This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in a similar boat where I've been applying to remote positions because they're the best fit for my situation right now. The conflicting information from different sources was making me really anxious about whether I was doing the right thing. It's so reassuring to hear directly from @Caleb Bell that ESD confirmed remote applications DO count when done properly. I'm definitely going to start being more meticulous about my documentation - keeping screenshots of job postings, confirmation emails, and maintaining a detailed spreadsheet with all the info everyone mentioned. It sounds like the key is just making sure you're applying to legitimate positions you're qualified for and can accept if offered. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the warnings about audits!

This is such valuable information for everyone dealing with unemployment claims! I've been in a similar situation where I was getting conflicting advice about remote work applications. What really stands out to me from this discussion is how important it is to go directly to ESD for official clarification rather than relying on secondhand information from various sources. The documentation tips everyone shared are gold - especially taking screenshots of job postings before they disappear and keeping detailed spreadsheets. I'm definitely going to implement these practices going forward. It's also reassuring to see that people in tech and other remote-friendly industries are successfully using these applications to meet their job search requirements. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, particularly the warnings about audits - that's exactly the kind of heads-up that can save people from costly mistakes!

Wishing you the best with your claim! Medical situations are exactly the kind of thing unemployment benefits are meant to help with.

I went through something very similar with a knee injury that prevented me from continuing my job in construction. Washington ESD did approve my claim, but the key was having comprehensive documentation. Make sure you get a letter from your doctor that specifically mentions your job duties and why your medical condition makes those tasks impossible. Also, save all your communications with your employer about requesting accommodations - that shows you made a good faith effort before quitting. The process took about 6-7 weeks for me, but I did eventually get approved and received back pay from when I first filed. Don't get discouraged if it takes time!

One more thing I should mention - ESD sometimes has different levels of verification. The basic ID verification and then a more thorough verification if they have specific concerns about your claim. If you're in the second category, it typically takes longer. Did you receive any specific notices about why they needed verification again after you'd already done it before?

UPDATE: I took several of the suggestions here and finally got movement on my claim! I contacted my state representative yesterday morning, and by this afternoon I got an email from ESD saying my identity verification was complete. All my pending weekly claims now show as processing for payment! Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about contacting my representative, that really seemed to make the difference.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to file your weekly claim yesterday despite the restart message still showing? This information would be helpful for others who might encounter the same issue in the future.

This is such a relief to hear! I've been dealing with a similar issue where my account shows conflicting messages, and your experience gives me confidence to just proceed with filing. It's frustrating that ESD's website can be so misleading, but at least we know now that the actual filing system works even when the dashboard is buggy. Thanks for updating us with how it turned out - this thread will definitely help other people who run into the same problem!

Just wanted to add that if you're worried about the timing, you can always check your eServices account after filing to see if the payment shows as "Paid" or "Processing." That usually happens within a day or two and will give you peace of mind that everything went through correctly. I've been through this same situation twice now and both times the final week payment processed without any issues, even though filing after the benefit year expired felt weird!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and was totally panicking too! Everyone here is right - you should definitely file that weekly claim. What helped calm my nerves was understanding that the system is actually designed this way on purpose. You're always filing for the week that just ended, so even though your benefit year expired on Saturday, you're claiming benefits for time when you were still eligible. One thing I wish someone had told me: after you file it, don't be surprised if it takes an extra day or two longer than usual to show up in your account. Mine took about 3 business days instead of the usual 1-2, probably because their system has to do some extra processing for final claims. But it did come through with the full amount! Also definitely take the advice about waiting before filing a new claim if that's your plan. I made the mistake of trying to file a new application the same day and it created some weird glitch that I had to call about. Live and learn!