Update: I took several of your suggestions and have progress to report! I visited my local WorkSource office yesterday and they confirmed my claim is in adjudication due to "employment separation issues" - apparently my employer didn't respond to ESD's initial inquiry. The WorkSource staff couldn't fix it directly, but at least now I know what's happening. I also reached out to my state representative's office by email. Not giving up on trying to reach ESD directly. Thank you all for the help and suggestions!

That's great progress! Now that you know it's an employer response issue, you can be more specific when you do reach an ESD agent. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while this gets sorted out. The good news is that once your adjudication is complete (assuming it's decided in your favor), you'll receive all back benefits for the weeks you've claimed. One additional tip: If you can locate any documentation about your separation (layoff notice, emails, etc.), have those ready to provide if asked. This can sometimes speed up the adjudication process.

Yes, you'll receive copies of any response your employer submits. The Commissioner's Review is less formal than the hearing process but still follows procedural rules. To answer your earlier question - yes, you should attach relevant documentation to your message. Include: 1. A copy of your hearing decision (with docket number) 2. Any evidence that supports your position 3. A clear explanation of why the judge's interpretation was incorrect Keep in mind that you generally can't introduce new evidence that wasn't presented at the original hearing. The review focuses on whether the judge made legal errors based on the evidence already presented.

Let us know how it goes! I've got my fingers crossed for you. The whole unemployment system feels designed to wear people down until they give up. but stay persistent!!

Good luck with your application! Just to clarify something that was mentioned earlier - the Training Benefits extension can be up to 26 weeks, but the exact number depends on your specific situation and training program length. Some people get the full 26 weeks, others might get less. If your medical coding program is 9 months (about 36-40 weeks), and you have 6 weeks of regular benefits left, you might have a gap between when Training Benefits end and when your program finishes. Plan your budget accordingly, or check if your school has any financial aid options to cover that period. Don't forget that once you're approved, you'll still need to file your weekly claims just like with regular unemployment - including reporting your part-time work hours and earnings. The only difference is you won't have to do job searches.

I want to emphasize something important: apply for Training Benefits ASAP. Don't wait until your benefits are about to run out. The application process involves multiple steps and potential delays: 1. You submit the initial application 2. ESD reviews it and may request additional documentation 3. You submit any requested documents 4. ESD makes a determination 5. If approved, they send a formal approval letter Each of these steps can take time. With only 6 weeks left on your claim, you're already in a time crunch. Submit your application this week if possible. Also, keep detailed records of everything - confirmation numbers, copies of all documents you submit, names of ESD representatives you speak with, etc. This documentation is invaluable if there are any issues later.

does ne1 know if theres a seperate # for overpayment issues?? i got a letter saying i owe $4200 back and i NEED to talk to someone!!

Just wanted to update - I called 43 times this morning starting exactly at 8:00 am and FINALLY got through to someone at 8:37. The rep was actually super helpful and fixed my issue in 10 minutes. So keep trying!!!

The whole ESD appeal system is designed to favor employers. I had PERFECT documentation and still lost because the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) decided my boss was "more credible" despite having zero evidence. The system is rigged, I'm sorry to say. Don't be surprised if you lose even with good evidence. I'm still fighting my case 8 months later. Appealed to Commissioner's Review Office but they rubber-stamp everything.

Update: I just finished my hearing and I think it went well! The judge was super professional and didn't let my ex-boss interrupt me. When she tried claiming I was "insubordinate," the judge asked for specific examples and dates, and she couldn't provide any. He also accepted my last-minute evidence submission. I made sure to ask questions when it was my turn, just like you all suggested. I asked why the reason for my termination changed three times in her statements to ESD, and she got really flustered. The judge noticed that too. Now I just have to wait for the decision. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - I felt much more prepared and confident than I would have otherwise. Will update when I get the ruling!

My nephew went through something sort of similar last year but it was for a different reason than medical, his car broke down and he couldn't get to work for a few days and they fired him. But anyway his OAH hearing was scheduled after about 5 weeks and then it was another 3 weeks until the actual hearing happened. He ended up losing his case though because they said transportation issues aren't a qualifying reason. But medical issues are totally different so you should be fine I would think especially if you have all the documentation like you said.

anybody else feel like the whole system is designed to frustrate us into giving up? like why should it take 2+ months to get a hearing for something this straightforward? not everyone can wait that long without income

Getting someone on the phone at ESD would be your best bet - they can look at your specific work history and give you a definitive answer about eligibility. Calling them is a nightmare though... I spent 3 weeks trying to get through. Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in under 2 hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it to get a clear answer directly from ESD about your specific situation.

One more important point: When you apply, ESD will automatically calculate your base year and determine if you qualify. You don't need to figure this all out beforehand. If you believe your job situation isn't going to work out, you should apply when the time comes and let the system determine your eligibility. Just be honest about your work history, separation reason, and current employment situation. The online application will walk you through everything step by step.

Getting through to ESD to ask this kind of question is practically impossible these days. I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone about a similar issue last month. Their phone lines are constantly busy, and when I finally got through, I was on hold for over 2 hours before being disconnected! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD representative. They have this service that basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 This is definitely a question where you want an official answer from ESD rather than risking your appeal over advice from the internet (no offense to anyone here).

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm going to keep my claim open and continue filing weekly claims until the appeal process is complete. I'll make sure to accurately report my new employment and income. I appreciate all the insights - this has been stressing me out for weeks!

did anyone get a message saying they need to do job searches too? i did my worksource appt but now im confused if thats the same as the weekly job search or something different?

Just wanted to update everyone - I got it scheduled! Thanks for all the help. The WorkSourceWA.com site worked perfectly. Had to create a new account, then found the appointment scheduling under the calendar section just like you all said. For anyone else stuck like I was - definitely go directly to the WorkSource site instead of trying to do it through ESD!

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service that @practical_solution suggested, and I actually got through to an agent! Took about 25 minutes of waiting instead of constant busy signals. The agent was able to reset my telephone PIN and I just filed my weekly claim by phone successfully. For anyone else with this issue - definitely write down your PIN somewhere safe once you get it. Apparently they mail it with your initial claim approval letter, but I must have missed that part. Thanks everyone for the help!

Lucky you got through! I might try that Claimyr thing next time the website crashes. Still think its ridiculous we have to jump through all these hoops just to file our claims. The system should just WORK!!