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Just to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned: If you stop claiming UI because you found work, but then lose that job and need to reopen your claim within the same benefit year, you'll need to re-engage with WorkSource requirements. The benefit year typically lasts 52 weeks from when you first applied, even if you stop claiming for a while in between.
To summarize what everyone's said and add clarity (I'm an employment counselor): 1. WorkSource requirements ONLY apply when actively claiming UI benefits 2. Once you stop filing weekly claims, requirements end immediately 3. You may continue receiving automated emails/calls for a while (systems take time to update) 4. You can still voluntarily use WorkSource services even when not on UI 5. If you reopen your claim in the same benefit year, requirements resume Also worth noting - in 2025, all UI claimants must complete 3 documented job search activities each week. WorkSource participation counts toward these activities but isn't always required depending on your situation.
One more thing to consider: while you're waiting for the determination and possible appeal, you should continue filing your weekly claims without interruption. If you eventually win your appeal, you'll only get paid for weeks you properly certified. Even if the system shows them as 'denied' now, keep filing them. If you win your appeal, all those weeks will be paid retroactively.
btw did u answer YES to the question about being fired when u first filed your claim? sometimes people say no to that question thinking it helps them but it actually causes problems later when ESD finds out from ur employer. just wondering if that could be part of why ur claims r denied
wait im confused... did the governors office actually confirm they sent your info to ESD? Sometimes they take your info but theres a delay before they actually send the request.
Just checking back - any updates on your situation? Did you try contacting the governor's office again or have any luck getting through to ESD?
I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and FINALLY got through to a real person at ESD yesterday! Turns out my expedite request was received but got assigned to an adjudicator who went on medical leave, and my case wasn't properly reassigned. They've now put a priority flag on it and said I should see movement within 3-5 business days. I also emailed the governor's office to update them. Fingers crossed something actually happens this time!
One thing to check - log into your eServices account and look at the "Decisions" tab. Sometimes you can see more detailed information there about why they determined you didn't have enough hours. It might show which employers they counted and which ones they didn't. That could help you prepare a more targeted appeal.
Perfect - now you have a clear basis for your appeal. Make sure to submit documentation proving your employment with that previous employer (W-2, paystubs, etc.). And yes, absolutely keep filing weekly claims during this process. If your appeal is successful, you'll only be paid for weeks you properly filed for. Regarding the CAT approval - that's still strange if you didn't apply for a training program. When you do get through to ESD, ask them to check if there's an error in your profile or if someone else's training application got linked to your account somehow.
One important piece of advice - whatever you do, keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not receiving any money. If your waiver is approved, they'll pay all those weeks retroactively, but only if you've been consistently filing each week. Also, be aware that overpayment waivers are currently taking 8-12 weeks to process according to what an ESD rep told me last week (I work with unemployment cases). So you'll need a plan to manage financially during this time.
UPDATE: I filled out the hardship form and cited WAC 192-230-100 as someone suggested. It took three phone calls (using Claimyr to get through), but they finally reduced my recoupment rate to 40%! Not ideal but at least I'll get some money while waiting for the waiver decision. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll update again when I hear about my waiver.
Good luck getting through to ESD on the phone to ask about this! I've been trying for WEEKS to talk to someone about my adjudication issue. Always get the "high call volume" message and disconnected. So frustrating when you need to ask a specific question like this and can't get through.
I had the same problem but found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for days. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through, then connect you. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to sort out my standby status question last month. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth it when you need actual answers from a real person at ESD.
Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after trying for 2 days) and they confirmed I don't qualify for standby since I don't have a definite return date with my previous employer. The agent suggested I try to complete my job search activities online while traveling - applying for jobs through my phone or laptop will still count. She also mentioned that if I absolutely cannot complete the required activities during my trip, I should answer honestly on my weekly claim and understand I might not receive benefits for that week, but can resume normally when I return. Thanks everyone for your help!
Glad you got a clear answer! Just make sure to document any online job search activities you do while traveling - save confirmation emails from applications, screenshots of completed applications, notes from any virtual networking, etc. ESD can request your job search log at any time, so having that documentation will protect you if they review your claim later.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PEOPLE FAIL!!! I went through worker retraining in 2024 and they cut my benefits with 2 months left in my program. When I called they said I "should have known" about the TB program and that it was "too late" to apply. Had to take out loans to finish my training. Watch out for the fine print they don't tell you about!!!!!
I'm sorry you had that experience. You're right that the information isn't always clearly communicated. However, for others reading this thread, please know that if you apply for Training Benefits while you still have at least one week of regular benefits remaining, and your training program is approved, you should be eligible. The system has specific requirements, but it's not designed to make people fail - it's just poorly explained sometimes.
Update: We submitted the Training Benefits application today through eServices! Also uploaded his training plan and enrollment verification from the college. His WorkSource counselor called me back and confirmed the program is CAT-approved. Now we're just hoping there's not a big gap between benefits. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll update when we hear back from ESD.
my husbad had the same probem last month the trick is to use the phone keypad not voice responses. he kept tryng to say "yes" but the system kept hanging up. when he used the keypad it worked fine
Victoria Scott
THEY SUCK AT COMMUNICATION!! I never got any email or notification that my tax forms were ready. Had to figure it out on my own. Also if you changed your address during the year sometimes they mail it to your old address which is TOTALLY STUPID. And they don't even tell you about the 1099-G vs W-2 thing when you're filing claims!!!
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Benjamin Johnson
•Actually they do explain this in the handbook they send when you first file for benefits, but I agree they could make it more obvious. The tax implications section is buried pretty deep in that document.
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Katherine Harris
UPDATE: Found it! It was right where you all said - under the UI Claim tab there's a 1099G option. For anyone else looking, once you click on that, you need to select the tax year and then there's a button to view/download the PDF. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Madison Allen
•Glad you found it! Make sure to save a copy for your records. Also, double-check that the amount on the 1099-G matches what you actually received in benefits. ESD occasionally makes mistakes, and it's a hassle to get them corrected after you file taxes.
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