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Here's what I recommend you do: 1. Apply for UI benefits right away online at esd.wa.gov 2. In your application, clearly explain that you were on medical leave, that your benefits expired, and that your employer is requiring you to take a leave of absence or resign because they cannot accommodate your temporary restrictions 3. Gather documentation: doctor's note with return date, communications from your school about the leave of absence requirement, any written policies about returning to work 4. If you get denied initially (which is common in complex cases), immediately file an appeal - you'll have 30 days to do so 5. While waiting for UI, also apply for PFML if you haven't already to see if you qualify for that program 6. Consider requesting a determination interview with ESD where you can explain your situation in detail The key issue is demonstrating that your unemployment is not your fault and that despite having "reasonable assurance" for next school year, you're being forced into this gap in employment.
did u check if ur eligible for disabillity benefits? might be easier than dealing with ESD and all their rules about school employees...
my cousin works at esd and says they're actually processing claims faster now than earlier this year. good timing for u lol
Has anyone had luck with the callback option? I tried it twice and both times I never got a callback. Is it actually working for people?
The callback feature is partially working right now. According to ESD's website, they're only offering callbacks during certain hours and for specific claim issues. If you're dealing with an adjudication issue, identity verification problem, or overpayment dispute, you need to reach a claims specialist directly and callbacks aren't currently available for those departments. For basic claim filing questions or weekly claim assistance, the callback should work but there's about a 3-day wait right now based on what I've heard from others.
I know this is frustrating, but it's important to understand what's happening at ESD right now: 1) They lost about 25% of their staff after the pandemic emergency funding ended 2) They're in the middle of a large system upgrade that has caused technical issues 3) There's been a spike in new claims due to recent tech and manufacturing layoffs If you're dealing with an employer dispute like the original poster, that automatically triggers adjudication which needs a specialized claims agent. Those are the longest wait times right now. For best results: - Call between 8:00-9:30am or 3:00-4:00pm (avoid lunch hours) - Have your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and employment details ready - Be very specific about your issue when you reach a person - Ask for a direct contact for follow-up if possible Hang in there everyone!
This is really helpful context, thank you. Do you know if there's any way to escalate an adjudication that's taking too long? I've been waiting 5+ weeks and getting worried I'll lose my apartment if this drags on much longer.
Yes, you can request an escalation after 4 weeks in adjudication. When you finally reach an agent, specifically ask for a "hardship escalation" and explain your situation with rent. Make sure to mention the exact date your claim went into adjudication. They can flag it for priority review if you're at risk of eviction or utility shutoff. Also, contact your state representative's office. They have liaisons who can sometimes help move ESD claims along. Just Google "[your district] state representative Washington" to find yours.
Has ESD given you any timeframe for when they'll decide? My adjudication took FOREVER in 2024 (like 6 weeks) and I was so stressed about bills the whole time. Keep filing your weekly claims no matter what!
They didn't give me a specific timeframe, just said the adjudication process could take several weeks. I've been filing my weekly claims religiously even though they're all showing as "pending" with no payments. It's getting really tight financially.
I faced a similar situation last year and eventually won my case, but it took persistence. Based on my experience with ESD adjudication, here's what helped me: 1. I called ESD directly to explain my situation to an actual person (used Claimyr.com to get through - their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 shows how it works) 2. I submitted a detailed timeline showing: - When the company began layoffs - When my job duties changed - When I requested accommodations - Dates of all communications with my supervisor 3. I got a supporting statement from my doctor confirming my mental health condition The adjudicator ultimately ruled in my favor because I could prove I was making good-faith efforts despite my circumstances and that my employer failed to accommodate a legitimate disability. Keep advocating for yourself!
Thank you for the detailed advice. Creating a timeline is a great idea - I'm going to put that together today. I have documentation from my therapist about my grief-related depression and anxiety, so I'll submit that as well. I've been calling ESD daily but can't get through - I'll check out that service you mentioned.
Mason Lopez
btw dont forget u have to file for unemployment withing liek 4 weeks of quitting ur job or u might not be elligible anymore!! i waited too long once and they told me i filed too late :/
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Demi Lagos
•That's only partially correct. While you should file as soon as possible, there's no strict 4-week deadline. However, your effective date can't be backdated beyond the week you apply, so you could lose potential benefits by waiting. Also, if you wait too long, it can raise questions about whether you're truly available for work and actively seeking employment.
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
Thank you everyone for all this helpful information. I'm going to make an appointment with my therapist tomorrow to discuss getting proper documentation. It sounds like I should: 1. Apply ASAP rather than waiting 2. Be completely honest about quitting both jobs 3. Get detailed documentation about my condition 4. Request a job search waiver if my therapist supports it 5. Be prepared for possible denial and appeal I'm still really anxious about the whole process, but at least I have a clearer picture now of what to expect. It's comforting to know others have been through similar situations.
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Brielle Johnson
•That's a great plan. One more tip - keep detailed notes of every interaction with ESD (date, time, who you spoke with, what was discussed). Also save copies of EVERYTHING you submit to them. Their systems sometimes lose documents, and having your own records can save you in case of disputes later.
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