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One more important tip - check if you have any Action Items in your eServices account that are holding up your claim. Many people spend weeks trying to reach someone only to find out they just needed to complete a simple form or questionnaire that was sitting in their account. Look under the 'Alerts' and 'Action Items' sections carefully.
So did anyone ever figure out a reliable way to get through? I'm back in the same position again with a new issue on my claim. Really don't want to spend another month trying to reach someone...
Update on my situation: I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and did get through to an agent yesterday. Cost was worth it for me considering I was about to miss another rent payment. They fixed my pending issue (turned out to be a simple verification problem). My claim is now processing! Fingers crossed for payment soon.
Thank you everyone for the helpful advice. I've uploaded my statement and text message screenshots to eServices. I also called ESD using Claimyr this morning and actually got through! The agent told me my employer hasn't responded to their inquiry yet, which is partly why it's still in adjudication. They said if there's no response by December 15th, they'll likely rule in my favor. Such a relief to finally get some information. I'll keep filing my weekly claims and update here when there's a resolution.
When I was on unemployment last year, I always wrote down my job searches in a notebook before entering them anywhere. Saved me a couple times when the website crashed or I had to use the phone. Just a tip!
I've been dealing with this exact issue and getting nowhere with ESD. I've called over 20 times trying to speak with someone about my job search documentation and either get disconnected or wait forever. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person yesterday. Totally worth it after weeks of frustration. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent I spoke with confirmed there's no specific deadline for entering job search activities after filing by phone, but you should do it as soon as possible. If you're selected for review, they typically give you a deadline to submit documentation.
To answer your question about deadlines - there's no hard deadline for entering job searches after filing by phone, but you should do it as soon as possible. If you're selected for a job search review (which can happen randomly), you'll typically be given a deadline to provide documentation. Pro tip: ESD recommends that you maintain your job search records for at least 60 days after the week you're claiming. So even if you enter them online, keep your own backup records with all the details (company name, contact info, position, application date, etc).
I don't mean to go off-topic, but I'm in a similar situation with my husband's PCS orders to South Korea. Did you also have trouble with the "actively seeking work" requirements? How are you handling job searches from overseas? I'm worried about that part of my claim.
That's a good question! I've been applying for positions at the base Family Readiness Center and AAFES. There are also remote work opportunities with US companies that I'm pursuing. For job search activities, I'm counting online applications, networking with spouse employment groups, and attending virtual job fairs specifically for military spouses. You need to document 3 job search activities each week, and these all qualify.
One more thing to remember in your appeal: be sure to include the relevant parts of the UCMJ and Joint Travel Regulations that pertain to command-sponsored dependents. These federal regulations supersede state-level interpretations about your availability for work. Also, if you're having trouble getting through on the phone to discuss your appeal, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM Pacific time - that's when wait times are shortest.
Kayla Jacobson
not to be contrarion but are you SURE the owner was taking tips illegaly? lot of restaurants have tip sharing that is legal where tips are distributed among staff including kitchen which is legal under WA tip pooling laws. if it was a legal tip pool and you quit over that, youre appeal will probaly be denied again. just saying to make sure you have your facts straight
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Elijah O'Reilly
•Yes, 100% sure. We already had a tip-out system for kitchen and support staff. This was an additional 15% the owner took directly for himself that was labeled "house fee" on our checkout sheets. He wasn't working in the restaurant - just taking a cut of our tips. That's definitely illegal.
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Mason Kaczka
I went through an appeal hearing last month for a completely different reason, but I learned a lot about the process. The most important thing is to BE PREPARED! The judge will give you and ESD each time to present your case. Have your evidence organized and practice explaining your side clearly. My hearing was over the phone and lasted about 45 minutes. The judge was actually pretty nice and let me fully explain my situation. The ESD representative mostly just read from their original decision document and didn't seem that prepared to counter my new evidence. I won my appeal, and I think you have a strong case too! Good luck!
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Elijah O'Reilly
•That's encouraging to hear! I was worried the judge would automatically side with ESD. I'll definitely prepare and practice explaining my situation clearly. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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