

Quick update: to find your state representative, go to app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ and enter your address. It will show you who represents your district. Email them explaining your situation, include your claim ID number, and specifically mention you're facing potential eviction due to the delay. They can't guarantee fast results, but legislative inquiries often get prioritized.

UPDATE: Success! I wanted to update everyone in case it helps someone else. I tried three things from the advice here: 1. Uploaded additional documents showing my current address 2. Used Claimyr to get through to an agent who actually looked at my file 3. Contacted my state representative Not sure which one did the trick (maybe all three?), but my identity was verified yesterday and I just got all my back payments! The ESD agent I spoke to through Claimyr told me there was a note on my account that my case had been expedited due to hardship. Thanks to everyone who offered advice. This community was so helpful when I was panicking!