Make sure to update us on how this gets resolved! These situations are unfortunately common and it helps others to know what worked for you.

This is absolutely infuriating! I went through something similar last year and it's like they design these systems to be as confusing and stressful as possible. The fact that you have to hunt through old notices to figure out why they're taking your money is ridiculous. When I had my intercept issue, I found that going to the local DSHS office in person was way more effective than trying to call. The phone system is a nightmare, but the in-person staff actually seemed to care and could pull up your case immediately. Bring literally every piece of paperwork you have - custody orders, school enrollment records, medical records showing the kids on your insurance, anything that proves they live with you. Also document everything - take photos of all the paperwork you bring and get names of who you talk to. Good luck and don't let them wear you down!

i think u should just keep claiming and not tell them about ur job till u get paid lol thats what my roomate did

Congratulations on landing the job! Just want to add one more tip that really helped me - when you file your weekly claims during those two weeks before starting, make sure to keep detailed records of everything you report. Screenshot your weekly claim confirmations and save any correspondence from ESD. This saved me when there was confusion later about my benefit period. Also, once you start working, be very precise about reporting your work hours - round to the nearest quarter hour if needed, but don't guess. ESD can be pretty strict about accuracy, so it's better to be overly detailed than to leave anything unclear. Good luck with the new position!

Another option to consider: Some banks offer small short-term loans or advances for customers with direct deposit history. If you've had your unemployment benefits direct deposited, your bank might offer something to help bridge the gap. Credit unions especially tend to have more flexible options than big banks. Also, if you've been doing your job search activities through WorkSource, they sometimes have funds specifically to help with employment transition barriers - which could include the gap between starting work and first paycheck. Definitely ask about this specifically when you talk to your specialist.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I started a state job that paid monthly. It's incredibly stressful! Here's what I found out: once you start working full-time, your UI benefits stop immediately regardless of when you get paid. But there are some things that helped me survive that gap: 1) Many food banks don't require proof of income and can help stretch your grocery budget, 2) Some utility companies have hardship programs that can defer payments, and 3) If you're renting, talk to your landlord ASAP - many are willing to work with you if you're honest about starting a new job and when you'll get paid. Also, see if your new employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - some offer emergency financial assistance or can connect you with resources. The first month is tough but you'll get through it!

This whole thread is incredibly reassuring! I'm currently dealing with a different claim issue (overpayment notice that I think is incorrect) and have been dreading the phone call process. Seeing how @Yuki Nakamura got through with Claimyr and how understanding the ESD staff were gives me hope. It's amazing how one small UI mistake can cause such panic when you're already dealing with financial stress. The fact that they see these accidental clicks regularly and have processes to fix them shows the system isn't completely broken, even if the phone access is terrible. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that helps people navigate these scary situations!

I'm so glad you got through and got it resolved! Reading through all these experiences really shows how common this mistake is - the UI system definitely needs better design to prevent these accidental clicks. The fact that ESD sees these cases routinely is both comforting and frustrating at the same time. It's great that they have processes to handle it, but it shouldn't be so easy to make these mistakes in the first place. Anyway, hoping your adjudication goes smoothly and you get your backpay soon. Thanks for keeping us updated - it really helps other people who might face the same situation!

One last tip - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about a denial, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first, but it saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own. Sometimes you need to talk to a human to understand what went wrong with your claim.

Another reason people get denied that hasn't been mentioned yet is refusing to participate in reemployment services. Washington ESD sometimes requires certain claimants to attend workshops, job fairs, or meet with career counselors. If you're selected for these services and don't show up or participate, they can deny your benefits. They usually send you a notice if you're required to participate, so make sure to read all your mail from ESD carefully.