


Ask the community...
has anyone else noticed that esd's system always seems to flag claims randomly for adjudication??? like i've filed for unemployment 3 times in 6 years and EVERY SINGLE TIME i get stuck in adjudication for weeks with no explanation. like why even have the system if every claim gets flagged anyway???
It's not random, but their flagging system is very sensitive. Things that commonly trigger adjudication include: employment gaps, earnings inconsistencies, employer protests, multiple employers in your base year, job separation reasons other than layoff, availability limitations, and identity verification needs. The system is designed to catch potential issues, but it does create a lot of false flags.
Update: I used the hardship expedition request that someone suggested below and actually got through to a person! They confirmed my claim is still waiting for an adjudicator but because I have a late notice for utilities, they've marked my claim for expedition. They said it could still take 1-2 weeks but that's better than continuing to wait indefinitely. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and support. I'll post again when I hear anything more.
@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.
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.
I'm getting really worried reading all this. I have my hearing in two weeks for a similar amount. @profile2 - did you have a representative or attorney at your hearing? I'm wondering if I should get one...
@profile5 You don't necessarily need an attorney for an ESD hearing, but it can help with complex cases. The Unemployment Law Project offers free/low-cost legal help for unemployment appeals: https://unemploymentlawproject.org/
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.
Good luck with your hearing! One more tip: the judge will often ask if you want to negotiate a settlement with ESD before the hearing starts. Sometimes they'll reduce the overpayment amount substantially if you agree not to contest it. Worth considering depending on how strong your case is.
Lucas Parker
Based on your last comment about marking unavailable for a doctor's appointment, that might be the issue. While it seems minor, ESD's system can flag this. Your appeal should specifically address this, explaining that a brief medical appointment doesn't make you unavailable for work in general (courts have upheld this interpretation). For the appeal, I recommend: 1. Be very specific about dates and times 2. Explain your overall availability for work 3. Reference any job search activities you performed that week 4. Include any communications with potential employers An Administrative Law Judge will review your case, and having detailed documentation will help tremendously.
0 coins
Declan Ramirez
•Thank you! I'll definitely include all of this in my appeal. I've been keeping good records of my job search activities, so I can show I was actively looking for work that week. Would it also help to get a note from my doctor confirming it was just a routine appointment?
0 coins
Edwards Hugo
when i had my appeal last yr the judge person was actually really nice. they overturned my disqualification bcuz ESD made the mistake not me. took like 6 weeks tho from when i filed appeal till hearing. u might get lucky and they fix it before hearing happens. keep checking ur online account everyday for updates!! sometimes they dont even notify u when things change
0 coins
Declan Ramirez
•That's good to hear. 6 weeks is a long time though... I'm going to see if I can get through to them by phone using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned while also filing the appeal as backup. Can't afford to wait 6 weeks with no income.
0 coins