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I had a similar issue and I found out it was because my identity verification had expired and needed to be redone, but there was no notification about it. When I finally got through to ESD using Claimyr, they fixed it in minutes. Definitely worth checking if there's something specific holding up your claim rather than just waiting.
is that claimyr thing expensive? i might need to use it too if my claim doesn't change by tomorrow
Just wanted to update - my claim that was stuck in processing finally went to paid status this morning around 4am! Looks like they're just running behind this week. Check your account, maybe yours went through too?
Update: I called the tax form number and was told that because my payment was so recent, my 1099-G won't be generated until next month. The agent said I should file for an extension if I can't wait that long. So frustrating that it takes 4 months to get paid and then I have to wait even longer for the tax form! At least I know what's going on now. Thanks everyone for your help.
my nieghbor works at h&r block and she says u can estimate ur ui income on taxes and then amend later when u get the real 1099g. might be easier than extension
My brother works for another WA state agency and told me that ESD's phone systems are actually completely overwhelmed most days. It's not just a recording - they literally cannot handle the call volume with their current staffing. He said the best strategy is to try calling on the half-hour rather than on the hour (like 8:30, 9:30, etc) because most people call right when they open or at the top of each hour. Also, their systems do maintenance overnight and sometimes there are fewer agents in the first 30 minutes they're open because everyone's logging in and getting situated. I got through last month using this approach, calling at 8:45am on a Wednesday.
When this happened to me with my unemployment claim (different from PFMLA I know but same department), I ended up having to go to the WorkSource office in person to get help. Sometimes the in-person option is the only way to cut through all the phone system nonsense. Not sure if that helps with PFMLA specifically though.
UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone dealing with this same issue in the future - I tried the email method through the secure portal AND called the main number this morning at 8:05am. Only had to wait about 30 minutes! Turns out they were trying to reach me because they needed clarification on the dates of my medical leave. The agent was able to see notes from the previous person who called me. All sorted now and my claim should be processed within 10 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
Carmen Vega
hey did u ever solve this? im having the same issue now and wondring if any of this advice worked for u
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Ethan Moore
UPDATE: I got through! Combining a few approaches worked for me. I called ESD and specifically requested an escalation due to financial hardship (got a ticket number). I also emailed my state rep as suggested above. Not sure which one did it, but 4 days later I got a call from an adjudicator who reviewed my documentation while on the phone with me. She approved my claim on the spot and I received backpay for all weeks yesterday. If you're struggling, definitely try both the escalation request AND contacting your state rep!
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