wait dont u have to do 3 job search activities each week now? did u forget to log those maybe? that got me flagged once

Just want to add one important piece of advice - document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of all your calls, messages, and attempts to contact ESD. Note dates, times, and any reference numbers. If you do manage to speak with someone, write down their name and what they told you. If this drags on and you need to escalate to the unemployment law judge or request a hearing, having detailed documentation will significantly help your case. I went through a similar situation last year and my meticulous notes were crucial when I finally got a hearing. Also, check if there are any documents in your eServices account that need your response. Sometimes ESD sends questionnaires that trigger adjudication until they're completed, but the notification can be easy to miss.

Another thing to check - sometimes your claim can show as disqualified if there's an identity verification issue. With all the fraud during COVID, ESD implemented stricter verification processes. Check if there's any correspondence about ID verification in your notices section. If there is, respond to it ASAP with the requested documents. If you still can't get through on the phone, try contacting your local WorkSource office. They don't directly handle unemployment claims, but they sometimes have dedicated liaisons who can escalate issues to ESD. I've heard of people having success with this approach when nothing else worked.

After reading through your situation, I'm almost certain you're caught in what we call an "adjudication loop" - where your claim requires manual review but hasn't been assigned to an adjudicator yet. The system shows disqualified as a default status during this limbo period. A few important points: 1. The approval letters you received were likely for your initial monetary qualification (meaning you earned enough in your base year), but something else triggered a non-monetary review 2. The contradiction between your letters and status is typical of the ESD system's poor integration between different modules 3. You MUST continue filing weekly claims during this period or you'll lose eligibility for those weeks 4. The fastest resolution will come from speaking directly with an ESD agent who can see the specific flag on your account This is unfortunately very common in 2025, especially since ESD lost so many of their experienced staff after the pandemic surge ended.

just wanted to say the site is working again!! i just filed my claim with no issues about 10 minutes ago. tell your husband to try now!

UPDATE: He was able to file successfully! The system is working again. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. For anyone else having this issue, definitely check ESD's social media for system status updates, and if all else fails, calling them (possibly with help getting through their phone system) is the way to go.

just wondering did you have a phone hearing or in-person? ive got mine scheduled for next week and im super nervous about what to expect

The statutory requirement is that the judge must issue a decision within 30 days of the hearing date. However, most OAH judges in Washington issue decisions within 5-10 business days. The decision will be mailed to you and also uploaded to your ESD eServices account. A few important notes: 1. Continue filing weekly claims during this waiting period 2. If you win, ESD should automatically process your back payments 3. If there's a delay beyond 2 weeks after a favorable decision, contact ESD No-shows by employers generally favor the claimant, but the judge must still apply the law to the facts presented. The outcome depends on your specific situation and the evidence in your case file.

Regarding your original question about best times to call - ESD's phone lines open at 8am and your best chance is to call exactly at 8:00:00. Not 8:01, not 7:59 - exactly when they open. Have your claim ID and all information ready. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the busiest days, so Wednesday through Friday may offer slightly better odds. That said, using the Claimyr service someone mentioned is probably more reliable than hoping to get through on your own.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to an ESD agent! She was really helpful and went through my file with me. Turns out they had mixed up some of my reported earnings with another claimant who has a similar name! She said she's flagging it for correction and will be sending me a revised determination that should reduce my overpayment significantly. She also put notes in my file documenting the error and extended my appeal deadline by 14 days to give time for the correction to process. SUCH a relief - worth every penny to finally talk to someone who could actually help. Thanks everyone for your advice!

i dunno why everyones saying to call esd... have u checked ur bank account? sometimes they just deposit the money without updating the website lol

Based on your reply that it's about $4,200 for 7 weeks, that's definitely worth pursuing. While the system should automatically trigger these payments after an appeal win, there's often a disconnect between the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and ESD's payment systems. Sometimes you need to specifically request what's called a "benefit reinstatement following appeal reversal" - that's the exact phrase that might help when talking to representatives. Also, make sure your current address and payment method are up-to-date in the system. I've seen cases where backpay was issued via paper check to an old address even when people had direct deposit set up.

As others have said, you need to appeal right away. Just wanted to add that your case falls under what's called \

Thank you for the specific statute! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for. I'll definitely cite this in my appeal letter.

This happened to me too. I think the ESD is just broken after all the pandemic fraud stuff they dealt with. Everything is super slow now. My friend told me it's because they fired a bunch of the people they hired during covid and now they're understaffed again. Anyway when I finally got my benefits they paid all the back weeks at once so keep claiming every week!

Update on my situation - after using Claimyr to reach an ESD agent, they told me my claim needed additional employment verification (which was never communicated to me through the portal). I uploaded my final paystub and W-2 from previous year, and my claim was approved within 6 business days. All pending weeks were paid at once. The agent also told me they're dealing with a major backlog due to their new verification system that was implemented in October. Apparently a lot of legitimate claims are getting caught in the new fraud prevention filters.

This happened to me too!!! The whole system is rigged against students. I got denied because of "school conflicts" even though I could work weekends and evenings. It's so frustrating. Let us know how your appeal goes - I gave up and didn't fight it.

One more thing - when you file your appeal, check the box requesting an IN-PERSON hearing if possible (not phone). Statistical data shows appeal approval rates are higher for in-person hearings versus phone hearings. Bring all your documents organized in a folder with tabs. Also, in your situation, the Training Benefits program really does sound like the best option. You can apply for it separately from your appeal. If approved, it would override the able and available issue completely. The application is on the ESD website under "Services" then "Training Benefits" - there's a downloadable form.

I think there's some confusion about overpayment waiver refunds. Adjudication and waiver are different processes. The pandemic overpayment waiver program is separate from regular overpayment waivers. For pandemic waivers that are approved, ESD is supposed to refund any amounts already paid. Make sure you're looking at the waiver determination letter - it should have a section called "Effects of this Decision" that mentions if you're eligible for a refund.

Update: Finally reached an ESD agent today! They confirmed the refund is in process and should arrive within 2 weeks. They're sending it as a direct deposit to the account they have on file. For anyone in a similar situation, keep checking your eServices account as that's where it will show first before the money hits your bank account. Thanks everyone for your help!