Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. This has been way more informative than anything I could find on the Washington ESD website.

I've been following this discussion closely as someone who's been self-employed for several years. One thing that might be worth mentioning is that some sole proprietors can elect to pay into the unemployment system voluntarily in certain situations, though this has to be done prospectively. Also, if you've done any substitute teaching, seasonal work, or other employment where taxes were withheld, those wages could potentially count toward a claim even if they were just temporary positions. The key is really understanding what constitutes "covered employment" in Washington state.

I'm going through something similar right now! Filed my initial claim in December and have been waiting on adjudication for a work separation issue. Reading all these responses is both reassuring and concerning - sounds like even after you win, there's still more waiting involved. Jake, have you tried checking if there's a "release hold" on your account like Mary mentioned? That seems like it could be the issue if the system isn't automatically updating. I've heard mixed things about whether you need to call or if it updates on its own, but based on what people are saying here, it seems like calling might be worth it if you can actually get through. Keep us updated on what happens! I'll probably be in your shoes in a few weeks if my adjudication ever gets resolved.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Won my adjudication two weeks ago after my former employer falsely claimed I was fired for cause (it was actually a reduction in workforce). All my weekly claims from the past 10 weeks still show "disqualified" even though my determination letter clearly states I'm eligible. The frustrating part is I've been calling ESD every single day since getting the determination and can't get through to a human. The automated system just says "high call volume" and hangs up on me. I'm owed about $6,800 in backpay and really need this money to catch up on rent. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like there's no consistent timeline - some people wait 2 weeks, others wait a month or more. Has anyone figured out if there's a specific department or phone number that's better for post-adjudication payment issues? The regular claims line seems useless for this type of problem. Jake, please keep us posted on whether calling helps or if your payments just show up automatically. This whole system is such a mess!

Been following this thread and it's really helpful! I'm in a similar situation with my freelance writing work drying up. Going to look into applying based on what everyone's shared here.

Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! As someone who's been struggling with inconsistent gig work income, it's really encouraging to hear that Washington does have options for people like us. I'm going to gather all my 1099s and earnings records and start the application process. The part about needing to show you're actively looking for traditional employment is something I hadn't considered - I'll make sure to document my job search activities carefully. Really appreciate this community sharing their experiences!

I'm in a similar situation with my Washington ESD claim stuck in pending status for the past week. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like reporting gig work income is a common trigger for these delays. I've also been trying to call but getting nowhere with the phone system. Based on what everyone is saying about Claimyr, I think I'm going to give that a try rather than continuing to waste time calling myself. It's frustrating that we need a third-party service just to reach our own state unemployment office, but if it works, it's probably worth it. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it helps to know I'm not alone in dealing with this mess.

I've been following this thread closely because I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation - my claim has been pending for 3 weeks now after I reported some DoorDash earnings. It's really reassuring to see that others have successfully resolved similar issues, especially with the Claimyr service that multiple people have mentioned. I was hesitant about using a third-party service at first, but hearing these real success stories from actual users makes it seem like a legitimate solution. The regular Washington ESD phone system is absolutely broken - I've probably spent 20+ hours on hold over the past few weeks with nothing to show for it. At this point I'm willing to try anything that might actually get me connected to someone who can help. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences here - it really helps to know we're not dealing with this alone!

I just had my WorkSource appointment two days ago and wanted to share my experience since I was in the exact same boat as you - totally freaking out after 7 weeks on unemployment! The appointment was actually really positive. It lasted about 30 minutes and the counselor was super understanding. They reviewed my job search log but weren't nitpicky about every detail - they were more interested in making sure I understood what counted as valid activities and helping me be more strategic. The best part was they introduced me to some resources I had no idea existed. They helped me set up a profile on their job matching system and showed me how to access industry-specific job boards. They also mentioned some upcoming virtual networking events that are free to attend. After the appointment, everything stays exactly the same - you just continue filing your weekly claims and doing your 3 job search activities per week. No additional requirements unless you specifically request extra help or training. My biggest takeaway: go in with questions about your job search challenges. They're genuinely there to help you find work faster, not to create obstacles. Bring your job search log and be honest about what you've been doing. You've got this!

I just wanted to add my experience since I see a lot of helpful responses here! I had my WorkSource appointment about 3 weeks ago and was honestly dreading it after reading some scary stories online. But it turned out to be one of the most helpful things that happened during my unemployment period. The counselor was really friendly and spent about 40 minutes with me. Yes, they did review my job search log, but it felt more like a collaborative discussion about what was working and what wasn't. When I mentioned I was mostly just applying online and not hearing back, they helped me diversify my approach. They showed me how to use LinkedIn more effectively, connected me with some local networking groups, and even helped me identify skills I could highlight better on my resume. I learned about apprenticeship programs in my field that I had no idea existed! After the appointment, my weekly requirements stayed exactly the same - file claims and do 3 job search activities. But now those activities are way more strategic and I'm seeing better results. They also send me personalized job matches every week which has been super helpful. My advice: bring your job search log, come prepared with specific questions about your search challenges, and think of it as getting a free career consultant. The people at WorkSource genuinely want to help you get back to work!