One final clarification that might help you breathe easier: If your employer formally withdrew their appeal through the proper channels (not just told you they would), then ESD's system will update to show this status change. You can verify this in your eServices account under the "Decisions" or "Determinations" section. Regarding quality assurance reviews: ESD typically notifies claimants by mail/eServices if they're conducting a review, and you'd be given an opportunity to provide information. They don't typically just stop payments without notification unless there's suspected fraud. As for timeframes on how long these reviews take - it varies widely depending on their current workload, but usually 2-4 weeks. The pandemic created unusual backlogs, but processing times have improved significantly in 2025.

my situation was kinda different but related... my employer didn't appeal at first but then tried to after the deadline and ESD rejected it as "untimely" lol. but then they still tried going to OAH and eventually lost there too. the whole process took like 4 months and i was stressed the entire time! even if your employer withdrew just document EVERYTHING just in case

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I'm going to try calling tomorrow to see if I can get the overpayment percentage reduced before they start taking it out. Hopefully my claim processes quickly without any issues. I'll update here when I find out more for anyone who might be in the same boat.

Has ANYONE ever successfully gotten through to ESD on the first try?? I swear their phone system is DESIGNED to be impossible! Last time I needed to talk to someone it took me TWO WEEKS of calling multiple times a day!

Here's a tip that might save you time: sometimes these educational employee denials can be reversed more quickly by speaking directly with an adjudicator rather than going through the full appeal process. When you call ESD (which is admittedly difficult), specifically ask for your claim to be reviewed by an adjudicator regarding the educational employee provision. Emphasize that you were a temporary employee without reasonable assurance. Some adjudicators can overturn these decisions on the spot when they see it was clearly misapplied to a temp worker.

Just wanted to share that I had a similar issue last year as a part-time admin at a university. The key to getting it resolved was documenting everything about the temporary nature of my position. I collected emails from my supervisor confirming my assignment end date, my original job offer showing the temporary status, and the fact that there was no guarantee of future employment. My appeal was approved in about 4 weeks. In the meantime, I struggled financially, but I kept filing my weekly claims as required. When I finally won, I received all my back payments in one lump sum. For those struggling to reach ESD by phone, I eventually used Claimyr.com after wasting days trying to get through. Their service put me in line and called me back when an agent was available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was actually really helpful and flagged my case for expedited review once I explained my situation. Sometimes reaching a human makes all the difference!

I've been through THREE adjudications and two appeals (different issues over 2 years). Here's what happens if they appeal: 1. You'll get a notice from OAH with hearing date/time 2. Prepare your evidence BEFORE the hearing 3. During the phone hearing, a judge will ask both sides questions 4. BE HONEST - don't exaggerate anything 5. The judge usually decides within 1-2 weeks It's stressful but not terrible if you're prepared. And if they mentioned you had "excusable" absences, that's ESD language for "you didn't do anything wrong" so that's a good sign!

Wat RCW/WAC codes did they break? Just curious cuz my employer is also pulling some shady stuff

im confused, if you already quit why would you get unemployment at all? aren't you only supposed to get it if you're laid off? not trying to be rude just don't understand how this works

make sure when u file ur weekly claims that u say ur able and available to work even tho u have a job lined up. if u say no to either question u wont get paid