Just wanted to add - while you're waiting, make absolutely sure you're meeting the job search requirements (3 activities per week) and documenting them properly. I've seen people finally get their claim approved only to discover they won't be paid for weeks where their job search documentation wasn't compliant. The ESD job search log in eServices is the safest way to ensure compliance.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my claim has been pending for 4 weeks after an adjudicator interview. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and terrifying! It sounds like the system is just incredibly backed up. I'm going to try the secure message approach that @Samantha Howard suggested, asking specifically about secondary review queue status. Has anyone had luck with the live chat feature on the ESD website, or is that just as useless as calling? Also @Victoria Stark - hang in there, it sounds like you're doing everything right by continuing to file weekly and keeping up with job search requirements.

Hope this helps OP! The Washington unemployment system has its quirks but once you understand the requirements it's manageable. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search activities and you should be fine.

Just to add one more important point - make sure you report ALL income when you file your weekly claims, even small amounts like odd jobs or freelance work. Washington ESD gets income data from multiple sources and if there's a mismatch it can trigger an overpayment situation. I've seen people get hit with huge bills because they forgot to report a few hundred dollars they earned. It's better to be completely transparent from the start. Also, if you're unsure about anything, document your questions and the answers you get from ESD representatives - having a paper trail can really help if there are disputes later.

I totally understand that feeling. Just remember that even if unemployment runs out, it doesn't mean you stop being unemployed or stop deserving support. There are other resources out there.

I'm in a similar situation - about 20 weeks into my claim and starting to worry about what comes next. This thread has been really helpful! I didn't know about continuing to file weekly claims even with a $0 balance. One thing I'd add is to make sure you're networking as much as possible during these last few weeks. I've found that a lot of opportunities come through personal connections rather than just online applications. Also, if you haven't already, consider reaching out to local career centers or libraries - many offer free resume reviews and job search workshops that can give you an edge. Hang in there!

I'm in the same situation - been trying to get through for over a week about my adjudication status with no luck. Reading through all these comments, it seems like Claimyr might be worth trying since so many people have had success with it. The fact that multiple people got through in under an hour when they couldn't get through on their own for weeks is pretty compelling. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not the only one dealing with this broken phone system!

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for unemployment issues for a few months now and this thread really hits home. The phone system is absolutely broken - I've experienced the same endless busy signals and automatic hangups that everyone here is describing. What's particularly frustrating is that when you finally do need help, there's no reliable way to get it. I've tried the early morning calls, midday attempts, and even the secure messaging system with minimal success. Reading through all these experiences, it's clear this is a systemic problem affecting hundreds of people. The fact that so many folks have found success with services like Claimyr really says something about how inadequate the current system is. It shouldn't take a third-party service to reach your own state's unemployment office, but sometimes you have to work with the reality you're given rather than the system you wish existed.

UPDATE: I submitted all my documents yesterday and just got an email saying my verification was approved! That was faster than I expected. All my pending payments were released too. For anyone else dealing with this: I submitted my driver's license (front and back), social security card, and a recent utility bill. Make sure your photos are clear and all text is readable.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just logged in today and saw the red banner - absolutely no warning whatsoever. It's so stressful because like you said, what if I hadn't checked my account for a week? I would have missed the deadline completely through no fault of my own. The fact that they have a known notification system bug since January but haven't fixed it yet is unacceptable. People depend on these benefits! I'm submitting my documents today but this whole experience has me really frustrated with how ESD operates. Thanks for posting about this - at least now I know I'm not the only one dealing with their broken system.