my cousin said if u make even $1 over ur weekly benefit they take EVERYTHING away for that week... is that true?? seems so unfair if you just barely go over

Just don't forget to answer "YES" to the question about whether you're able and available for work during the weeks you're on this temporary job. I made that mistake once because I thought "well I'm already working so I'm not available" - but that's not what they mean. As long as you WOULD be available for a permanent full-time job if offered (even if it means quitting the temp job), you should answer yes. If you answer no, they'll deny your benefits AND it can complicate things when your temp job ends.

Does anyone know if this backpay means you have to report it on your FAFSA too? My kid is in college and I'm worried this will mess up her financial aid if I suddenly have $5000 more income when we fill out the FAFSA in October...

I remember being so confused about this too! Everyone's right that it goes on the year you received it. But make sure you're setting enough aside for taxes. When I got backpay, I assumed the 10% withholding would cover it, but unemployment doesn't withhold for state taxes if your state has income tax. And yeah, it pushed me into a higher federal bracket too. Better to save too much than too little!

NOBODY at ESD cares about us!!! I waited 11 WEEKS only to get DENIED because my employer LIED about why they fired me!!! Now I'm in the middle of an appeal and that's taking FOREVER TOO!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!! Don't trust ANYTHING they tell you!!!

UPDATE: I just wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I responded to those messages in my Secure Message Center about my past employment, and then I used the Claimyr service that was recommended here. It actually worked - got me through to an agent in about 40 minutes (which is WAY better than the hours I spent trying on my own). The agent told me my claim was stuck because they needed to verify wages from a part-time job I had for 3 weeks last year (which is what the secure message was about), but the system hadn't properly flagged it for follow-up. She was able to update my claim right on the spot, and she said I should see payments for all my back weeks within 48-72 hours. I'm still holding my breath until the money actually hits my account, but at least now I know what was happening! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

One more thing to remember is that if there are any holidays (even ones you wouldn't think about like Presidents' Day), that can add an extra day to processing. Also, if you file later in the day on Sunday versus early morning, sometimes that can push you into the next processing batch. The ESD dashboard should update to show the payment amount and status before it actually hits your bank account, so that's a good way to know it's on the way.

wait, did u make sure to do your job search requirements during your waiting week too? if not, they might deny ur first payable week. happened to my brother

One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure you're answering your phone even if you don't recognize the number. ESD adjudicators often call from blocked or weird numbers, and if they can't reach you, they'll just put your claim back in the queue. They typically only try once or twice before moving on. Also, if you do get through to ESD again, ask specifically what's causing the adjudication. Common reasons include: - Identity verification issues - Employer disputing your reason for separation - Availability for work questions - Job search compliance issues - Previous overpayment flags Knowing the specific reason helps you address it directly rather than just waiting.

just wanted to say hang in there - i was in adjudication for 7 weeks in february/march and finally got paid last week. the stress was unbearable but it did eventually resolve. sending good vibes your way!

off topic but has anyone had success getting ESD to correct wrong tax forms? they sent me a 1099G that's showing like $3k more than i actually got and I cant get anyone to call me back about it

FINAL UPDATE: Just wanted to close the loop on this for anyone who might search for this info in the future. It took almost 8 weeks, but I finally received my refund for the $1,200 I had previously paid! They sent it as a direct deposit to the same account where I originally received my unemployment benefits. No interest included, just the exact amount I had paid. The online status never updated to show the refund was processed - it just appeared in my account. So if you're waiting on a refund after an overpayment waiver approval, be patient and make sure you've submitted form #2266 with all your documentation!

To directly answer your question about the process: No, there is no automatic continuation of regular UI benefits once you've exhausted your maximum benefit amount. But depending on your situation, you may qualify for: 1. Training Benefits: If approved, this can provide additional weeks while you're in approved training. Application process takes 2-4 weeks typically. 2. Shared Work: If you can find an employer participating in this program, you could work part-time and receive partial unemployment. 3. Trade Adjustment Assistance: Only if your job loss was related to foreign trade impact. Make sure your work search documentation is perfect in case you qualify for a new claim in the future. Never skip weekly claims even if they're $0 payments - this helps maintain your claim status.

Just want to add that while your benefits are running out, make sure you're using all the free WorkSource resources. Their healthcare sector liaison can connect you with employers specifically looking for healthcare admin experience. They also offer free workshops on improving your resume, interview skills, and using LinkedIn effectively. These services remain available to you even after your UI benefits end. Also, don't forget the healthcare field has many adjacent sectors where your skills might transfer. Insurance companies, medical software vendors, and telehealth services are all growing areas that hire people with healthcare admin backgrounds.

ppl are saying report all jobs but i think theres a min dollar amount b4 u have to report it? like if u made under $50 in a week u dont have to?? anyone know 4 sure??

Another thing - if youre signing up for the first time, WRITE DOWN YOUR SECURITY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS EXACTLY!!! The system is super picky and if you forget how you capitalized something or used punctuation, you can get locked out of your account for DAYS. Ask me how I know lol 🤦‍♂️

After helping several family members through overpayment situations, here's what I've learned: 1. The reason for the overpayment MATTERS in how you approach it 2. Job search related overpayments can sometimes be resolved by providing documentation after the fact 3. If he has ANY proof of job searches during those weeks (emails, application confirmations, etc.), gather them now 4. Request a payment plan WHILE also appealing - you can do both simultaneously One more tip: When he finally speaks with ESD, ask specifically about a "Section 3304(a)(4) waiver" if he can demonstrate financial hardship. Many agents won't mention this option unless specifically asked.

woah $15,000 is crazy!!! that's way more than most of the overpayments i've heard about. has your son checked if his identity was stolen? sometimes scammers file claims using other peoples info and that could explain why the amount is so high?? just a thought

my sister works for esd and she said people file after benefit year ends ALL THE TIME and its totally normal procedure, dont worry about it

Just an update for anyone finding this thread in the future: The law (RCW 50.04.030) defines a "week of unemployment" as any week within your benefit year where you meet eligibility requirements. The date you file the claim is irrelevant as long as you file within the allowable timeframe (usually within 1-2 weeks of the week ending date). This is standard procedure at ESD.