Hope this helps other students who are wondering about this. The key takeaway seems to be that it's possible but depends heavily on your specific circumstances and schedule.

Just applied for benefits as a part-time student after reading this thread. Fingers crossed! Will update with results.

I'm currently going through the adjudication process myself and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I had my interview 3 days ago for a layoff situation (my company had to eliminate positions due to financial restructuring). The interview was about 8 minutes and the adjudicator confirmed they already had my employer's documentation on file. Reading all these success stories, especially the pattern of 5-7 business days for straightforward layoff cases, gives me so much hope. The waiting is definitely anxiety-inducing when you're watching your savings dwindle, but seeing @DeShawn Washington and others get approved relatively quickly for similar situations helps me stay positive. I've been diligently filing my weekly claims and keeping all my documentation ready. Fingers crossed I'll have good news to share soon and can help the next person going through this stressful process!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm scheduled for my adjudication interview next Tuesday for a layoff situation (company closure due to bankruptcy). Reading through everyone's experiences, especially the consistent pattern of 5-7 business days for straightforward layoff cases, has really helped calm my nerves about what to expect. It's encouraging to see that when the employer documentation is already on file and the separation reason is clear-cut, the process seems to move much more efficiently. I've been preparing by gathering all my layoff paperwork and making sure I understand the timeline of events clearly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - @DeShawn Washington, @Kevin Bell, and others - your success stories give hope to those of us just starting this process! I'll make sure to update this thread with my timeline once I go through it to help the next person.

the ESD system is the absolute WORST. they seriously need to hire some decent tech people to fix their website. glad you got it figured out but it shouldn't be this complicated!!!

So glad you got it sorted out! Your experience is exactly why I always tell people to check this community first before panicking about ESD issues. The timing thing with weekly claims is SO confusing - they really should make it clearer that you can't file mid-week and have to wait for the Sunday rollover. And yeah, the SecureAccess Washington vs ESD portal confusion gets everyone at first! Thanks for posting the update - it'll definitely help the next person who runs into this same issue.

As someone who works in HR and has helped employees through layoffs, I want to emphasize that you should also ask your HR department about any transition assistance they might offer. Some companies provide resume writing services, job placement assistance, or extended health insurance coverage. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself during this process - many employers want to help their laid-off employees succeed in their job search, and it reflects well on the company too.

Going through a potential layoff situation is incredibly stressful, and I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here. One thing I wanted to add is that if you do get laid off, don't hesitate to reach out to your network right away. I was laid off about two years ago and found that former colleagues, friends, and even LinkedIn connections were surprisingly helpful in pointing me toward opportunities. Sometimes people feel embarrassed about being laid off, but it's really nothing to be ashamed of - it happens to good people all the time due to business circumstances beyond their control. The combination of unemployment benefits and active networking can really help bridge that gap while you're searching for your next role.

Another tip - take detailed notes during the hearing. If you end up needing to appeal the decision later, those notes will be incredibly helpful. Also, speak clearly and directly answer the judge's questions. Don't volunteer extra information unless it specifically helps your case about availability for work. And remember that everything is being recorded, so stay professional even if you feel frustrated by questions.

I've been through a similar situation and want to echo what others have said about preparation being key. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple timeline document showing: - Dates I was in school - My class schedule/format (online, flexible, etc.) - Job applications I submitted during that time - Any interviews or job contacts Having it all laid out chronologically made it much easier to explain to the judge how school never interfered with my work availability. Also, if you have any documentation showing you told potential employers you could start immediately or drop classes for work, that's gold. Even text messages or emails can help show your intent. The good news is that online, self-paced classes are usually viewed much more favorably than traditional classroom schedules. You've got a strong case - just stay calm and stick to the facts about your availability. Wishing you the best of luck on Friday!