Great discussion here. Just wanted to add one more important point: if at any time you're offered a job but turn it down, be very careful. ESD has specific rules about refusing suitable work, and it can affect your benefits. Generally, you need to accept offers that are similar to your previous work unless there's a significant issue with wages, working conditions, or distance. Also, once you start working again, even part-time, you need to report all hours and earnings on your weekly claims. ESD will adjust your benefit amount based on what you earn (you can still receive partial benefits if you're working part-time below a certain threshold). Good luck with your search! The first few weeks are the hardest, but it does get easier as you develop a routine.

I'm in a similar boat - got laid off from my retail management position after 8 years and just started the ESD process. One thing that really helped me get organized was setting up a dedicated email folder just for job applications and ESD correspondence. I forward all my application confirmations there so I have everything in one place for record keeping. Also, don't overlook temp agencies! I registered with three different ones last week and they count each registration as a job search activity. Plus some temp positions can turn into permanent roles, and you're still building your network while earning money. The staffing consultants I've talked to say a lot of companies are using temp-to-hire as their main hiring strategy now. One more tip - if you have a smartphone, take a photo of the ESD job search log form after you fill it out each week before submitting your claim. That way you have a backup copy with the exact information you reported to ESD. You've got this! The hardest part is just getting started.

OP, sounds like you have all the info you need to get started. Remember - apply as soon as possible since there's a waiting week anyway. The sooner you apply, the sooner that waiting week is behind you. Good luck with your application and job search!

I've been through the Washington ESD process three times over the years (job market has been rough). One tip I didn't see mentioned - if you're filing on a mobile device, switch to a desktop or laptop if possible. The mobile version can be glitchy and sometimes doesn't save your progress properly even though it says it will. Also, have a backup email ready just in case - I've seen people get locked out of their primary email and then can't access their unemployment account. The whole process is definitely overwhelming at first but you'll get through it!

One more thing I should have mentioned - if your husband has former employer(s) involved in the adjudication, consider having him reach out to their HR department directly. Sometimes employers don't respond to ESD's inquiries, which leaves claims stuck in limbo. A quick call to HR asking them to respond to ESD can sometimes break the logjam.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the waiting is absolutely brutal when you have bills to pay. I went through something similar last year where my claim was stuck in adjudication for 8 weeks. What finally helped me was keeping a detailed log of every contact attempt (dates, times, who I spoke to if anyone) and submitting that with follow-up requests. Also, if you haven't already, try calling right at 8am when they open - I had better luck getting through in the first 30 minutes. The system seems less overloaded then. Hang in there, and definitely follow up on all those great suggestions about contacting your state rep and the UI Ombuds!

One more important thing about gig work while on UI - make sure you're meeting the job search requirements each week (3 job search activities). Gig work doesn't automatically satisfy those requirements since it's not seeking permanent work. You still need to be looking for suitable permanent employment and documenting those efforts.

Just wanted to add something that might help - when you're doing gig work like DoorDash, keep a detailed weekly log of your earnings by date. I learned the hard way that ESD wants earnings reported in the week you actually worked, not when the payment hits your account. So if you work Sunday-Saturday but don't get paid until the following Tuesday, those earnings still get reported for the week you worked. Also, screenshot your DoorDash earnings summary each week as backup documentation. The app sometimes glitches and historical data can be hard to retrieve if ESD ever asks for proof. Better to over-document than scramble later!

I just wanted to follow up on my earlier comment. If your husband's employer is contesting the separation reason (layoff vs. quit), that is almost certainly the cause of the delay. This type of dispute requires an adjudicator to review documents from both sides and potentially conduct fact-finding interviews. However, 15 weeks is still far too long. The challenge right now is that you need to: 1) Get someone at ESD to confirm this is the actual issue, and 2) Get an adjudicator assigned to make a determination. Did you submit a copy of any layoff notice, separation letter, or email communication about the project ending? These documents are critical in these types of disputes. Also, if other employees were laid off at the same time, statements from them can be helpful evidence. One other thought: Is your husband continuing to file weekly claims during this wait? This is absolutely crucial. Even with the adjudication pending, he needs to file every week without fail to receive backpay once the issue is resolved.

This is absolutely ridiculous and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare. 15 weeks with that level of documentation is completely unacceptable. I went through something similar last year (though only 8 weeks) and what finally broke it loose was filing a complaint with the Washington State Auditor's office in addition to everything else people have mentioned here. They have a whistleblower/complaint portal specifically for government agency failures, and ESD apparently takes those very seriously because it affects their federal funding compliance. You can file online at sao.wa.gov. Also, if you haven't already, document EVERYTHING - every phone call, every time you were disconnected, every document you submitted. Screenshot your eServices account showing the weeks of "adjudication in progress" with dates. This will be important if you end up needing to escalate further or file any kind of formal complaint. The fact that you have clear documentation of a layoff and they're still dragging this out suggests either gross incompetence or a system malfunction. Either way, someone needs to be held accountable. Hang in there!