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ESD finally moved my pending claims after 7 weeks by calling governor's office
Just wanted to share a success story after weeks of frustration! I've been filing my weekly claims for almost 7 weeks with ALL of them stuck in 'pending' status. It was driving me crazy! Nothing would change in eServices, and the messages I sent through the portal went completely unanswered. Every single time I called ESD, I got the infamous "we're experiencing high call volume" message before being disconnected. Out of desperation yesterday, I called the governor's office and selected option 3. Miraculously, I got a call back from ESD TODAY and they finally moved my claim forward! Just like that, after 7 weeks of nothing. Has anyone else been stuck in pending limbo? Did you find another way to get movement on your claim? I'm sharing this in case it helps someone else who's ready to pull their hair out waiting.
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ESD denied claim after quitting due to anxiety - appeal hearing with therapist letter - chances of winning?
Just had my appeal hearing with OAH about my denied ESD claim. I voluntarily quit my job back in February because of severe anxiety that made it impossible to perform my duties. I couldn't focus, would have panic attacks in the bathroom, and dreaded going in every day. During the hearing, I submitted a letter from my therapist documenting my condition and treatment plan. The employer rep barely responded to anything about my mental health documentation. I did mention my anxiety issues to a supervisor once, but they literally laughed it off and said "everyone gets stressed sometimes." I've been without income for almost 3 months while this has been processing. Has anyone won an appeal for quitting due to mental health reasons? What are the chances I'll get approved for all my back benefits? The judge said I'd get a decision in 2-3 weeks but I'm freaking out about bills piling up.
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One more important point: if you receive an unfavorable decision, you still have the option to petition for review with the Commissioner's Review Office within 30 days of the judge's decision. Many claimants give up after the first appeal, but the Commissioner sometimes reverses decisions, especially in cases involving mental health where the judge may not have fully considered all aspects of the situation. Make sure to carefully read the appeal rights section of your decision letter if you need to take this step.
I didn't know there was another level of appeal after the OAH judge! That's really good to know as a backup option. If I do have to go that route, would I need to submit additional documentation or just explain why I think the judge made an incorrect decision? And does the Commissioner typically take longer to decide than the OAH judge?
For a Commissioner's Review, you can submit both additional arguments and, in some cases, new evidence (though there are strict rules about what new evidence is allowed). The Commissioner typically takes 2-3 months to issue a decision, so it's not a quick process. If you go this route, I highly recommend getting help from the Unemployment Law Project, which provides free legal assistance for these cases.
Reactivated ESD claim approved but payments still pending - will benefit amount change?
Hi everyone, I'm feeling really confused right now. I got laid off on September 13th (after working for about 10 months) and immediately reactivated my existing unemployment claim from last year that expires November 9, 2025. Yesterday (Sept 30) I got a letter saying I was APPROVED, but my weekly claims from the last 3 weeks are still showing as 'pending' in the system. Nothing has hit my bank account yet. Looking at my claim summary, it shows: - Max benefits payable: $22,750 - Amount already claimed: $3,500 (from when I was on unemployment last November-December for 4 weeks) - Amount remaining: $19,250 - Old weekly benefit amount was $875 I'm stressing about two things: 1. If I was officially APPROVED yesterday, how much longer do I need to wait before money actually shows up in my account? 2. Will my weekly benefit amount remain at $875 like before since I'm using the same claim? Or will ESD recalculate it based on my most recent 10 months of work? Bills are starting to pile up and I'm getting really anxious. Anyone been through something similar recently?
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I don't understand why they send approval letters and then make u wait MORE WEEKS for actual money. The whole system is designed to make people suffer i swear. I'm in week 6 of waiting for ANY money from my claim and have an eviction notice now. Approval letter came 3 weeks ago. This state is a JOKE.
I'm sorry you're going through this. If you're facing eviction, make sure to mention that when contacting ESD - they have procedures to expedite payments in hardship cases. Also, connect with your local DSHS office about emergency assistance programs that might help while waiting for unemployment benefits to start.
Update: Just called ESD (miraculously got through!) and found out what was happening. They told me my payments were pending because they were waiting on my previous employer to verify the reason for separation. The agent put a note on my account to expedite the process, and said I should see payments within 48-72 hours if everything checks out. She also confirmed my weekly benefit amount remains at $875 since I'm on the same claim. What a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.
Nice! How'd you manage to get through to them? I always get stuck in that stupid phone menu hell.
Pure luck I think! Called right when they opened at 8am and only had to wait about 30 minutes. The agent was actually really helpful once I got through.
Won ESD appeal but no payment yet - how long should I wait?
Finally won my appeal after being initially denied unemployment benefits! Got the determination letter from OAH yesterday saying ESD's decision is REVERSED and I qualify for benefits. What I'm confused about now is when I'll actually see the money. It's been 3 days since I got the letter, and my account still shows $0 in payments. Has anyone gone through an appeal win before? How long did it take for ESD to actually process your backpay after winning? I've got about $7,800 in benefits they owe me from the past 4 months and really need this money ASAP for rent and car payment.
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dont worry too much, when i won my appeal they let me backfile for all the missed weeks. took like another week to process tho after i did the backfiling stuff
That's really reassuring, thanks. I'm just so anxious because my savings are basically gone at this point.
Just checking in - any updates on your situation? Has ESD processed your payment yet or sent you the Redetermination Notice?
Yes! Finally got some good news! The ESD Redetermination came yesterday, and they're allowing me to backfile for the missed weeks. The agent I spoke with (finally got through!) said I should see the full payment within 3-5 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice through this process.
ESD waiver approved for pandemic benefits - when will I get my $10k overpayment refund?
I just checked my eServices account and found a determination letter approving my waiver for all pandemic era benefits (finally!). I've already paid back over $10,000 towards the overpayment before getting this approval. Does anyone know how long it typically takes for ESD to refund money that was already paid towards an overpayment once they approve a waiver? Do they automatically process the refund or do I need to contact them? I'm really counting on getting this money back soon as I've been struggling financially since having to pay that massive amount back.
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my cousin waited 2 months for her refund but her neighbor got it in 3 weeks so i think it just depends lol the whole pandemic benefit thing was such a mess my brother is still fighting his overpayment notice from 2021 can u believe that??
omg 2021??? that's insane! they need to just forgive ALL the pandemic overpayments at this point, it's been years!
Update: It's been a week since my original post and I called ESD this morning (actually got through after only 45 minutes on hold!). The agent told me my refund has been approved but is in a processing queue. She said to expect it in about 3 more weeks and that I'll receive it via direct deposit. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is in a similar situation.
thx for the update! glad ur getting somewhere with them. plz post again when u actually get the money, im curious if theyll stick to that timeline
They told me the EXACT same thing 3 months ago and still nothing. Don't trust their timelines.
Sean O'Brien
Has anyone had their claims FINALLY processed after being pending forever, only to then have the payments get stuck in processing? That's where I am now - they fixed my pending claims but the money hasn't hit my account after 5 days!
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Nia Harris
The first payment after resolving pending claims can take 3-5 business days depending on your bank. ESD told me if it doesn't arrive within 6 business days to contact them again. Did you check that your payment method is set up correctly in eServices?
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Aisha Ali
i treid calling the number like 20 times today and it just hangs up every time. what time did u call the governors office????
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Anastasia Smirnova
AuthorI called around 10:30 AM on a Tuesday. I'm not sure if timing matters for the governor's office, but I've heard ESD itself is less busy right when they open or in the late afternoon. Keep trying, and maybe try the governor's office at different times if you don't get through!
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