Just wanted to add my experience - I went through a voluntary quit adjudication in late 2024 and it took about 8 weeks total. My employer also never responded, which actually worked out in my favor since I had good documentation about why I had to quit (unsafe working conditions). One thing that really helped was when I called ESD, I always asked them to add notes to my file about our conversation. The agents can put timestamps and details about what was discussed, which creates a paper trail showing you're actively engaged in the process. It seemed to help move things along faster than just waiting passively. Also, if you do get approved, remember that Washington pays benefits retroactively to when you first filed, so all those weeks you've been waiting won't be lost money. Keep your chin up - it sounds like you've done everything right and documented your case well!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - filed my claim 4 weeks ago after quitting due to discrimination and retaliation, and my employer hasn't responded either. It's so stressful not knowing when this will get resolved! Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful. I had no idea that employers get so much leeway with their response deadlines while we're stuck waiting and burning through savings. The tip about asking ESD agents to add notes to your file is brilliant - I'm definitely going to do that on my next call. @Luca Ricci - really hoping you get good news next week! It sounds like you documented everything properly and with your employer ghosting ESD for this long, that should work in your favor. Keep us posted on how it turns out!

Last thought - if anyone is preparing for their appeal hearing, practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely. I rambled too much in my first hearing and felt like I confused the judge. Second time I was more prepared and it went much better.

I'm in a similar situation - had my appeal hearing 10 days ago and the waiting is absolutely killing me. My case was also for voluntary quit due to hostile work environment. The judge seemed to understand my situation and asked good questions about the documentation I provided. Really hoping for positive news soon! Reading everyone's experiences here is helping me stay somewhat sane during this anxious wait. Fingers crossed for both of us Malik!

I've been going through the same process and wanted to share what helped me. When you're in the claim status section, also pay attention to any "determination" letters that might be posted - these show up in your correspondence section and explain exactly why there might be delays or what additional steps are needed. I missed one initially and it delayed my claim by an extra two weeks. Also, if you have any questions about specific codes or status messages you're seeing, write them down before calling - it helps the agents assist you more quickly when you do get through.

Just wanted to add my experience - I was in a similar situation last month and found that creating a simple checklist helped me stay on top of everything. I check: 1) Claim status for any changes, 2) Correspondence section for new letters, 3) Payment history to track any issued benefits, and 4) Outstanding issues section. I also keep a notebook with dates of when I check and any status changes I notice. It's been super helpful for tracking progress and having specific details when I need to call. The Washington ESD system can be overwhelming but having a routine makes it much more manageable!

For anyone else reading this thread, I used Claimyr last month to get through to Washington ESD about a similar question. Saved me hours of trying to call directly. The service connected me with an agent who could give me specific guidance about my substitute teacher situation. Worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching them.

As someone who's been through this process, I can confirm that substitute teachers can often qualify for unemployment benefits during summer break in Washington. The key factor is that you don't have "reasonable assurance" of work for the next school year - which most subs don't since you're typically called on an as-needed basis. I'd recommend gathering all your wage statements from any districts you worked for, being completely honest on your application about your substitute status, and making sure you're ready to document your job search efforts. The process can take a few weeks, but it's definitely worth applying. Don't let the difficulty reaching Washington ESD by phone discourage you - just file online and let them make the determination.

I just wanted to add a perspective as someone who went through this exact process about 3 months ago. My husband is also in construction (commercial electrical) and was really nervous about his mandatory WorkSource appointment, but it ended up being surprisingly helpful. The key thing that made our experience positive was that I helped him organize all his information beforehand. We created a simple folder with: - Updated resume (even though it wasn't perfect) - List of his certifications and when they expire - Photos from 3-4 major projects he managed - Contact info for previous supervisors who could serve as references His counselor was really impressed with how prepared he was and spent extra time going through local construction projects that were starting up. She even knew about a few developments that hadn't been publicly announced yet because the contractors had reached out to WorkSource about upcoming hiring needs. One thing I'd definitely recommend - if your husband's appointment doesn't go well or he feels rushed, don't hesitate to ask to reschedule with a different counselor. The experience really can vary dramatically between different staff members, and with his level of experience, he deserves someone who will take the time to understand his background and goals. The whole process took about 75 minutes for us, and he actually got two solid leads that turned into interviews within the following week. Definitely go in with a positive attitude and treat it as a genuine networking opportunity. Best of luck with his appointment on Thursday!

I'm scheduled for my WorkSource appointment next month and this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea these appointments could actually be so valuable - I was honestly dreading it and figured it would just be some generic "here's how to write a resume" lecture. Reading about everyone's experiences, especially the success stories with actual job connections and industry-specific resources, has completely changed my perspective. I'm in the HVAC trade and have been out of work for about 6 weeks now. Based on what I'm seeing here, I should definitely: 1. Get my resume updated beforehand (even if it's not perfect) 2. Bring my certifications and licenses 3. Research what commercial and residential projects are happening locally 4. Ask specifically about their connections with HVAC contractors and mechanical companies 5. Treat it like a networking meeting rather than a chore The tip about asking for a counselor who specializes in construction/trades if the first one isn't knowledgeable is gold. And I had no idea about federal contracting opportunities - that could be huge since I have security clearance from my military days. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. This community has been such a lifeline during unemployment. Definitely bookmarking this thread to reference before my appointment!