For anyone still reading this thread, I wanted to add that timing really matters when you're dealing with Washington ESD garnishment. I made the mistake of waiting until the last minute to call them, and by then they had already processed the garnishment order to my employer. Even though I was able to eventually get on a payment plan, it took an extra month to stop the garnishment because of the paperwork involved. If you get that initial overpayment notice, don't wait - call them within the first week if possible. Also, if you do end up with garnishment starting before you can negotiate, don't give up. You can still call and potentially reduce future garnishments or switch to a voluntary payment plan. The system is definitely frustrating but there are options if you stay persistent.

Just went through this process myself last month and wanted to share what worked for me. I got a garnishment notice for $3,100 and was terrified they'd take 25% of my pay. Here's what I learned: call them at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - I got through in under 30 minutes on my third try. The agent was actually understanding and set me up on a $175/month payment plan instead of the $650+ they could have garnished. Make sure to ask about hardship considerations if you're supporting dependents or have high medical expenses. Also, get everything in writing via email if possible - don't just rely on verbal agreements. The key is being proactive and polite but persistent. Don't let them intimidate you into accepting terms you can't afford. Most agents seem willing to work with you if you're genuine about wanting to resolve the debt.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you apply for Training Benefits, make sure you also submit a detailed career plan explaining how this training connects to your previous work experience and future career goals. I think this really helped my application get approved faster. Since you have healthcare admin experience, you can emphasize how medical coding builds on that background and how it's a logical career progression. ESD wants to see that you're not just randomly picking a training program but that it makes sense for your career path. Also, once you do get approved, you'll get a letter with specific requirements you need to follow (like maintaining satisfactory progress, reporting any changes, etc.). Keep that letter handy because you'll need to reference it throughout your training! Good luck with your application! Medical coding is definitely a smart choice given the demand in healthcare.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also check if your chosen medical coding program offers any financial aid or scholarships. Even if Training Benefits gets approved, there might be program costs that aren't fully covered. I went through a similar situation last year and found that some community colleges have specific grants for displaced workers that can help with books, certification exam fees, and other expenses that Training Benefits doesn't cover. Also, just a heads up - the medical coding field often requires passing certification exams (like CPC or CCS) after completing your program. Make sure the training program you choose prepares you for these exams and includes exam prep, because employers almost always require certification. Some programs even include the exam fee in their tuition, which is definitely worth considering when comparing options. The job market for medical coders is really strong right now, especially with remote work options, so you're making a smart choice! Just make sure you understand all the costs upfront so there aren't any surprises later.

I'm in the same boat and really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences! Just to add another data point - I successfully changed my direct deposit through the SecureAccess Washington online system about 3 weeks ago. The key was using Chrome browser and making sure I had a stable internet connection. The process took about 10 minutes total. I found it under eServices > "Update Payment Method" just like Diego mentioned. One thing I'll add is that I got an email confirmation within 24 hours saying the change was processed, and my next payment went to the new account without any issues. The timing worked out perfectly since I made the change right after filing my weekly claim. For anyone still struggling with the online system, definitely try different browsers or clear your cache first before resorting to calling - it might save you a lot of time!

I just want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread! As someone who was completely lost trying to figure out how to change my direct deposit, all of your advice has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to try the online method first using Chrome browser, and I've already gathered my new bank's ACH routing number and account number. If the online system doesn't work, I feel much more confident about my backup options now, whether that's calling directly or using a service like Claimyr to get through to an agent. It's really reassuring to see so many people who've successfully navigated this process and are willing to share their experiences. This is exactly why community forums like this are so valuable - real people helping real people with practical advice that actually works!

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions! I found my first paystub in my email (it was sent as a PDF when they first set up direct deposit). For my end date, I checked my bank statements and found the last deposit, then counted back to what would have been my last day based on their pay schedule. I submitted this info to ESD with a note explaining how I determined the dates. The adjudicator called me today and said it matched their records from the employer! My claim has been approved and I should see my first payment next week. Really appreciate all the help from this group!

Congrats on getting it resolved! Your approach of combining the paystub info with bank statement analysis was really smart. It's great that you documented your methodology for ESD too - that probably helped show you were being thorough rather than just guessing. For anyone else reading this thread in the future, this is a perfect example of why it's worth taking the extra time to piece together accurate information rather than estimating. The detective work pays off in the end!

That's great news that your supervisor is getting you that letter! Just a heads up - when you submit it, make sure it includes your full name and the dates of your employment along with the layoff reason. ESD is pretty specific about what they need on these documents. Also, if you do run into any delays after submitting it, don't panic. Sometimes it takes them a few business days to review and update your claim status. Keep checking your eServices account for any updates or additional requests. Good luck!

I went through something very similar when I was laid off from my warehouse job last fall. The key thing that helped me was being proactive about getting the documentation before ESD even asked for it. Since you're in construction and the project ended, that's actually one of the clearest cases for unemployment benefits - it's obviously lack of work, not misconduct. When you get that letter from your supervisor, make sure it mentions: - Your exact employment dates - That you were laid off due to project completion/lack of work - That you were a good employee (this helps confirm no misconduct) One thing I learned is that construction layoffs are pretty common and ESD processes them regularly, so once you get the right documentation submitted, it should move fairly quickly. The construction industry has these natural cycles and ESD understands that. Just stay on top of your weekly claims while you wait for them to review everything.