My ESD claim stuck on 'processing' for 3 weeks - is this normal in 2025?

Mine took 5 weeks to move from processing to approved! The ESD systems are incredibly backed up right now with all the tech layoffs happening in Seattle. I finally got through to an ESD agent who told me there was nothing wrong with my claim, they're just overwhelmed. Have you been able to get anyone on the phone?

5 WEEKS?! That's insane! I've tried calling about 20 times but either get a busy signal or that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume. Did you do anything special to get through to someone?

same thing here... 4 weeks and counting. just says processing. so frustrating!!!!

Have either of you checked for identity verification issues? That's what caused my processing delay. Look under the

I was in processing for nearly 6 weeks back in December. Turned out there was a discrepancy between my reported wages and what my employer reported. Check if you have anything in the

I just checked and there's nothing in the Upload Documents section. No notices either. It's like my claim just disappeared into a black hole! Should I reapply or would that make things worse?

DO NOT REAPPLY! That will create a duplicate claim and basically reset your waiting period. If your claim says processing, it means they have it in the system. The current wait time for processing initial claims is unfortunately 3-5 weeks right now according to the latest ESD performance metrics. \n\nYou should keep filing your weekly claims while waiting for the initial claim to process. Once approved, you'll get paid for all eligible weeks filed, including those submitted during this waiting period.\n\nA few things that might help:\n1. Check if you've completed ID.me verification (required for all new claims)\n2. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the system\n3. Verify there are no alerts or action items in your eServices account\n4. Check your spam/junk folder for emails from ESD\n\nThe most effective way to get information is to actually speak with an ESD agent, but as you've discovered, that's nearly impossible with the current call volumes.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! That's really helpful. I did complete the ID.me verification when I first applied, and I don't see any alerts. I guess I'll just have to be patient... but waiting 5 weeks for benefits is crazy when bills are due every month!

After trying for WEEKS to get through to ESD about my stuck claim, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They were able to tell me exactly why my claim was delayed and what I needed to do to fix it. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nTotally worth it for me since I was about to lose my mind calling that ESD number over and over.

is that some kinda paid service? why should we have to PAY to access unemployment services we already paid into through taxes??? the system is so broken >:

Yeah, it's a service - but for me it was either that or keep burning through my phone battery calling ESD 50 times a day and never getting through. I was about to miss a car payment because my claim was stuck for 6 weeks.

Processing delays are definitely longer than usual right now, but there are a few things that commonly cause claims to get stuck:\n\n1. Employer response issues - If your former employer hasn't responded to ESD's request for information, your claim can get stuck.\n\n2. Earnings verification - Sometimes there's a discrepancy between what you reported and what's in their system.\n\n3. Job separation reason - If there's any question about why you left your job, additional adjudication may be needed.\n\n4. Previous claims or overpayments - If you had a claim in the past few years.\n\nIf your claim is truly straightforward (laid off due to lack of work, sufficient work history, clear earnings record), then it's likely just in the processing queue. However, if you want to get a clear answer, you'll need to speak with an agent.\n\nThe current required job search activities is 3 per week - make sure you're documenting those properly while you wait!

I've been documenting all my job searches carefully (applying to other nursing assistant positions). My former employer told me they received the request from ESD and already responded, so it's odd that there's still such a delay. I wonder if it's because I worked some overtime in my last two weeks? Maybe that's causing some kind of earnings verification issue?

update: my claim FINALLY got approved today after 5 weeks and 2 days in processing!! no rhyme or reason, just suddenly changed status. hang in there!!

Congrats!! That gives me hope! Did you get paid for all the weeks you claimed while waiting?

yes! got paid for all 5 weeks at once. such a relief!

That's good to hear! The system is slow but at least they backpay for all eligible weeks once approved. I'm on week 4 of my claim and still crossing my fingers every time I log in.

Just to follow up, if your claim is heading into week 4 of processing with no movement, I'd recommend trying to speak with an agent. While delays are common, something that takes longer than 4 weeks often has a specific issue that needs addressing.\n\nSometimes claims get flagged for manual review due to your employment history, earnings pattern, or other factors that aren't visible to you in the online system. An agent can see these notes and tell you if there's something specific holding things up.\n\nKeep filing your weekly claims, and remember that you must complete and document your 3 job search activities each week, even while your initial claim is processing. When your claim is approved, you'll only get paid for weeks where you properly completed and submitted your weekly claims with job search activities.

I'm definitely keeping up with my weekly claims and job search activities. Tomorrow will mark 3 weeks exactly. If I don't see any movement by the end of next week, I'll try harder to reach an agent. Thanks for the advice!