Reached out to state legislators and got my ESD adjudication case fast-tracked!

This absolutely works! I was stuck waiting for 9 weeks last month with an adjudication issue over my separation reason. Called ESD probably 30 times and either couldn't get through or was told to keep waiting. Found my district's legislators online, sent a detailed email about my situation, and BAM - three days later I got a determination letter approving my benefits AND all my backpay (over $5,800). The key is to be specific in your email - include your claim ID number, when you filed, what specific issue is holding things up, and exactly how long you've been waiting. Make it easy for them to help you. The legislative offices seem to have special channels to escalate cases that regular claimants don't have access to.

lol good luck with that. my cousin tried this n they just sent him a generic email saying theyd look into it. that was 3 months ago and still nothing. the whole systems broken man.

This is excellent advice and something I recommend to clients regularly. State legislators have dedicated ESD liaisons specifically to help constituents with unemployment issues. A few important tips to maximize success: 1. Contact the representatives for your specific district (you can find them at leg.wa.gov by entering your address) 2. Be concise but complete - include your claim ID, contact info, and specifically what issue you're facing (adjudication, identity verification, etc.) 3. Briefly explain the financial hardship the delay is causing 4. Be polite and thankful - these offices handle hundreds of requests In my experience, response times vary from 1-7 days, but it's significantly faster than waiting in the general adjudication queue, which is currently running 10-14 weeks for non-expedited cases. Just remember that legislators can't change ESD's determination on your eligibility - they can only help escalate your case for review.

I was in adjudication for 14 weeks!!!!! so frustrating trying to get thru to ESD on the phone. I would start calling at 7:55am right before they opened at 8 and would STILL get the "high call volume" message. Tried the website messaging too but just got automated responses. There's also this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that some people on this forum suggested. They have a system that gets you through to an ESD agent without waiting on hold for hours. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 I used it after 10 weeks of waiting and finally got to speak to a real person who told me exactly what was holding up my claim (employer disputed my hours). Once I knew the actual problem I was able to upload the right documentation. But your legislator approach sounds even better since they can actually expedite the review!

I've been on adjudication for 6 weeks now because my former employer incorrectly reported that I quit (I was laid off). I've left SIXTEEN messages through the ESD online message center and called at least 30 times with no luck. I'm going to try contacting my representatives right now. Question though - did you have to provide any documentation to the legislative office? I have my termination letter and final paystub showing the layoff reason code. Not sure if I should attach those or just explain the situation first?

wait how do u even find ur state reps? is there like a website or something?

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PEOPLE GIVE UP!!!! I've been fighting with ESD for TWENTY WEEKS over a supposed "overpayment" from last year that I NEVER received! Every time I call, they transfer me around until someone hangs up. When I finally got through once, they told me my case was "under review" and there was nothing they could do. This legislature trick might work for some people, but remember the REAL issue is that ESD is DELIBERATELY UNDERSTAFFED to prevent people from getting the benefits they deserve! They count on people giving up so they can keep that money in their coffers instead of helping struggling citizens. And don't get me started on their "job search requirements" - they expect you to apply for 3 jobs every week when there's barely any jobs in my field right now. The whole system is BROKEN!

i tried emailing my legislators last week for the same reason (stuck in adjucation for 5 weeks) and haven't heard anything back yet... should i call their office instead? anyone know if calling works better than email?

Update: IT WORKED!!! Just got my determination letter today - claim APPROVED and all my backpay will be deposited next week. Total time from emailing my legislators to approval was just 3 days. I honestly can't believe how fast it happened after months of nothing. For anyone else trying this route, I emailed all three of my district representatives (both house reps and the senator). The senator's office responded first, within hours, but all three offices eventually replied saying they'd help. I'm literally crying right now thinking about being able to catch up on rent and bills. This forum has been a lifesaver - thank you all for the support!

This is incredibly helpful, thank you for sharing! I've been stuck in adjudication for 8 weeks now and was starting to lose hope. I had no idea that contacting state legislators was even an option - I thought they only dealt with big policy issues, not individual cases like this. Just to clarify - when you say you emailed them about your "financial situation," did you include specific dollar amounts for things like rent, utilities, etc? I'm trying to figure out how detailed to be without making the email too long. Also, did you mention how many times you'd already tried calling ESD directly? I'm definitely going to try this approach. At this point I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Thanks again for giving those of us in adjudication hell some actual hope!