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Quick update on my suggestion earlier - after you file the appeal, you should get assigned an appeal date/time. Don't wait for this! Keep trying to reach ESD directly because they can often fix it faster than the appeal process. The appeal is just a backup plan to protect your rights while you try to get it fixed the quicker way.
That makes a lot of sense. I'll try using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get through to an agent while also filing the appeal as backup. Thank you!
One last tip - when you do reach an ESD agent, ask them to check specifically for an "identity verification flag" or "payment block" on your account. Using those exact terms helps them understand what to look for. Also request that they make notes in your file about your contact attempt and what was discussed. This creates a paper trail showing you've been actively trying to resolve the issue.
My cousin in Oregon told me they do something kinda like this already. When COVID hit and unemployment went crazy, they took people who were waiting for benefits and hired them as temp workers to process other people's claims. Makes WAY more sense than making everyone sit around doing nothing while waiting for money!!!
Oregon did temporarily reassign some state workers from other agencies to help with claims processing during COVID, but they didn't hire unemployment claimants as state workers. That would be a completely different program requiring legislative action, funding mechanisms, and significant changes to civil service rules. It's important to understand the distinction between redeploying existing trained state workers versus hiring brand new employees with no experience in claims processing.
what im wondering is how much would these temp state jobs pay? cause if it's minimum wage that wouldn't even cover my rent. unemployment benefits are supposed to be like 60% of your regular pay up to the maximum. would these temp jobs match that or would people take a big pay cut to work for the state?
Good question. Most entry-level state positions start around $19-23/hour depending on the classification, which is often less than what specialized manufacturing or tech workers earn. There's also the issue of benefits - regular state employees receive comprehensive benefits packages that wouldn't be cost-effective for very short-term positions. This creates another layer of complexity when considering temporary employment models.
UPDATE: I got through to ESD this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned here and it actually worked - got a call back with an agent in about 45 minutes. The adjudication is because they need to verify my identity (apparently routine for some new claims). The agent said I'll likely continue receiving payments during this process since it's just verification, not an eligibility issue. Such a relief! She said to just keep filing weekly claims as normal. Thank you everyone for your advice and support!
hi i use the phone system every week bc my computer is old and the esd website crashes it. what i do is call the weekly claims line early monday morning (like 7am) and then call the regular esd number right after to verify it went thru. this way i dont have to worry about website status. but ya its confusing that they dont match up sometimes
UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD today using the Claimyr service that someone recommended here. The agent confirmed my weekly claim DID process correctly despite what the website shows. She said they're having a system issue where phone claims aren't updating the online status, but the payments are still being processed correctly. My payment should arrive tomorrow as scheduled. She noted in my account that I called to check on this so there's a record of it. Such a relief! Thanks for all the advice everyone.
Great to hear! For anyone else reading this thread later - this is a common issue in 2025 with ESD's system integration. Always keep your confirmation numbers from phone claims, and if the online status doesn't update, call to verify rather than resubmitting. The payments usually process correctly even when the status doesn't update.
Paolo Rizzo
has anyone else notice that they seem to be denying more waivers this year??? i know 3 ppl who all got denied even with good reasons!! seems like they just want our $$
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Keisha Johnson
•I haven't seen any evidence of increased denial rates. In fact, ESD published data showing they approved approximately 63% of waiver requests in Q1 2025, which is actually slightly higher than previous quarters. The key factors remain the same: whether the overpayment was your fault, your ability to repay, and how well you documented your financial hardship. Proper documentation is critical.
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Yara Sabbagh
Update: I actually just checked my mail and received a letter from ESD requesting additional information about my income for the 3 months after my benefits ended. They're giving me 7 days to respond. My friend still hasn't heard anything beyond the request for rent verification. Seems like they're processing our waivers separately even though we applied around the same time. I'm relieved to at least know someone is looking at my application!
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Amina Sy
•This is excellent news! When ESD requests specific additional information, it typically means your application is actively being reviewed. Make sure to provide exactly what they're asking for, and consider including a brief cover letter that references your waiver application number and summarizes the documents you're submitting. Send it with delivery confirmation if possible. The 7-day deadline is important - if you need more time, call immediately to request an extension rather than missing the deadline.
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