Good luck with your claim! Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you run into any issues during the process.

Just wanted to share my recent experience filing for unemployment in Washington. I was laid off from my tech job in December and was nervous about the whole process, but it actually went smoother than expected. My highest quarter was around $28k so I'm getting about $1,078 per week - which is actually above the $999 maximum mentioned here. I think the max might have been updated for 2025? Either way, the online application took about 30 minutes and I got my first payment within 2 weeks. The key thing that helped me was having all my employer information ready before starting the application. Would definitely recommend not waiting to file like others have said!

Just to follow up on your question about requesting a hardship reduction in the recovery rate - you need to call the ESD Collections unit specifically at 1-866-697-4831. Be prepared to provide documentation of your financial hardship (bills, bank statements, etc.). Regarding your PFML application, make sure you apply well before your due date, as processing can take 2-3 weeks. You can apply up to 4 weeks before your expected leave start date. The weekly benefit amount is calculated differently than UI - it's based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum. Best of luck with both your appeal and your baby!

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this stress during your pregnancy. I went through a similar situation when I was on maternity leave in 2023. The good news is that ESD overpayment collections from regular unemployment benefits don't automatically carry over to PFML payments - they really are separate systems with different processing. However, I'd strongly recommend being proactive about a few things: First, definitely pursue that hardship reduction on your current collection rate. With a baby coming, you should qualify for the lower 10-15% rate instead of 50%. Second, keep detailed records of everything related to your appeal - dates, case numbers, any correspondence. One thing that helped me was submitting my hardship reduction request in writing along with calling. You can fax documentation to ESD at 360-902-9509 or mail it to: Employment Security Department, PO Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046. Include bank statements showing your expenses and a letter explaining your pregnancy and upcoming financial needs. Also, don't let the appeal process discourage you. Even if it takes months, if you win your appeal, they'll have to refund everything they collected. Stay strong - you've got this!

Update us when you figure it out! I'm sure other people will have this same question and it would be helpful to know what method actually worked for you.

I had a similar issue recently and found that the records are actually in the "Benefits Information" section, not under current claims. After logging into SecureAccess Washington, look for "Benefits Information" then "Payment Details" - it should show your complete payment history with dates and amounts that you can export as a PDF. The interface is pretty clunky but the data is there. If that section isn't showing up for you, try switching browsers - I had to use Edge instead of Chrome to see all the menu options properly.

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago and the panic is real! "Exhausted" is definitely the worst word they could have chosen - it sounds like you failed somehow when really it just means you've received all 26 weeks of regular benefits for your benefit year. I'd recommend calling Washington ESD to confirm there are no extended benefits available right now and to ask about filing a new claim if you had any work during your current benefit year. Also look into other resources like food assistance and job training programs while you're job hunting. The job market is tough but you'll get through this!

I'm going through this exact same thing right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My claim just switched to "exhausted" status this week and I was completely panicked thinking I had somehow messed up my benefits. It's such a relief to understand that it just means I've used up my 26 weeks of regular UI benefits, not that I'm permanently disqualified or did anything wrong. The terminology really is awful - "exhausted" makes it sound so final and negative. I've been job searching consistently but the market is really tough right now. Going to keep documenting my job search activities like someone mentioned in case any extended benefits become available, and I'll look into those WorkSource training programs too. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and explanations!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now - filed in mid-February after my company downsized, and I'm at 5 weeks in adjudication with no end in sight. The financial stress is unreal when you're just sitting there waiting with no timeline or updates. What's helped me cope is setting up a daily routine of checking my account first thing in the morning, then not checking again until the next day (obsessively refreshing just makes the anxiety worse). I've also been documenting everything - screenshots of my account status, records of when I called and what automated messages I got, dates of weekly claim filings, etc. From reading everyone's responses here, it sounds like the state rep route might be worth trying if you're past the 6-week mark. And definitely keep filing those weekly claims! The thought of potentially getting 6+ weeks of backpay when this finally resolves is what's keeping me going. Hang in there - you're not alone in this mess.

I'm in week 4 of adjudication myself after getting laid off from a tech startup. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and terrifying - reassuring that I'm not alone, but terrifying that it could take another month or more! One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I've been keeping a spreadsheet with the exact times I call ESD, what automated message I get, and any other details. It's helped me notice patterns - like Mondays seem to have slightly shorter wait times before the "high call volume" message kicks in. Also, for anyone dealing with severance complications, my HR department told me that if your company paid into the unemployment insurance fund for you during your employment, you're entitled to benefits regardless of severance - it just might affect the timing. They suggested I get documentation from payroll showing the UI taxes that were withheld from my paychecks over the past year, in case ESD needs proof. Hang in there everyone - this system is clearly overwhelmed but from what I'm reading here, most people do eventually get their claims resolved with full backpay.