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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.
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!
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.
The SAME EXACT THING happened to me last year!!! I was literally just on vacation in Mexico for 2 weeks and they flagged my account and put me in adjudication for like 7 weeks! It was a NIGHTMARE!!! I finally got through on the phone after calling 63 times (not exaggerating) and the agent was able to see that my case just needed a simple review. She escalated it and I got paid for all my weeks 3 days later. So my advice is KEEP CALLING no matter how frustrating.
Just a quick update on my earlier comment - when contacting your state representative, be sure to include: 1. Your full name as it appears in eServices 2. Your claim ID number 3. The date your claim went into adjudication 4. A brief (2-3 sentence) explanation of your situation 5. Permission for them to inquire about your claim on your behalf This helps them take action more quickly. Their staff are used to helping with ESD issues and often have dedicated contacts who can look into your case. Also, while you wait, make sure you're meeting the job search requirements each week and documenting everything properly. If your adjudication resolves favorably, you'll want those weeks to be payable immediately.
Natasha Ivanova
One thing to be aware of - make sure you can document why you missed those filings. When I went through adjudication for missed weeks, they asked for evidence of why I missed filing. I had medical documentation which helped my case. Do you have anything from a doctor about your ADHD? That might help if they ask for proof of 'good cause' for missing the filings. Just something to have ready.
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PixelPioneer
•That's really good advice. I do have documentation from my psychiatrist about my ADHD diagnosis and treatment plan. I'll make sure I have it ready if they request it. Did you have to upload the documentation somewhere or just have it ready when they called?
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Natasha Ivanova
•In my case, they called me for an interview and then sent a secure link where I could upload the documents afterward. Having everything ready definitely sped up the process.
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Javier Garcia
I know waiting for adjudication is stressful but theres som good news in your situation. If youre still able to file and get paid for current weeks, that means your claim is active and in good standing overall. The adjudication is just for those specific missed weeks. In my experience with a similar situation, it took about 25 days for the adjudication to complete. Just keep filing on time while you wait!
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PixelPioneer
•Thank you - that's really reassuring! I'll definitely keep up with my current claims and try not to stress too much about the adjudication.
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