7 WEEKS is ridiculous!!! the system is BROKEN!!! glad you finally got approved but why should anyone have to call the literal governors office just to get their legitimate benefits?? we need to completely overhaul ESD

After you called the governor's office, did they tell you approximately how long it would take for someone to contact you? I'm planning to call them tomorrow but wondering what timeframe to expect.

One thing I recommend for your appeal: request all records ESD used to make their determination about your ability to repay. You have a right to see exactly what financial information they're basing this on. Sometimes they're working with outdated or incorrect information about your current financial situation. At your hearing, be sure to highlight any changes in your financial circumstances since the overpayment occurred - especially if your situation has worsened. Also, don't be afraid to get emotional (but still respectful) about the impact this repayment would have on your life. The judges are human and respond to genuine hardship stories.

For my appeal hearing, I created a monthly budget spreadsheet that was really detailed - I listed every single expense down to Netflix and pet food. The judge actually complimented me on how thorough it was. I also brought screenshots of my bank account showing I had less than $500 in savings. Don't forget to include any medical expenses or debt payments! Another thing that helped was bringing documentation of any unusual expenses that might be coming up - in my case, my car needed major repairs, so I brought the estimate from the mechanic. The more specific you can be about your financial situation, the better your chances.

According to ESD regulations, you must report any educational activities while claiming benefits. For your situation, here's what matters: 1) Your availability during normal business hours (8am-5pm, M-F) 2) Your continued ability to conduct 3 job search activities per week 3) Your willingness to accept suitable full-time work if offered Evening certificate programs typically don't interfere with these requirements, so your benefits should continue uninterrupted as long as you properly report your educational activities on your weekly claim. When you report, ESD will likely send you a questionnaire (usually through your eServices account) asking for more details about your training. Be prepared to provide your class schedule and a statement about your continued availability for work.

One more important detail - if you're taking these classes to get into a new career field, you might want to look into the official Training Benefits program through ESD instead of just taking regular classes. The Training Benefits program can extend your unemployment while you complete approved training programs, but you have to apply and get approved. Deadline is usually within first 16 weeks of your claim.

CONGRATS ON THE UPDATE!!! So glad to hear you got through! I've been following this thread because I'm having a similar issue (been stuck in adjudication for 3 weeks). Can I ask what time you called the OAH office? And did they just transfer you immediately or did you have to explain your situation to them first? I might try this approach tomorrow.

This is great news! For anyone else reading this thread with similar issues, here's what happened: the OAH has a direct transfer line to ESD that bypasses the normal call routing system. It's not publicized, but it's a legitimate way to get through when the main line is jammed. Just be aware that this method should only be used if you have a legitimate issue like OP did with contradicting information between your determination letter and online status. The payments should show up in your account within 2-3 business days.

just remember to keep filing ur weekly claims even tho ur waiting for appeal!! if u win the appeal they'll only pay u for weeks u submitted claims for

One more recommendation since you mentioned you were fired due to allegations that were later found to be unsubstantiated - make sure you've uploaded all documentation showing you were cleared of wrongdoing to your eServices account. Specifically: 1. The official findings document from the regulatory agency 2. Any correspondence showing you requested an internal investigation from your employer 3. Documentation showing the timeline between your termination and when you were cleared At your eventual hearing, the Administrative Law Judge will focus heavily on whether there was misconduct. Having clear documentation that an official investigation cleared you is extremely valuable evidence.