Random question - did they give you any information about what to do about your taxes? When my identity was stolen for unemployment, the scammer collected benefits in 2021 and I got a 1099-G tax form for benefits I never received. It was a whole separate nightmare trying to get that corrected.

Quick update on the mailing address I provided earlier - if you're specifically dealing with an identity theft situation (rather than just regular identity verification), you should use this contact information instead: Email: esdfraud@esd.wa.gov Fraud Hotline: 800-246-9763 Fax for Fraud Unit: 833-572-8423 (same as regular fax) Mail: Employment Security Department ATTN: Fraud Investigation PO Box 19018 Olympia, WA 98507-0018 Make sure to clearly mark all communications as "IDENTITY THEFT CASE" so they route it to the correct department. The fraud unit has different procedures than the regular identity verification process.

Just following up - did your payments come through yet? If it's been more than 3 business days since the \

Yes! Both payments finally arrived this morning as separate deposits. You were right about the timing - exactly 3 business days after showing as processed. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!

btw did they tell u when ur money is coming? my adjudication took 9 weeks to resolve and then the money showed up 3 days later

Just following up - did you contact KeyBank? What did they say about their hold policy? This information could be helpful for other claimants expecting large backpay amounts.

Just want to add something important for your hearing preparation: In Washington, if your hours were reduced by over 25% from what you were hired for, that can qualify as "good cause" to quit under ESD rules. Since you mentioned going from full-time (presumably 40 hours) to 16 hours, that's a 60% reduction which should qualify. Make sure to specifically mention WAC 192-150-120 during your hearing - that's the regulation about substantial reduction in hours constituting good cause to leave employment. Print it out and bring it with you.

To directly answer your question about expediting: You need to call OAH at 1-800-366-0955 and request the Expedited Hearing Request Form. Complete it and submit it with documentation of your financial hardship (eviction notice, past due bills, bank statements showing low funds). Based on current timelines, even expedited appeals are taking 4-6 weeks, while regular appeals are running 8-10 weeks. One thing to note is that if your appeal is successful, you will receive back payments for all the weeks you properly filed claims, so document everything carefully now. Also, prepare a clear timeline of events leading to your separation from employment, focusing specifically on how your hours were reduced and any attempts you made to resolve the situation before quitting. The judge will want to see that you exhausted reasonable alternatives before quitting.

I've been on unemployment for nearly 18 months now (had to switch from regular UI to extended benefits at one point) and I've found the phone system to be fine for basic claims with no special circumstances. BUT if you have anything unusual to report like hours worked at multiple jobs or holiday pay or anything like that, I strongly recommend using the website. The phone system just isn't designed to handle complex situations. It's pretty much designed for people who either worked zero hours or have a simple single-employer situation with regular hours. Just something to keep in mind!

I always file by phone and never had problem! Just make sure you listen for the confirmation number at the end and write it down!!! Thats how you know it worked for real