Understanding what causes unemployment to decrease - still confused about my Washington ESD claim status

No that's the frustrating part! No letter, no message in my online account, nothing. Just stopped getting paid.

Check your secure messages in the Washington ESD portal - sometimes they send notifications there that don't show up elsewhere.

8 weeks?! I can't wait that long. There has to be a way to get through to someone faster.

I had similar issues getting through Washington ESD phone lines until I found claimyr.com - they help you actually reach an agent instead of getting stuck in the phone maze. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

The phone system is definitely overwhelmed. Best times to call are usually right when they open at 8am or during lunch hour around 12-1pm when call volume drops slightly.

Tried that too, still no luck. Starting to think they just don't want to talk to us.

lol yeah OP seems confused between unemployment rates and their personal claim status

Sorry, I was just trying to understand the whole system better while dealing with my own mess.

I've been doing that but it's scary filing when I don't know what's wrong with my claim.

That's the right thing to do. Keep filing and keep documenting your job search activities in case they ask for records.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to reach an agent - needed clarification on whether to keep filing during my adjudication period. Worth every penny to get actual answers.

Yeah exactly, I just want to know what's holding up my individual claim.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already strapped for cash waiting for my benefits.

It's not free but honestly was worth it for the peace of mind. Check out their site for details - claimyr.com

Might have to look into this if I can't get through soon. This waiting is killing me.

That's so frustrating! How are we supposed to know if there are tiny discrepancies like that?

Unfortunately the system isn't great at communicating these issues. That's why getting through to an actual person is so important.

That gives me some hope at least. Did you ever find out what caused the delay?

employer contested it initially but then didn't respond to washington esd's follow up requests so my claim got approved by default

Which is exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to help people navigate the broken system and actually reach someone.

seems sketchy to me that you need to pay extra just to reach a government agency that your taxes already fund

I agree it shouldn't be necessary, but sometimes you gotta work with reality instead of how things should be.

Good advice, I'll write down specific questions before I call again.

Also ask for a reference number for your call so you can reference it if you need to call back.

Definitely not alone! This system seems to have problems for everyone.

Yeah there are tons of us dealing with adjudication delays right now. The system is just overwhelmed.

Thanks for clarifying that. I was mixing up the big picture with my personal claim issues.

Noted! I'll keep filing even though it feels weird doing it when my claim is under review.

Yeah it's counterintuitive but you have to maintain your filing schedule or you forfeit those weeks permanently.

Good point, I'll start keeping better records of all my attempts to contact them.

Screenshots especially - I've seen cases where people's online account information changed and they had no proof of what it said before.