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I've been trying to get through to ESD for THREE WEEKS to ask this exact question!!! The phone system is impossible - I've called 42 times and either get hung up on or told the wait is over 2 hours and then disconnected anyway. I've tried eServices messaging but no response. I'm going to miss out on benefits because I can't get a simple answer about holiday pay!
I had the same issue trying to reach ESD last month. A friend told me about this service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending days trying. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It really saved me when I needed to ask about my adjudication issue. Way better than getting disconnected dozens of times.
Here's the official guidance: When filing by phone, answer all questions truthfully. For holiday pay specifically: 1. When asked if you received or will receive holiday pay, press 1 for YES 2. Enter the GROSS amount (before taxes) using the keypad 3. The system will calculate any deductions automatically Keep in mind that ESD can verify your earnings with your employer, so reporting accurately is crucial. As others mentioned, your benefit will be reduced by 75% of what you earn above $162.25, not eliminated entirely unless your holiday pay exceeds your weekly benefit amount plus the earnings allowance. If you continue to have questions about the phone filing process, the automated system does have an option to speak with a claims specialist, though wait times can be long during holiday periods.
Just to clarify some confusion in this thread - there are actually two different overpayment collection processes at ESD: 1. Voluntary repayment plans - where you've arranged to make payments on specific dates 2. Benefit offsets - where they automatically take a portion of your benefits If you're on a voluntary plan and miss a payment, they don't automatically switch to offsets. They'll typically send notices first if you've missed multiple payments. Being one day late shouldn't trigger anything in their system. Also, keep in mind that with the holiday, their payment processing is likely delayed anyway. Your payment from today probably won't even register as "late" in their system.
Update: My benefit payment just hit my account this morning! Normal amount, no deductions or delays. Looks like being one day late on the overpayment didn't affect anything. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!
Am I the only one who thinks its CRAZY that they can just decide someone isnt "good enough" for a job they PROMOTED them to and then fire them?? The whole system is rigged against workers!!! At least document the issues and give people a chance to improve before cutting them loose!!
yea its pretty messed up. washington is an at-will state tho so they can fire for almost any reason as long as its not discrimination
Update: We submitted the information to ESD yesterday explaining exactly what happened - that he was promoted to lead, tried his best for 3 months, but wasn't meeting expectations in that specific role, and there weren't other positions available. We emphasized that he had 3 years of good performance before the promotion. Now we're just waiting to hear back. Thanks everyone for your advice! I'll update again when we get a decision.
Just wanted to mention - make sure you keep doing your weekly claims even while waiting for the first payment! Some people think they only need to file after getting paid, but you need to keep certifying every week without interruption.
Yes, I've been filing every Sunday like clockwork! One question though - do I need to list the exact same job search activities in the same order each week? Or is it okay to switch them up as long as I'm doing the required three activities?
You should definitely switch them up! They want to see different job search activities each week. Mix in applying for jobs, updating your resume, attending WorkSource workshops, having informational interviews, etc. Using the exact same activities looks suspicious like you're not actually job searching.
KingKongZilla
NOT ALWAYS! My employer didn't respond and ESD STILL denied me initially claiming they
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Norah Quay
sorry that happened to u. i was just sharing what happened to my brother. guess it depends on the adjudicator u get
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