Two month wait for ESD benefits despite ID verification - identity theft protection delays?

You're not alone. The ID verification process has become much stricter since the pandemic fraud cases. I went through something similar in January - took 7 weeks total. The frustrating part is that there's no status update during verification - it just sits in this limbo state showing "pending" with no additional information. For anyone else reading this who's just starting a claim, upload your documents immediately when first applying, even if not prompted. This can sometimes prevent the verification hold.

OMG THIS HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER TOO!! took him like 9 weeks to get paid and he almost got evicted!! the whole system is broken and nobody even answers the phones when u call

The ID verification backlog is a known issue at ESD right now. They implemented stricter measures after losing millions to fraud during the pandemic. Here's what you can do if you're stuck in verification: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for verification 2. Check your Secure Message Center daily for requests for additional documentation 3. Call the Office of Special Investigations directly at their separate number instead of the main ESD line 4. If you're facing immediate financial hardship (eviction, utilities shut-off), request an expedited review The system is designed to prevent fraud, but unfortunately legitimate claimants are caught in the crossfire. The current average wait time for ID verification is 4-6 weeks according to their latest performance metrics.

After dealing with the same issue last month (took 6 weeks for me), I found a service called Claimyr that helped me actually get through to an ESD agent. I was hung up on or got the busy signal for DAYS before trying it. They basically hold your place in line and call you when they have an agent on the phone. Was the only way I finally got answers about my identity verification status. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - site is claimyr.com. The agent I finally spoke with was able to expedite my verification when I explained my financial hardship.

Yes, it worked for me. I was skeptical too but was desperate after weeks of trying. They don't resolve your claim issues themselves - they just get you connected to an actual ESD agent who can help.

Wait, I'm confused... is identity verification different from adjudication?? I've been in adjudication for 3 weeks and thought that WAS the identity verification process. Now I'm worried I might get stuck in another step after this one finishes. Can anyone clarify what the difference is between these processes?

my id verification took 10 weeks lol welcome to washington esd. they say its for fraud prevention but they lose more money to scammers than any other state still. complete joke of a system.

One important tip for anyone going through identity verification: If you have any name discrepancies between your ID documents (like a married name on some and maiden name on others), make sure to upload a document that explains the difference (like a marriage certificate). This is one of the most common reasons for extended verification times. Also, make sure your address on file exactly matches what's on your ID documents. Even small differences can flag your account for manual review.

i had the exact same problem last month and my local state representative's office actually helped speed things up! try contacting your district rep - their offices sometimes have direct contacts at ESD who can check on claims.