my brother in law waited 12 weeks last year and then got denied anyway so consider yourself lucky! the whole system is designed to make people give up i swear.

Quick update on my similar situation - I actually just got my approval today! Only took 4 weeks total in adjudication. I think what helped was I called and spoke with an ESD rep last week who noticed my employer hadn't responded to their inquiry yet, so they pushed it through without waiting any longer. For anyone stuck in adjudication, it might be worth calling to check if they're still waiting on something that could be expedited.

this happens to me ALL THE TIME and ive learned a trick! try using incognito mode on yr browser, sometimes its just weird cookie issues. also make sure ur using the right login page - theres like 3 different ESD pages and only one works right. heres what i do: 1) clear browser 2) use incognito 3) go directly to secure.esd.wa.gov not the main esd page 4) use the SAW login not eservices directly sometims the system is just down on sundays for maintenance tho

UPDATE: I tried the incognito mode suggestion and it didn't work, but I called right at 8:00 AM and actually got through after only waiting 25 minutes! The agent said my account had a security flag because I was switching between my phone and public library computer. She removed the lock and walked me through the correct way to log in. Just filed my claim successfully! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

To follow up on my earlier comment - yes, when I finally got through to an agent, they resolved my issue immediately. The agent told me they had been waiting for verification from my previous employer, but they never received it. The agent was able to make some calls and verify my employment details right then, and my claim was approved the next day. Payments for all back weeks showed up in my account about 3 days later. Seriously though, the key is getting through to an actual person at ESD who can look at your specific claim details and take action.

good luck!! keep us updated on what happens

Has anyone else noticed that ESD seems to be automatically denying more claims lately?? My sister and two friends all got disqualified for ridiculous reasons in the past few months. One of them used ULP and won her appeal, the other is still waiting. Seems like they're trying to save money by hoping people don't appeal disqualifications!! Anyway good luck with your case OP!

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with ULP and they're going to represent me! Even though my hearing is soon, they said they could help. They're sending me a questionnaire to fill out and then will prep with me before the hearing. I'm so relieved! Thank you all for your advice and encouragement (except for the doom and gloom lol). I'll update again after my hearing.

To answer your questions from earlier: 1. There isn't technically a strict statute of limitations on ESD appeals and hearings, though this delay is extremely unusual even for Washington. 2. Yes, hearings are conducted by phone. You'll need to be available at the exact time specified and have any documentation ready to reference. 3. If you win, you would potentially be eligible for benefits from the time of denial until you became employed again, minus any waiting week. 4. The fact that your employer waited 18 months to use a previously addressed issue as grounds for termination is actually a strong point in your favor. The judge will likely want to know why the company waited so long if the issue was serious enough for termination. Definitely attend this hearing. You have a reasonable case, especially if you can document that the issue was previously addressed with just a warning.

One more thing to consider - if you win the hearing and get back payments, make sure you check if there are any issues with your 2023 tax returns. You might need to file an amended return to account for the unemployment income if they end up paying you for those weeks. Just something to keep in mind!