When I had my waiting week last year I still did my three job search activities even though I wouldn't get paid and the ESD representative told me later that was the right thing to do because they still check those even for the waiting week. Just a heads up!

Daniel, I went through this exact same situation when I was laid off from my landscaping job last fall. The waiting week is definitely confusing at first! Just to add to what others have said - make sure you file your weekly claim on time even for that waiting week because missing it can delay your whole claim. Also, when you're budgeting for those 3 weeks until rent, remember that even after the waiting week ends, there's usually a few days processing time before you actually see the money in your account. I'd recommend calling your landlord now to give them a heads up about the situation - most are understanding about unemployment delays if you communicate early. Good luck with everything!

Good luck with calling tomorrow morning Javier! I had a similar adjudication issue last year and it took me about 3 weeks of trying before I finally got through. The 8am timing tip is solid - that's when I eventually had success too. Just be prepared to potentially try multiple days since even calling right at opening doesn't guarantee you'll get through on the first try. But once you do connect with someone, they're usually pretty helpful with resolving the actual issue.

Just wanted to add that I successfully used Claimyr about a month ago when I was dealing with a similar adjudication delay. I was skeptical at first because I'd never heard of it, but after reading some positive reviews I decided to give it a try. Cost me around $20 but honestly it was worth every penny - got connected to a Washington ESD agent within 30 minutes and had my issue resolved that same day. For anyone who's been trying to call for weeks without success, it might be worth checking out. They have different service levels too so you can choose what fits your budget.

For what it's worth, I've never had an employer react negatively to the unemployment notice. Most understand that people lose jobs and need to file for benefits. It's really not a big deal in most workplaces.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since this thread helped me so much. I filed for unemployment about 3 weeks ago after being laid off from my main job while keeping my weekend retail position. My weekend boss did get the notification and actually brought it up to me, but it was totally fine - she just wanted to make sure I was doing okay and that she wasn't going to lose me as an employee too! She said they get these notices pretty regularly and it's never been an issue. I've been reporting my weekend earnings on my weekly claims and everything has been smooth. Really wish I hadn't spent so much time worrying about it. The financial relief has been huge and I can focus on job searching instead of stressing about bills.

UPDATE: You all were right! I finally got through to ESD this morning after trying for days. The agent explained that my claim is being reviewed by two different specialists - one handling an employment verification issue and another reviewing my availability for work. The different dates were showing depending on which part of my case was being updated. She said I should expect a decision within 7-10 business days! Such a relief to finally understand what's happening. Thanks everyone for your help and sharing your experiences!

So glad you got through and got real answers! This is exactly why calling ESD directly (even though it's a pain) is so important. Your experience perfectly illustrates what many of us have been saying - those date changes usually DO mean progress is happening, even when it doesn't feel like it. Having two specialists working on different parts of your claim actually sounds like they're being thorough. Hoping you get good news in those 7-10 days! Keep us posted on how it goes.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I was in the exact same boat as you - just got approved and was totally confused about the work registration requirement. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the WorkSource registration at worksourcewa.com really is the main thing Washington ESD is looking for. I'm planning to set aside an hour this evening to get it done properly. It's reassuring to know that even if you're a few days late, they're usually understanding as long as you're making the effort. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge here - you probably saved a bunch of us from stressing out unnecessarily!

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - this thread is a lifesaver! I was in the same exact position a few weeks ago, completely lost about the work registration thing. The WorkSource registration at worksourcewa.com really is straightforward once you know what you're doing. One thing I'd add is don't stress too much about making your profile perfect right away - you can always go back and update your resume and skills later. The important thing is just getting registered within that 7-day window so you stay compliant with the requirements. Good luck everyone!