I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! It's so frustrating that Washington ESD doesn't make this information easier to find. Reading through all these suggestions has been really helpful - I had no idea there were so many different places the UI number could be hiding. I'm going to start with searching my emails for "monetary determination" and "unemployment insurance" like someone suggested, then dig through all those official-looking letters I probably didn't read carefully enough. If that doesn't work, I might try the Claimyr service or go to a WorkSource office in person. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access our own benefits! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it makes me feel less alone in this bureaucratic nightmare.

I just went through this same nightmare last week! After trying everything suggested here, I finally found my UI number in the most random place - it was on a small receipt-like paper that came with my first unemployment payment (if you chose direct deposit, it might be in your email as a payment notification PDF). The UI number was listed as "Account ID" in tiny font at the bottom. Also, pro tip: if you're completely stuck, try calling the automated phone system at 1-800-318-6022 and press the option for "payment information" - sometimes it will read your UI number back to you if you enter your SSN and other identifying info. Don't give up! I know how stressful this is when you're worried about missing your filing deadline, but there are definitely solutions out there.

Update us on how it goes! I'm sure other people in similar situations would benefit from hearing about your experience with the dispute process.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago. My former employer claimed I was terminated for "policy violations" when I was actually laid off due to restructuring. The key is to respond quickly and thoroughly to their dispute. I submitted my termination paperwork, email communications with my supervisor, and even got a statement from a coworker who witnessed the layoff announcement. It took about 6 weeks to resolve, but I won the case and received all my back benefits. Don't let them intimidate you - if you were truly laid off due to budget cuts and have documentation proving it, you should prevail. The adjudicator will look at all the evidence from both sides before making a decision.

Wait I'm confused, don't you have to do 3 job searches every week even though it's just seasonal? Like won't they expect you to find a new job instead of just waiting for construction to start again? I thought that was how it worked...

hey just checking did u get paid yet? im in kinda the same boat right now and wondering how long its taking people

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually in a similar situation but with a twist - my benefit year ended last week but I started a temporary job right before it ended. I worked for 5 days and then got laid off again when the project finished. Now I'm not sure if I should file a subsequent claim or if those 5 days of work somehow reset everything? I'm worried that working those few days might have messed up my eligibility or created some kind of gap in my claim. Has anyone dealt with working briefly right around when their benefit year ended? I don't want to file the wrong type of claim and cause delays.

I'm going through this exact same process right now! Filed my subsequent claim yesterday after my benefit year ended on Saturday. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and nerve-wracking at the same time. It's good to see that most people seem to get through it within 2 weeks without a waiting week. I'm particularly worried because I only worked about 5 months during my previous benefit year before getting laid off again. Hopefully that's enough to establish a new claim. Has anyone here dealt with having limited work history during their benefit year? I'm trying not to panic but the rent is due in 12 days and I'm already cutting it close. Thanks Oliver for posting this - it's exactly the kind of real-world info that's impossible to find on the ESD website!

I went through this exact situation with Walmart last year - they absolutely will contest your claim, but don't let that discourage you from filing. I was terminated for what they called "policy violations" but it was clearly retaliation for reporting safety issues to management. The adjudication process took about 7 weeks, but I ultimately won my case because I had solid documentation. Make sure you keep copies of all your safety complaint emails, any responses from management, and try to get witness statements from coworkers who can verify the timeline of events. Washington ESD adjudicators are experienced with these types of cases and can usually spot legitimate retaliation claims. File your claim today - every day you wait is money lost, regardless of whether they contest it or not.

I just went through this same thing with Walmart in Washington state. They contested my claim aggressively, but I still won after about 6 weeks of adjudication. The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD makes the final decision based on the facts, not what Walmart wants. Since you have emails documenting your safety complaints, you're already in a much better position than I was. Make sure to file your claim immediately - don't let fear of their contest delay you. I actually had to use a service called Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD during my adjudication because their phone lines were so jammed, but it was worth it to get updates on my case status. The important thing is that retaliation for safety complaints is illegal, and Washington ESD adjudicators are trained to recognize these situations. Document everything, file today, and don't let Walmart intimidate you out of benefits you're entitled to.