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This is actually a really smart strategy I hadn't considered. The Governor's office was right to suggest this approach. I'm gonna try contacting both Murray and Cantwell today. My claim has been in adjudication for 51 days with zero explanation. Does anyone know how to find out who my local state representatives are? Should I contact them too?
Update: I just got off the phone with someone from Senator Murray's office! They took all my information and claim details and said they're sending an official inquiry to ESD on my behalf. They mentioned they've been getting a lot of these requests lately, so it seems like more people are trying this approach. They said to expect a response within 2 weeks. Fingers crossed this actually helps!
You're actually onto something there. ESD typically has reduced staffing around major holidays, which can add a few days to processing times. Filing in the first week of a month can also mean slightly longer waits as they process end-of-month reporting from the previous period.
UPDATE: Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I completed my WorkSource registration today (can't believe I missed that step!) and also double-checked that I don't have any adjudication or identity verification issues. Going to give it until the end of next week as suggested, and then try contacting ESD directly if I still don't see any movement. I really appreciate all the insights and timeline expectations - helps me plan better for bills knowing this delay isn't unusual.
To add to what others have said, request a Statement of Overpayment Account through your eServices portal. This will show exactly what the system thinks you owe and for what time periods. Really helps when you get someone on the phone to have this info ready.
When you connect with an agent, be sure to ask them to document that this was a system error and request that they flag your account to prevent this from happening again in the future. Also request a formal letter confirming the resolution once it's fixed. This provides protection if it happens again.
Update: Finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent confirmed it was indeed a system error from their database migration. They could see the notes that the overpayment was resolved in 2023, but somehow the flag got removed during their system update. She fixed it while I was on the phone and said my next payment will be processed normally. She's also sending me a confirmation letter. SUCH a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
Administrative Law Judge here (though not with OAH). The current backlog for ESD overpayment appeals is indeed substantial. The official target is 90 days from appeal to hearing, but in practice, most cases are running 120-150 days due to the high volume of appeals following the post-pandemic audit wave. A few important points: 1. While waiting, continue checking your eServices account weekly and respond to ANY requests for information immediately. 2. You can file a hardship request to temporarily pause collection activities while your appeal is pending. 3. Start preparing now - organize chronologically all documents showing your eligibility, work search activities, and any communications with ESD. 4. Once you receive a hearing date, you'll typically have 5-7 business days to submit your evidence packet to OAH. 5. Consider requesting a pre-hearing conference if your case involves complex eligibility issues. The wait is frustrating, but over 40% of appeals result in complete or partial reversal of overpayment determinations, so preparing thoroughly is worth the effort.
Just wondering - did they actually explain WHY they think you weren't eligible? My notice was super vague and it wasn't until the hearing that I found out they thought I hadn't been looking for work properly (which wasn't true).
They said I didn't meet the work search requirements because I only documented 2 activities per week instead of 3. But during that period I was on a partial standby because my employer said they'd be bringing me back part-time. I have emails proving this that I submitted with my appeal.
Diego Flores
can u let us know what happens after u refile? im curios how much more ul get with the new quarter
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Omar Zaki
•Will do! Based on my calculations, I should get about $175 more per week with the April 1st filing date. I'll update once I go through the process.
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StarStrider
Just to clarify some technical details on this topic: When you withdraw an unemployment claim that hasn't paid benefits, it's completely removed from the system with no negative impacts. The quarters used for your base year calculation are the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before application. So filing on April 1, 2025 would use quarters: Jan-Mar 2024, Apr-Jun 2024, Jul-Sep 2024, and Oct-Dec 2024. Filing before April 1 would exclude the Oct-Dec 2024 quarter and instead use Oct-Dec 2023. If your earnings were higher in late 2024, waiting until April would definitely be beneficial.
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Omar Zaki
•This is exactly the situation I'm in. My Oct-Dec 2024 quarter had much higher earnings than Oct-Dec 2023, so waiting until April 1st makes a big difference. Thanks for explaining it so clearly!
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Luca Marino
•omg i never understood how the quarters worked until now!! thank u for explaining it so good!
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