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If you're having trouble reaching ESD to ask questions about job search requirements, I highly recommend using Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent was able to clarify exactly what I needed to include in my job search log and answer all my questions. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Saved me tons of frustration!
Thanks everyone for the great responses! I really hope the mods see this and consider pinning something. It's clearly a common question that affects a lot of people. In the meantime, maybe we should all make sure to reply to new posts about job search logs and point people to this thread? At least until there's an official FAQ. Just trying to help our community avoid problems with ESD!
That's a good idea. I'll bookmark this thread so I can easily link to it when I see people asking about this. And for anyone reading this who hasn't been keeping detailed logs - start now! Better late than never, and ESD is generally reasonable if you show good faith effort to comply once you learn the requirements.
wait does anyone know if the op should pay back the money while appealing or wait to see what happens with the appeal first??
UPDATE: I filed my appeal online and uploaded copies of the memo and my pay stubs showing the 25% reduction. I also explained that while I didn't specify the reason in my resignation letter, the hour reduction was the true cause. I've requested a hearing. This is so stressful - I really can't afford to pay back all that money! I'll keep you posted on what happens.
You've done everything right so far. The pay stubs plus the memo make a strong case. When you get your hearing date, prepare a simple timeline of events that clearly shows: 1. When your hours were reduced (with the memo as evidence) 2. How long you stayed hoping for improvement (August to December) 3. When you resigned Keep it factual and straightforward. Good luck!
To answer your notification question from earlier - ESD doesn't send payment notifications. You'll need to check your bank account or eServices portal to see when payments arrive. I recommend setting up text alerts with your bank for deposits. Also, definitely file your weekly claims on Sunday or Monday. While the initial application timing doesn't matter much, weekly claims are processed in batches, and earlier submissions tend to be in earlier payment batches. I've been tracking mine for months, and Sunday submissions always pay out faster than when I've waited until Tuesday or Wednesday.
One important thing nobody mentioned - if you're applying now in 2025, know that the job search requirements are stricter than they used to be. You'll need to document at least 3 job search activities EVERY week once approved. Missing these or not properly documenting them can delay or stop your payments regardless of what day you filed initially.
Excellent point. The job search requirements are absolutely critical. Each week, you must complete and document 3 qualifying job search activities. Keep detailed records of employer names, contact information, positions applied for, application methods, and follow-up actions. The ESD can audit these records at any time.
my hearing was a total disaster cuz i froze up when the judge started asking me questions!!! practice practice practice ur answers!!!
One more important tip - during your OAH hearing, the judge will ask if you've reviewed the ESD file/evidence. Make sure you and your lawyer request and review the complete ESD file before your hearing! This contains all the evidence ESD used to deny your claim, including any statements from your employer. You have a legal right to see this file before your hearing. If you haven't received it yet, your lawyer should request it immediately. Reviewing it prevents any surprises during the hearing and allows you to prepare responses to any misleading information. If you win your appeal, you'll likely receive all back benefits in one lump sum, so hang in there!
Evelyn Xu
Update for the OP: You might want to check if your appeal was properly transmitted from ESD to OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings). They're actually separate agencies. Sometimes ESD receives the appeal but fails to forward it to OAH, which is who actually schedules and conducts the hearings. If you contact OAH directly and they have no record of your appeal, that's your smoking gun that ESD failed to process it correctly. At that point, you can request that ESD immediately transmit your appeal to OAH with documentation showing when you originally filed it. This would establish that any delays were administrative errors, not your fault.
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Sophia Russo
•This is incredibly helpful information. I had no idea they were separate agencies! I've been focusing all my efforts on ESD, which might explain part of the problem. I'll call OAH first thing tomorrow to see if they have any record of my appeal. Thank you so much.
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Hannah Flores
This is a HUGE problem with Washington's unemployment system! They deliberately make the appeal process confusing and difficult to navigate. I had to appeal a disqualification last year and the ONLY reason I got a hearing was because I sent a certified letter to the Commissioner's Office stating I would be contacting my state representative and filing a formal complaint. Magically, my "lost" appeal was found and I had a hearing scheduled within two weeks. DON'T GIVE UP! The system is designed to make you quit fighting for what you're entitled to. Get everything in writing and escalate as high as you need to go.
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Sophia Russo
•That's really good to know - I think I'll draft a letter to the Commissioner today. Did you use any specific language or format that seemed to get their attention? I'm willing to escalate this as much as needed.
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Hannah Flores
•I made sure to: 1) Document the timeline of all my attempts to resolve the issue, 2) Cite the specific laws they were violating (like the ones mentioned above), 3) Clearly state what remedy I was seeking, and 4) Indicate that if I didn't receive a response within 10 business days, I would be contacting my state representative and filing a formal complaint with the Governor's office. Be professional but firm.
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