Remember that the appeal hearing is your chance to tell your side of the story. Don't let Washington ESD's initial decision discourage you - many appeals succeed when people actually fight them.

Good luck with your appeal! It sounds like you have a strong case since you were told it was budget cuts but they're now claiming misconduct. That inconsistency alone should help you. I went through something similar last year - the key is staying calm and sticking to your timeline of events. Document everything you can remember about when they told you it was layoffs vs when the misconduct claim appeared. The hearing officers really do try to be fair, so don't get intimidated by the process.

I'm in a similar boat - currently on week 2 of my claim being stuck in pending status. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying! It sounds like the official rule is 4 weeks for standard UI claims, but the reality is that even after escalation it can take much longer. I'm already starting to panic about my rent payment next month. Has anyone had success with the secure message option through eServices that Gabriel mentioned? I'm wondering if that might be faster than trying to get through on the phone lines. Also, for those who successfully got escalations processed - did you get any kind of confirmation that your escalation request was actually received and being worked on?

Just wanted to add my experience to help clarify the confusion. I went through this exact situation in February and can confirm that the 4-week rule for standard UI claims is correct. However, what I learned the hard way is that those 4 weeks need to be consecutive weekly claims with NO gaps or missed filings. I had filed for 5 weeks total but had missed one week in the middle due to confusion about the process, and they told me I had to start the 4-week count over from when I resumed consistent filing. So make absolutely sure you're filing every single week without fail, even if your claim is stuck in pending status. The other thing that helped me was calling right at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday - seemed to have better luck getting through than Mondays or Fridays. Once I got the escalation approved, it took exactly 8 business days for my claim to move from pending to approved status. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but it does eventually work if you follow their rules precisely.

One important thing to remember is that if you win and they rule in your favor, sometimes the employer can also appeal the decision to the Commissioner's Review Office. So even winning at the OAH level doesn't always mean the case is finished. However, the good news is that ESD will typically begin paying benefits after an OAH decision in your favor, even if the employer appeals. But be aware you could potentially have to repay them if the employer wins at a higher appeal level.

I just went through this exact same process about 6 weeks ago! The waiting period after the hearing is honestly the worst part because you just have no idea which way it's going to go. But based on what you're describing - having documented emails about safety concerns that were ignored - you actually sound like you have a really strong case. That's exactly the kind of "good cause" evidence that tends to win appeals for voluntary quits. A few things that might help while you wait: 1) Keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the decision (you won't get paid yet but it keeps your claim active), 2) The decision will show up in eServices usually a day or two before the paper copy arrives in the mail, and 3) Try not to read too much into how the hearing "felt" - I thought mine went terribly but I actually won! The timeline is usually 2-3 weeks like others mentioned. Hang in there and try to stay positive - documented safety concerns are one of the strongest reasons for a successful voluntary quit appeal.

Keep checking your eServices account daily for updates. Sometimes the determination letter shows up there before they send notifications. That's how I found out I was approved.

UPDATE: Got my determination letter today - approved! Took exactly 12 business days after my phone interview. Benefits should start next week. Hang in there everyone, the wait is worth it when you finally get that approval!

Bottom line - just file your claim if you think you might be eligible. Washington ESD will determine your eligibility automatically and let you know. It's better to apply and find out than to assume you don't qualify and miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

One thing that helped me understand the eligibility requirements was looking at the Washington ESD "Am I Eligible?" tool on their website. It walks you through the basic questions about your work history, earnings, and reason for separation. While it's not a guarantee, it gives you a good idea of whether you meet the initial requirements before you file your claim. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and information about your employers from the last 18 months ready when you file - it makes the process much smoother.