I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 5 weeks in pending resolution with no explanation. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying! It sounds like the timeline is completely unpredictable. I've been trying to call ESD every day but like everyone else, can't get through. The stress of not knowing what's being investigated or how much longer it might take is really getting to me. At least I know I'm not alone in this situation. Has anyone had success with contacting their state rep's office? That seems like it might be worth trying at this point.

I'm in week 4 of pending resolution and this thread is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! It's good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare, but seeing people wait 8-10 weeks makes me want to cry. I was laid off from my marketing job due to budget cuts, so like @Nia Thompson it should be straightforward, but here we are. I've been religiously filing my weekly claims even though nothing is getting paid out. The worst part is having absolutely no idea what they're even investigating or if there's anything I can do to speed it up. My savings are almost gone and I'm starting to panic about next month's bills. Has anyone tried calling multiple times per day or is that just a waste of time?

Just wanted to add that you should also think about healthcare if you're on any kind of state assistance or Medicaid. That stuff doesn't transfer between states like unemployment does, so you'll need to reapply in Oregon if you're using those services.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities, especially during the transition period while you're moving. Washington ESD might ask for documentation, and having everything organized will make your life easier if any questions come up. Also, consider setting up a Google Voice number or similar service that forwards to your cell phone - that way you have a consistent contact number for potential employers even if you're switching phone plans or providers during the move. The job market for graphic design in the Pacific Northwest is definitely interconnected between Seattle and Portland, so networking contacts you've made in Washington might actually help you in Oregon too.

this whole thread has been super helpful! i'm in the same situation and now i know exactly where to look for my employer registration number. thanks everyone!

Another thing to try - if you have any old W-2 forms from your employer, sometimes the registration number appears in the state wage reporting section. It might be labeled as "State ID Number" or "SUTA Account Number" (State Unemployment Tax Act). I found mine there when I couldn't locate it anywhere else. Also, if you received any notices about workplace injuries or workers comp in the past, those documents sometimes include the employer's various state registration numbers too.

This thread has been really informative. I'm bookmarking it in case I ever need this information. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

I went through something similar about 8 months ago. Lost my job and had two kids (ages 2 and 4) with no immediate childcare options. Washington ESD was actually pretty understanding about it. The key things that helped me were: 1) I filed my claim right away and was upfront about the childcare situation from the start, 2) I kept detailed records of every daycare I contacted, every family member I reached out to, and every potential childcare solution I explored, and 3) I continued my job search while also searching for childcare, applying to positions that might offer flexible schedules or remote work options. I received benefits for about 10 weeks while sorting everything out. The weekly claims were straightforward - just the standard questions about job search activities and availability. As long as you're genuinely trying to resolve the childcare barrier and actively looking for work, they consider you available for employment. Don't let the stress delay your filing - you've already waited two weeks and you don't want to miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

Do they deduct 100% of ur freelance earnings from ur benefits? The whole system is so unfair to freelancers!!

Just wanted to add that you should also keep copies of all your invoices and contracts for these freelance projects. ESD may ask for documentation during their periodic reviews, and having everything organized will save you a lot of headaches. I learned this the hard way when they requested records going back 6 months and I had to scramble to find everything. Also, if you're using any business expenses (software, equipment, etc.) for your freelance work, keep those receipts too - you might be able to deduct them when you file taxes, which could help offset some of the reduced unemployment benefits.