THE WHOLE ESD SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! I appealed an $8K overpayment in 2024 and waited FIVE MONTHS for a hearing, and the judge just rubber-stamped whatever ESD said!!! They claimed I didn't report some income but I HAD THE PROOF I DID and they still ruled against me. Now they're taking 25% of my paycheck AND charging interest!!! The appeal process is just for show - they ALWAYS side with ESD. Document EVERYTHING and record all phone calls (WA is a two-party state so tell them you're recording). The system is designed to frustrate you into giving up.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I called ESD today using that Claimyr service mentioned below (which actually worked!), and they confirmed what @profile1 said - no interest during the appeal process. The agent also let me know my hearing is tentatively scheduled for early November, about 4 months from when I filed the appeal. I'm going to start gathering all my documentation now. I'll update this thread after my hearing in case it helps anyone else going through this process.

Glad you got it resolved! This is unfortunately a common issue with ESD refunds - they get stuck in that limbo between approval and accounting. Thanks for updating us on what worked for you.

nice! so happy u got ur money back finally!

I used to work in a call center (not ESD but similar system) and this happens because they allocate specific staff for Spanish lines. So if 20% of staff is on Spanish lines but only 5% of callers use Spanish, of course those lines are more available. Wish they would just create a fair unified queue system but government tech is always 10 years behind. BTW if u have adjudication issues make sure to also check your ESD secure message portal daily. Sometimes they send questions there instead of calling, and if you don't respond in 5 days they can deny your claim automatically. Same with document upload requests.

lol i tried the spanish line trick 2day and when they called back the guy was like "¿Hola, cómo puedo ayudarte?" and i panicked and hung up 🤣 guess ill try again tomorrow and just say "english please" right away haha

@haloqty87 Yes, I eventually got backpaid but had to fight for it after winning my appeal. They tried to say I "failed to properly file a new claim" even though I did everything by the book! The system is rigged against us!

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread - your appeal and BYE date are two separate processes that unfortunately can overlap. The BYE date is simply the end of your 52-week benefit period, while an appeal addresses a specific determination on your claim. When you reach your BYE date: 1. File a new claim immediately 2. Continue to file weekly claims without interruption 3. Contact ESD to have them add a notation about your active appeal 4. Keep separate documentation for your appeal process vs. your new claim If you win your appeal after your BYE date, any benefits awarded from the appeal decision will still be processed and paid, even though they relate to your previous benefit year.

just wondering did u have a lawyer for ur appeal? i have one coming up and not sure if i need one

Just to add to my earlier comment - the ESD website won't update your weeks from 'disqualified' to 'paid' all at once. It's normal to see them change status in batches as they're processed. And sometimes they'll all update at once right before payment is issued. The important thing is having your appeal decision number and the date it was finalized ready when you call, as this helps them locate where your case is in the processing queue.