Washington Unemployment
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Best day to file for ESD unemployment claim and payment timeline?
Hey everyone, I'm about to apply for unemployment for the first time and I'm wondering if there's a 'best day' to file my initial claim? I heard from a coworker that if you file on certain days, you might get your payments faster. Also, once approved, is there a specific day of the week when ESD deposits payments? I've looked all over the ESD website but can't find any kind of payment calendar or schedule. Any tips would be super helpful! Thanks in advance.
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ESD hearing with OAH judge tomorrow - what to expect at unemployment lawyer meeting?
I'm totally nerve-wracked about my unemployment appeal situation. Meeting with an unemployment lawyer tomorrow to prep for my OAH hearing that's scheduled for Sept 19th (less than 2 weeks away!!). ESD denied my benefits saying I quit without good cause, but I was basically forced to resign after they changed my schedule to something impossible with my childcare situation. I've never been through this process before and don't know what to expect at either the lawyer meeting OR the actual hearing. Anyone been through this process recently? What should I bring to the lawyer appointment? And what happens at these judge hearings? Will I have to testify? The denial letter mentioned something about testimony under oath and I'm terrified of saying the wrong thing.
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my hearing was a total disaster cuz i froze up when the judge started asking me questions!!! practice practice practice ur answers!!!
That's my biggest fear! I get really flustered when put on the spot. I'm hoping the lawyer will help me prepare for the types of questions I'll face.
One more important tip - during your OAH hearing, the judge will ask if you've reviewed the ESD file/evidence. Make sure you and your lawyer request and review the complete ESD file before your hearing! This contains all the evidence ESD used to deny your claim, including any statements from your employer. You have a legal right to see this file before your hearing. If you haven't received it yet, your lawyer should request it immediately. Reviewing it prevents any surprises during the hearing and allows you to prepare responses to any misleading information. If you win your appeal, you'll likely receive all back benefits in one lump sum, so hang in there!
Thank you for this! I don't think I've seen the complete file - only got the determination letter explaining I was denied. I'll definitely ask the lawyer about getting the full file tomorrow. Really appreciate all this help!
ESD overpayment waiver processing time - stuck in limbo for months
I submitted an overpayment waiver request to ESD back in January after getting hit with a $5,800 notice saying I was overpaid benefits from last summer. It's now April and I haven't heard a single thing about my waiver status. The online portal just shows 'pending review' with no updates. I've tried calling ESD at least 15 times but can't get through to anyone who knows anything about waiver timelines. Is this normal? How long did your overpayment waiver take to process? I'm really stressing because they've started sending collection notices even though I submitted the waiver months ago.
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its criminal how they can just demand thousands back with no warning and then take forever to process waivers!!! my friend had his tax refund seized while waiting for a waiver decision and esd said 'oops sorry' but never gave it back
If your tax refund was seized while a waiver was pending, you can request a refund of those funds if the waiver is ultimately approved. It requires filing form ESD-800-084 and providing proof the collection occurred after your waiver submission date. There's a 90-day deadline for requesting this refund after waiver approval.
Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning after calling right when they opened. They confirmed my waiver was received but said there's a 14-16 week processing time currently! The agent was able to put a temporary hold on collections for 30 days, which helps a little. She suggested I send in additional documentation about my financial hardship to strengthen my case. Going to gather more paperwork now.
Great! That 30-day hold is crucial. Make sure to call back before it expires to get it extended if your waiver still hasn't been decided. For additional documentation, focus on demonstrating that repayment would cause significant financial hardship - include your current income, all expenses, any dependents, medical issues, housing insecurity risks, etc. The more comprehensive, the better your chances.
Resuming ESD benefits after temp job ends - will my remaining $4k still be available?
I stopped claiming unemployment at the end of July when I had roughly $4,000 left in my benefit balance. Got a temporary position that runs August through October (about 3 months total). Once this temp job wraps up, can I just pick up where I left off with my claim? Will those remaining benefits still be accessible, or am I looking at another waiting period? Also wondering if working these 3 months (over 300 hours) will actually increase my total benefit amount when I reapply? Haven't dealt with a break in claiming before and really need to plan ahead for when this position ends.
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anyone know if theyre still requiring the 3 job search activities per week? i heard they might have changed it but the ESD website is so confusing
Yes, the requirement is still 3 job search activities per week for regular UI claims. They haven't changed that. Make sure you're logging all your activities in your job search log because ESD does random audits!
thx! good to know
Just be aware that sometimes when you reopen a claim they automatically put you back in adjudication even if nothing's wrong. Happened to me TWICE. First time took 4 weeks to resolve, second time took 6 WEEKS!!! The ESD system seems designed to make people give up.
While adjudication can happen, it's not automatic for everyone reopening a claim. Having clear documentation about why your temp job ended (a letter from the employer stating it was a temporary position with a predetermined end date) significantly reduces this risk. The key is being proactive with documentation rather than waiting for ESD to request it.
ESD appeal for termination after insufficient urine sample - employer claiming I refused drug test
I'm super nervous about my appeal hearing that just happened today. My employer terminated me claiming I 'refused' a drug test, but that's absolutely NOT what happened. When I went for the test, the clinic said my urine sample wasn't enough volume. My supervisor told me I could come back the NEXT DAY to retest. But when I was getting ready to go back, HR called saying I had 'refused testing' and was terminated effective immediately! During today's hearing, nobody even showed up to represent the company. I presented my side explaining I fully intended to complete the test and was following my supervisor's instructions about returning the next day. Does anyone know how appeals usually go when the employer doesn't show up? Will ESD side with me since nobody disputed my story? I really need these benefits while I'm job hunting and this whole thing feels so unfair.
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One more thing to consider: Even if you win your appeal (which seems likely), there might be a delay before payments start. The employer has the right to petition for review of the ALJ's decision within 30 days. Some employers automatically file these petitions even when they didn't show up for the hearing. If they do file, it could add another 2-3 months before you receive benefits. However, if your financial situation is critical, once you receive a favorable decision, you can call ESD and request a hardship payment while waiting for the petition period to expire.
I didn't even think about that possibility! This whole process is already taking so long. I was laid off back in January, then found this job in February, and was terminated in March after only 3 weeks. It's now May and I'm still fighting for benefits. I'll definitely ask about the hardship payment if I get a favorable decision.
does anybody know how long it takes to get the decision after the hearing? mine took 4 weeks and i was going crazy checking the mail everyday!!
4 weeks?! That's so long to wait. The judge today said I should receive something in 10-14 days but mentioned it could take longer if they're backed up. Were you able to check the status online anywhere or did you just have to wait for the mail?
Zara Malik
To answer your notification question from earlier - ESD doesn't send payment notifications. You'll need to check your bank account or eServices portal to see when payments arrive. I recommend setting up text alerts with your bank for deposits. Also, definitely file your weekly claims on Sunday or Monday. While the initial application timing doesn't matter much, weekly claims are processed in batches, and earlier submissions tend to be in earlier payment batches. I've been tracking mine for months, and Sunday submissions always pay out faster than when I've waited until Tuesday or Wednesday.
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Sean Kelly
AuthorThat's super helpful! I'll definitely set up alerts with my bank and make sure to do the weekly claims first thing Sunday. Seems like that's the real key to getting paid as quickly as possible.
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Aisha Hussain
One important thing nobody mentioned - if you're applying now in 2025, know that the job search requirements are stricter than they used to be. You'll need to document at least 3 job search activities EVERY week once approved. Missing these or not properly documenting them can delay or stop your payments regardless of what day you filed initially.
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Nia Thompson
Excellent point. The job search requirements are absolutely critical. Each week, you must complete and document 3 qualifying job search activities. Keep detailed records of employer names, contact information, positions applied for, application methods, and follow-up actions. The ESD can audit these records at any time.
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