I heard from an ESD worker that they're still dealing with a massive backlog from the pandemic years. Apparently, they had over 100,000 overpayment waiver requests to process! They're working through them by date received, so if you submitted in mid-2023, you might still be waiting a while. It's completely unreasonable but unfortunately seems to be their normal timeline now.

One more thing to consider - make sure you're responding to ANY communication from ESD, even if it doesn't seem directly related to your waiver. Sometimes they need additional information to process your waiver but don't clearly connect it to your pending waiver request. Check your eServices Message Center regularly and also your regular mail. I've heard of people's waivers being denied simply because they missed responding to a verification request.

Just wanted to add - make sure you download a copy of the judge's decision and keep it somewhere safe. In rare cases, ESD has been known to request another copy if there are technical issues with their systems. Also, a "reversed" decision is definitely good news! It means you won on the main issue. One thing to note: if you had any other eligibility issues besides the quit/discharge reason, those would still need to be resolved separately. For example, if you also had an able and available issue or a job search issue, that wouldn't be covered by this appeal decision.

hey did u get paid yet? curious how long its taking people in 2025 to get their backpay after winning appeals

just wondering did u report the job when u first started or only when u got the commission? cuz if u didnt report starting the job right away that could be why they hit u with more weeks of overpayment

Based on your additional details, I strongly recommend requesting an appeal extension based on financial hardship. Even though you missed the original deadline, ESD can sometimes grant extensions in cases of significant hardship, which being a new single mom certainly qualifies as. Call and specifically ask for a "late appeal request based on financial hardship" and explain your situation as a single parent who couldn't afford postage at the time. Document everything - the name of who you speak with, date, time, and what was discussed. Also, it's very concerning that the amount increased from $1100 to $1700 when you've been making payments. Definitely request that itemized statement. It might also be worth checking if they've applied any penalties for the missed appeal deadline, which could explain some of the increase.

Update on my earlier comment - I just remembered that after using Claimyr to get through, the ESD agent told me they actually prioritize standby issues differently than regular claims. When you do get through, make sure to immediately mention it's about a standby denial, as they may be able to transfer you to a specialized queue. The agent told me standby issues get priority because they're time-sensitive with the return-to-work date looming.

One more thing to try while you're waiting to get through on the phone - you can also contact your state representative's office. They often have constituent services staff who can help with unemployment issues and sometimes have direct channels to ESD. Just go to the Washington State Legislature website to find your district and representative. I've seen this work for several people with urgent claim issues.

Just wanted to update... had my hearing yesterday and it was INTENSE. Lasted almost 2 hours! My ex-employer had their HR director AND a lawyer on the call. I was totally outgunned. Judge said to expect a decision in 1-2 weeks. Keep documenting EVERYTHING and be ready for them to twist things. My boss actually claimed I had "performance issues" even though I never had a single write-up or bad review. They're just trying to avoid their UI tax going up.

btw has anyone noticed how the ESD website is always "down for maintenance" right when you need to file your weekly claim on sunday night?? happened to me again last weekend smdh

I HATE how they leave you hanging like this!!! My appeal took 9 DAYS to show up despite the judge saying "a few days" and by then I'd already had to borrow money from family just to keep my lights on. The whole system is designed to make people give up!!!!

UPDATE: My decision just came through! It was under the Documents tab like you all said. The judge reversed ESD's determination! Now I'm wondering how long until I actually see the money...should I call ESD to make sure they process it quickly?

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: ESD's COVID overpayment forgiveness is still active, but operates differently now. Under current guidelines, there are two main paths to forgiveness: 1. Federal Equity Provision: For PUA/PEUC claims where the overpayment wasn't your fault 2. Financial Hardship Waiver: When repayment would prevent you from meeting basic needs The key difference in 2025 is that these are no longer automatic and require proper documentation. Based on current ESD processing times, expect 6-8 weeks for a decision if you provide complete documentation initially. If you need help immediately, request a "stay of collections" on your account while your waiver is processed. This temporarily stops garnishments or other collection efforts.

anyone know what happens if u just dont pay it back? asking for a friend lol

anybody else notice how they always make us verify our identity but they never give a straight answer about anything???? make us wait weeks and weeks but if we're ONE DAY late filing a weekly claim we're completely cut off. system is rigged against us.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my claim switched from pending to paid this morning! It took exactly 6 business days after my identity was verified. All of my previously disqualified weeks were also approved and show as paid now. Thank you all for your help and advice - going to be checking my bank account obsessively for the next couple days!

My brother had same problem last month but he went to WorkSource in person and they helped him!! They couldn't fix his claim but they called ESD on a special line and got him connected to someone. Maybe try that??

Just following up - did you have any luck getting through? The advice about trying WorkSource is solid. They sometimes have direct lines to ESD that bypass the public queue. Also, if your claim is in adjudication specifically, there's a different number you can try: 800-246-9763.

THE SAME THING HAPENED TO ME LAST MONTH!!!! I was freaking out because rent was due and the money didnt show up for 3 days after it said paid. ESD system is SO SLOW and they don't tell you anywhere that the actual deposit takes extra time. wish they would update there website with this info!!

Quick update - now that you've confirmed your banking info is correct, it's just a waiting game. For future reference, payments generally follow a consistent weekly schedule once they start. If this payment was for the week ending 3/29, and you file your weekly claim on Sunday 4/6, you can expect the next payment to also take 1-3 business days after it shows 'paid'. I recommend keeping a small buffer in your budget if possible, since these 1-3 day delays happen every week and can cause cash flow issues if you're cutting it close with bills.