This is exactly why I think ESD needs to completely overhaul their job search documentation requirements. I've been dealing with unemployment claims for 3 years now (unfortunately) and the lack of clear communication about what constitutes "adequate" documentation is a major problem. What really gets me is that they have these super specific requirements buried somewhere in their system, but the weekly claim form doesn't actually prompt you for all the necessary details. It should have mandatory fields for company contact info, specific outcomes, etc. instead of just free-text boxes where people have to guess what level of detail is needed. @Zoe Papanikolaou I'm really glad you got it resolved! The fact that it was something as simple as missing contact info that could have been easily fixed if they'd just TOLD you what was wrong in the first place is infuriating. The whole system needs more transparency - people shouldn't have to play guessing games when their rent money is on the line. For anyone else dealing with this, I'd also suggest keeping copies of everything - job postings, application confirmations, any email responses from employers. ESD can be really picky about documentation during audits and having backup proof can save you a lot of headaches later.

As someone who just went through a similar situation last week, I can't stress enough how important it is to document EVERYTHING in excruciating detail. I learned the hard way that ESD's definition of "adequate documentation" is way more specific than most people realize. Here's what I wish I'd known from the beginning: for each job search activity, treat it like you're filling out a legal document. Don't just put "Applied to ABC Company for Marketing Manager position on 3/25" - you need "Applied to ABC Company (www.abccompany.com, 555-123-4567) for Marketing Manager position via online application on 3/25/2025, application submitted successfully, awaiting response." The most frustrating part is that this level of detail isn't clearly explained anywhere in their materials. I had to piece it together from calling multiple times and getting different answers from different agents. It's like they expect you to be a mind reader! @Zoe Papanikolaou - so glad you got it sorted out! Your experience with Claimyr is really good to know about. I'm bookmarking that for future reference because trying to get through ESD's phone system is basically a full-time job in itself. For anyone else dealing with this - don't give up, keep detailed records going forward, and remember that even "pending response" counts as a valid outcome as long as you specify it clearly.

Just wanted to share another option - if you have a local WorkSource office near you, they sometimes have direct lines to ESD that can be more reliable than calling the main number. I went to my local WorkSource when I was having similar issues and they were able to get me connected within an hour. Worth checking if you have one nearby and they're doing in-person appointments. Also, for the ReliaCard replacement, US Bank can expedite it for a fee if you really need the funds quickly - I think it was like $15 but got my card in 2-3 days instead of the usual week.

I'm dealing with a similar pending claim situation right now - going on 2 weeks with no movement. Reading through all these responses is super helpful! I think I'm going to try the WorkSource option first since that sounds like it might be less frustrating than spending all day on hold with ESD. Does anyone know if the WorkSource offices in King County are still doing walk-ins or if everything is by appointment only? Also, for what it's worth, I've heard that sometimes claims get stuck in pending if there's any discrepancy in your work history or if they need additional documentation. Might be worth double-checking that all your employer info is correct in your claim while you're trying to reach someone.

I'm going through a backdating appeal myself right now and wanted to share what I've learned from talking to other claimants who've been through this process. The judges definitely vary in how they interpret the "good cause" standard, but several people have told me that having extensive job search documentation like yours actually strengthens your case significantly. One thing that might help - if you have any emails or texts you sent to friends/family during those 8 weeks mentioning your job search or expressing confusion about unemployment benefits, bring those as evidence. They can help demonstrate your genuine state of mind at the time. Also, practice explaining your timeline clearly and concisely. The judges appreciate when you can walk through exactly what happened week by week without getting too emotional or defensive. Focus on the facts: when you were laid off, what you understood about the process, what actions you took, and when you realized you should have filed earlier. The $4,200 you're owed shows this is definitely worth fighting for. Even if the odds aren't perfect, you've got a legitimate case with the misunderstanding angle and strong job search evidence. Wishing you the best of luck with your hearing next week!

I'm actually in a very similar boat and wanted to share some hope! I had my backdating appeal hearing last week for a 6-week period where I was intensely job searching instead of filing. Like you, I had this totally wrong idea that unemployment was something you only did if you gave up looking for work. The judge asked me point blank why I didn't call ESD during those weeks, and I was honest - I said I was operating under the assumption that active job searching and collecting unemployment were mutually exclusive. I explained that in my mind, filing for benefits meant I was "giving up" on finding work quickly. What really seemed to help my case was that I brought a timeline showing I applied to 40+ jobs during the disputed period (way more than required) and had emails to friends where I specifically said I was "trying to find work before having to go on unemployment." The judge said these showed my genuine belief that I was doing what I was supposed to do. I should hear back on the decision within a week or two, but the judge seemed much more sympathetic than I expected. Your 60+ job applications during 8 weeks actually puts you in a really strong position - that level of activity clearly shows good faith effort and genuine misunderstanding rather than laziness or avoidance. Definitely focus on the misunderstanding angle and bring any documentation that shows your mindset at the time. You've got this!

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr recommendation - I ended up using it again this week when I had a question about my job search requirements and was able to speak with a Washington ESD representative within about 30 minutes. Much better than the hours I used to spend trying to get through on my own.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I was able to successfully file my weekly claim using the steps you all provided. The eServices section was exactly where I needed to go. I'll definitely set up a weekly reminder so I don't forget to file on time.

The whole process is stressful but hang in there. Thousands of people get through it every week. Just follow the rules, file on time, and be patient with the system.

Dylan, I went through the exact same thing when I got laid off from Boeing last year. The timeline everyone's given you is accurate - expect 3-4 weeks for your first payment if everything goes smoothly. My advice: file TODAY, don't wait another day. I made the mistake of thinking I needed to wait and lost a whole week of potential benefits. Also, create a simple spreadsheet to track your weekly filings and job search activities from day one. It saved me so much stress later when I could easily reference everything. The waiting is the hardest part, but once the payments start coming they're pretty reliable. You've got this!