My ESD claim stuck since July 2025 - lost everything while waiting for unemployment

Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should. When your claim gets stuck in adjudication, it can take forever to resolve. In my experience, there are a few things that might help:\n\n1. Contact your state representative - this actually does sometimes work! Find who represents your district and email them explaining your situation.\n\n2. Check your ESD account for any requests for information you might have missed. Sometimes they need additional verification but the notification gets lost.\n\n3. Make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid. If you stop, you'll have to start the whole process over again.\n\n4. Request an escalation when you call - specifically ask for a 'hardship escalation' given your situation with losing your housing and transportation.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been filing every week religiously even though it feels pointless. I didn't know about the hardship escalation - I'll definitely try that if I can ever get through to someone. At this point I'm willing to try anything.

omg im in almost the exact same boat!!! filed in june, still nothing but 'pending adjudcation' whatever that even means. cant get anyone on the phone ever. this system is a joke. so sorry ur going thru this too

It's just so frustrating! Have you found any way to get through to them at all? And yeah, I had to Google what 'adjudication' even meant when I first saw it. Apparently it's them investigating something about our claim but they never tell you what exactly they're investigating or how long it will take.

I was in a similar situation last year - 3 months with no benefits and my claim stuck in adjudication. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual ESD agent. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first but desperate enough to try it, and I got through to someone who could actually help within a day. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nOnce I got through, I explained my financial hardship situation and requested escalation. The agent created an expedited hardship review, and my claim was resolved within a week. Worth trying if you're at your wits' end like I was.

does that service actually work? i keep hearing about it but im always worried about these things being scams

It worked for me, but I understand the skepticism. The key was that once I finally got through to ESD, I specifically asked for a hardship escalation and had documentation ready about my financial situation (eviction notice, overdue bills, etc.). The contact with a live agent made all the difference.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!!! I waited FOUR MONTHS last year and when I finally got approved they had the NERVE to tell me I didn't do my job searches right and DISQUALIFIED ME for 6 weeks of benefits!!! Even though nobody EVER explained how to do them properly!!! They just want us to get frustrated and go away so they don't have to pay out. It's criminal what they're doing!!!

That's exactly what it feels like sometimes - like they're hoping we'll just give up. I'm definitely not going to, though. I paid into this system for years and need the help now.

I'm an employment attorney who works with unemployment cases frequently. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Adjudication backlogs are particularly bad right now due to some system updates ESD implemented in early 2025.\n\n2. You have legal rights to timely processing. Under WAC 192-12-070, determinations are supposed to be made

Thank you so much for this detailed info. I had no idea there were actual regulations about timing. Would it help to mention the WAC number when I call? And do you think I should go ahead and contact my state rep now, or try the hardship escalation first?

Yes, mentioning the specific regulation can help - it signals you're informed about your rights. I'd recommend trying the hardship escalation first (specifically using that terminology), and if you don't see movement within 5-7 business days, then contact your state representative. Be very clear and concise when explaining your situation to them.

have u checked ur account message center? sometimes they send u questions there and if u don't respond they just leave ur claim hanging. happened to me and i didn't know for weeks cuz the email went to spam

I just double checked and there's nothing in my message center or action items. I've been checking obsessively every day too. Good suggestion though.

Quick update on what's currently working with ESD as of September 2025:\n\n1. When you call, the best times are Tuesday-Thursday between 7:15-8:30am or 4:00-4:45pm. The queue is slightly less crowded then.\n\n2. If you get through, immediately ask for a Tier 2 specialist for adjudication issues.\n\n3. Use the exact phrase \

This is so helpful - thank you! I'll try calling during those specific windows starting tomorrow. I never knew about asking for a Tier 2 specialist either. Really appreciate the detailed advice.

hey did u ever get this resolved? im in the same situation and wondering if any of these suggestions actually worked for u

UPDATE: YES! After 9 weeks my claim finally got processed! What worked was a combination of things. I used Claimyr to actually get through to someone (after trying the early morning call times for 3 days with no luck). Once I got through, I specifically asked for Tier 2 specialist and used the phrase about immediate financial hardship with impending homelessness. They created an escalation ticket and I also contacted my state rep the same day. Not sure which one did it, but 4 days later my claim was approved and I got all my backpay. Hang in there and definitely try these approaches!