What does 'adjudication in progress' mean with ESD unemployment? Stuck for weeks!

Adjudication means your claim has some issue that needs to be resolved by an ESD specialist before benefits can be paid. Common reasons include: employment separation issues (did you quit or were fired?), availability for work questions, income verification, or identity verification. While your claim is in adjudication, keep filing your weekly claims! The good news is when they resolve it, you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks. The bad news is that adjudication can take 4-8 weeks depending on their current backlog. There's not much you can do except continue filing weekly and try to reach someone at ESD for status updates.

Ya adjudiction is the WORST!!! I had it happen to me last month and it took almost 6 weeks to get resolved. They never even told me WHY it was in adjudication, just suddenly one day all my back payments showed up. the system is so broken its not even funny.

Here's what's actually happening in adjudication: an ESD claims specialist is investigating some aspect of your claim that requires verification or clarification. Since you mentioned quitting your job, that's almost certainly the issue. Quitting typically disqualifies you from benefits UNLESS you can prove you had "good cause" to quit. ESD has to contact your former employer, get their side of the story, review any documentation you provided, and make a determination. This process is taking 5-7 weeks currently due to staffing shortages at ESD. You should have received a letter or eServices message explaining what issue is being adjudicated. Check your online account or mail for details.

I had the EXACT same thing happen in January!!!! Adjudication for weeks with no explanation and no payments! I finally caved and tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to ESD. They have this service that gets you connected to an actual ESD agent without waiting on hold forever. They've got a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I actually talked to a real person, I found out there was a simple verification issue they needed to resolve. Got my claim approved two days later and all my backpay came through. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual human at ESD!

Responding to the question about the missed message - don't panic! This happens frequently. Call ESD immediately and explain that you just saw the message. Be prepared to explain in detail why you had to quit your job and how your manager created a hostile work environment. Document specific incidents, dates, whether you reported issues to HR, etc. For "good cause" quit situations, ESD looks for evidence that: 1. The working conditions were truly intolerable 2. You tried to resolve the issues before quitting 3. You had no reasonable alternative but to quit The more specific documentation you can provide, the better your chances. And don't give up - many initial denials are overturned on appeal.

OMG adjudication is the WORST!!! i went thru this last year and literally was about to be evicted before it finally resolved. the whole unemployment system is designed to make u give up i swear... just keep calling them every single day until someone helps u!!!

I want to clarify something important: if you quit your job, you need to demonstrate "good cause" to qualify for benefits. Washington state has specific criteria for what constitutes good cause, including: - Significant deterioration in work conditions - Substantial change in hours or pay - Safety concerns or illegal activities - Medical reasons (with documentation) - Relocation for spouse's employment The burden of proof is on you to show that a reasonable person would have quit under similar circumstances. If you're citing a hostile work environment, you'll need to demonstrate that you attempted to resolve the issues through proper channels before quitting. With all that said, if you missed responding to their request for information, call them immediately. The adjudicator might still consider your evidence if you explain why you missed the deadline.

Wait a minute - you said your manager cut your hours by 40%? That's actually considered constructive dismissal in many cases, which is different from quitting! You should definitely mention this when you talk to ESD. Constructive dismissal is when your employer substantially changes your working conditions in a way that effectively forces you to quit. This can include significant reduction in hours, substantial pay cuts, or major changes in job duties. In these cases, ESD often treats it as if you were effectively laid off, not as a voluntary quit. Make sure to emphasize this point!

OP, based on all the information you've shared, I strongly recommend gathering these documents before calling ESD: 1. Copies of HR complaints you filed 2. Any emails documenting issues with your manager 3. Pay stubs showing the reduction in hours 4. Any performance reviews (especially if they were positive before new manager) 5. Names and contact info of witnesses to the hostile behavior Call first thing in the morning when their lines open at 8:00 AM. If you can't get through after multiple attempts, then consider a service like the one mentioned earlier to connect with an agent. When you do speak with someone, be calm, factual, and emphasize both the hour reduction AND the hostile work environment. Request that they reopen your response period since you missed the notification. Keep filing your weekly claims in the meantime!

Just wanted to add my experience - I went through adjudication last fall and it was nerve-wracking, but hang in there! One thing that really helped me was keeping detailed records of every attempt to contact ESD. I created a simple spreadsheet with dates, times called, what happened (busy signal, disconnected, etc.), and any reference numbers I got. When I finally got through to someone, having this documentation actually impressed the agent and they seemed more willing to help. Also, if you end up having to appeal a decision later, this kind of record-keeping can be really valuable. The waiting is absolutely terrible when you're watching your savings disappear, but based on what you've shared about the hour cuts and hostile environment, you may have a strong case. Document everything you can remember with specific dates and incidents - even small details can matter in these determinations.

I'm going through something very similar right now - been in adjudication for 2 weeks and it's absolutely terrifying watching my bills pile up while waiting for answers. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about constructive dismissal and the importance of documenting everything. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I found that calling ESD right at 8:00 AM when they open gives you the best chance of getting through. I've been calling every morning and while I haven't reached anyone yet, I've gotten further into the phone system than when I tried calling later in the day. Also, for anyone else dealing with this stress - I started applying for emergency assistance programs in my area (food banks, utility assistance, etc.) to help stretch my savings while waiting for adjudication to resolve. It's not ideal but it's helping me sleep a little better at night knowing I have some backup options. Hang in there everyone - sounds like persistence is key with this whole process!

I'm also dealing with adjudication hell right now - going on week 4 with no answers and my stress levels are through the roof! Reading through all these responses has been both helpful and terrifying (6-8 weeks?! seriously?!). One thing I discovered that might help others - if you're really struggling financially while waiting, check if your county has emergency rental assistance or utility assistance programs. I applied for both last week and it's given me a little breathing room while I wait for ESD to get their act together. Also wanted to mention that I've been keeping screenshots of my weekly claim filings and all the "adjudication in progress" messages, just in case I need to prove later that I was doing everything I was supposed to do during this waiting period. This whole system is so broken - how are people supposed to survive for 2+ months without income while they "investigate" our claims? The anxiety is seriously affecting my sleep and mental health at this point.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the adjudication process is absolutely nerve-wracking when you're watching your savings disappear! Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you actually have a pretty strong case since your manager both cut your hours by 40% AND created a hostile work environment. The hour reduction alone could qualify as constructive dismissal, which ESD often treats more like a layoff than a voluntary quit. Combined with the hostile treatment and your documented HR complaints, you have solid evidence for "good cause." Since you missed that 5-day response window, definitely call first thing tomorrow at 8 AM when their lines open - that's when you have the best shot at getting through. Explain that you just discovered the message and ask them to reopen your response period. Most agents will work with you if you're honest about missing the deadline. Before you call, gather all your documentation: HR complaint emails, pay stubs showing the hour cuts, any emails from your manager, and write down specific incidents with dates. The more detailed evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Keep filing those weekly claims while you wait - when this gets resolved, you'll receive backpay for all eligible weeks. I know the waiting is excruciating, but hang in there!

I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement - I went through adjudication for a hostile work environment situation last year and it was resolved in my favor after about 5 weeks. The key things that helped my case were having specific documentation (which it sounds like you have!) and being very clear about the timeline of events when I finally spoke to an ESD agent. One tip that really helped me: when you call tomorrow, ask the agent to send you a new fact-finding questionnaire or to reopen the response period since you missed the original notification. Most agents have the ability to do this, especially if you explain that you just discovered the message and are ready to provide all the requested information immediately. Also, make sure to emphasize both the constructive dismissal angle (40% hour reduction) AND the hostile work environment - having multiple valid reasons strengthens your case significantly. Document everything chronologically and be prepared to walk them through exactly what happened and when. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're stressed about money, but based on what you've shared, you really do seem to have a solid case. Keep filing those weekly claims and don't give up! You've got this!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - adjudication for almost 4 weeks and it's absolutely terrifying! Reading through all these responses has been so helpful though. I had no idea about the constructive dismissal angle or that missing the response deadline wasn't necessarily the end of the world. My situation is a bit different - I was fired after reporting safety violations at my workplace, but my employer is claiming it was for performance issues. The whole thing feels so unfair when you're just trying to do the right thing and then get punished for it. I've been calling ESD every single day at 8 AM like someone suggested, but still haven't gotten through to a real person. The automated system is seriously maddening! I'm considering trying that Claimyr service mentioned earlier since I'm getting desperate. Has anyone else used it recently? The financial stress is unreal - I never realized how quickly savings disappear when you have zero income coming in. Started looking into those emergency assistance programs people mentioned too. It's crazy that we have to scramble for backup resources while ESD takes months to process claims, but I guess you do what you have to do to survive. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you to everyone sharing their experiences and advice - it's helping me feel way less alone in this nightmare process!

I'm currently going through adjudication too (week 3) and the stress is absolutely crushing! Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about constructive dismissal or that you could ask agents to reopen response periods. My situation is similar - toxic manager made work unbearable, but I'm terrified that quitting automatically disqualifies me. Seeing people with hostile work environment cases actually get approved gives me hope though. I've been documenting everything I can remember and planning to call at 8 AM sharp tomorrow. One thing I've learned from this thread that I want to emphasize for others - KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS even during adjudication! I almost stopped because I thought there was no point, but apparently you get backpay for all eligible weeks once it's resolved. Also, don't ignore emergency assistance programs while you wait. I applied for utility assistance yesterday and it's already approved, which takes some pressure off. We shouldn't have to scramble for backup resources because ESD takes forever, but you do what you have to do to survive. Thank you to everyone sharing their stories and advice - this community is literally keeping me sane during this nightmare process. The isolation and financial anxiety is so overwhelming, but knowing others have made it through gives me strength to keep fighting!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - adjudication anxiety is absolutely brutal when you're watching your savings disappear! Based on everything you've shared, you actually have a really strong case. The 40% hour reduction is huge - that's textbook constructive dismissal, which ESD typically treats more like a layoff than a voluntary quit. Don't panic about missing that 5-day response window! This happens all the time. When you call tomorrow at 8 AM (best time to get through), explain you just discovered the message and ask them to reopen your response period. Most agents will work with you on this. Before calling, organize your evidence chronologically: the HR complaints, pay stubs showing hour cuts, any hostile behavior documentation. Having everything ready will make you sound prepared and credible. Keep filing those weekly claims - you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks once this resolves. I know the waiting is excruciating, but with constructive dismissal AND documented hostile environment, you're in a much better position than you think. You've got this! 💪

I've been through adjudication twice in the past two years and I completely understand your panic! The first time took about 7 weeks and nearly drove me to a breakdown, but the second time I was much more prepared and it resolved in 4 weeks. Here's what I learned that might help: adjudication means they need to verify something about your eligibility before paying benefits. In your case with quitting, they're investigating whether you had "good cause" - and honestly, based on what you've described (40% hour cuts + hostile environment + HR complaints), you have a very solid case. The most important thing is DON'T STOP FILING WEEKLY CLAIMS! I made that mistake my first time thinking there was no point. When adjudication finally resolved, I only got backpay for the weeks I had actually filed for. Also, try calling ESD at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - that's your best shot at getting through. I've had the most success on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. If you still can't get through after a week of trying, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier is legitimate - I used it during my second adjudication and it saved me weeks of frustration. The financial stress is absolutely terrifying, but hang in there. Your case sounds much stronger than you think, especially with that documentation you have. You're going to get through this! 💪

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now - week 5 of adjudication and I'm honestly about to lose my mind! The financial anxiety is crushing when you're just sitting there watching your bank account hit zero while some bureaucrat takes their sweet time reviewing your case. Reading through all these responses has been both terrifying (8 weeks?!) and incredibly helpful. I had no idea about constructive dismissal or that you could ask agents to reopen response periods. My situation is different - I was basically pushed out after refusing to do something that violated company policy, but my employer is claiming I "abandoned my job." The worst part is not knowing ANYTHING about what's happening or how much longer this will take. I've been calling every day at 8 AM like everyone suggests but still haven't reached a human being. That automated system makes me want to throw my phone across the room! Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences here - it's the only thing keeping me sane knowing that people actually do make it through this horrible process eventually. The isolation when you're stuck at home with no income and no answers is just brutal. Definitely going to look into those emergency assistance programs while I wait. It's insane that we have to scramble for backup resources because ESD can't process claims in a reasonable timeframe, but survival comes first I guess. Hang in there everyone - sounds like persistence is really the only option we have! 💪

I'm currently in week 3 of adjudication myself and completely understand your panic! The financial stress is absolutely crushing when you're watching your savings disappear with no timeline or updates from ESD. Based on what you've shared, you actually have a really strong case - that 40% hour reduction is classic constructive dismissal, which ESD often treats more like a layoff than a voluntary quit. Combined with your documented HR complaints about the hostile work environment, you have solid evidence for "good cause." Don't panic about missing that 5-day response deadline! Call ESD first thing tomorrow at 8:00 AM (best chance to get through) and explain you just discovered the message. Ask them to reopen your response period - most agents will work with you on this if you're honest about the situation. Before calling, organize all your documentation chronologically: HR complaint emails, pay stubs showing the hour cuts, any messages about hostile behavior. Having everything ready will make you sound prepared and credible. KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS while waiting - you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks once this resolves. I know the waiting is excruciating, but with both constructive dismissal AND documented hostile environment, you're in a much stronger position than you think. Also consider applying for emergency assistance programs in your area while you wait - utility assistance, food banks, etc. It shouldn't be necessary, but it can help stretch your resources during this nightmare process. Hang in there - this community has been a lifesaver for my sanity too! 💪