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ESD called about my disability claim - can they reverse decision without appeal?
Update so I got a voicemail from unemployment saying they maybe able to switch there decision if I call them back and answer some questions about my physical disability that my former employer took advantage of..they said they need some information and might be able to stop the appeal and start my benefits…what's the chances of this? Has anyone had ESD call them to reconsider a decision before an appeal hearing? I'm nervous about what questions they'll ask about my disability. My employer terminated me claiming I couldn't do the job, but they never provided the accommodations I requested multiple times. I already filed an appeal last week but haven't gotten a hearing date yet.
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ESD weekly claim phone system hangs up after fraud question - will payments still arrive tomorrow?
Is anyone else having trouble filing their weekly claim by phone? I keep trying to file using the automated system and get as far as the fraud question, then it plays some message and just says 'goodbye' before hanging up on me! I've tried 4 times today with the same result. Also, I usually file on Mondays and my payment shows up Tuesday. Does anyone know how late in the day I can successfully file today and still get my payment deposited tomorrow? Getting desperate here since rent is due soon and my landlord isn't exactly understanding about late payments.
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Just wanted to update - I checked with my neighbor who works for ESD (not in claims processing, but still has some insider info). She confirmed that payments filed anytime on Monday should process overnight and arrive Tuesday. The 4pm cutoff is actually for same-day processing, not next-day. So you should be fine as long as you get it done today!
Oh that's such a relief! Thank you for checking. I'm still trying the phone system but knowing I have until the end of the day takes some pressure off.
UPDATE: ESD just posted on their website that they're experiencing technical difficulties with the phone claim system today. They recommend using eServices if possible, but also stated that anyone who attempts to file by phone today but encounters errors will still have their claims processed on time as long as they successfully file by Wednesday. They're also temporarily waiving the Monday filing deadline due to these issues.
That's actually really good news! I'll keep trying today but it's nice to know they're acknowledging the problem and not penalizing us for their system issues. Thanks for sharing this update!
Unemployment hearing tomorrow: Need help proving I quit because my overtime was cut, not for school
I've got an appeal hearing with ESD tomorrow and I'm super nervous! My former employer is claiming I quit to go back to school, which would disqualify me from benefits. The truth is I quit because they drastically cut my overtime hours which I depended on for my bills. Yes, I did enroll in school AFTER I left, but that wasn't why I quit! I stayed at the job for almost 2 months after they reduced my hours, hoping things would improve, but they never did. My take-home pay dropped by $850-1000 per month! I have some texts with coworkers complaining about the hour cuts, and my paystubs showing the reduction, but not much direct communication with management about it. Has anyone been through a similar hearing? What kind of questions will the judge ask? Will they believe me over my employer? Any tips on how to present my case would be SO helpful!
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GOOD LUCK today!!!! Let us know how it goes. The ESD system is so frustrating sometimes but occasionally they get it right lol
Thank you!! I'm so nervous but trying to stay calm. Will definitely update after the hearing.
I JUST had a hearing last Thursday for a similar issue!!! Mine was reduction in hours too but different circumstances. The judge actually ruled in my favor ON THE SPOT which I wasn't expecting! Make sure you have your dates straight about when your hours were cut vs when you applied for school. My judge was super focused on the timeline of events. Judges know people need to support themselves so if you can show the hours cut made that impossible, you have a good chance!
Oh wow, that's encouraging! I definitely know my timeline - hours were cut in January, I stuck it out hoping for improvement until late February, quit on March 3rd, and then applied for school courses starting in April. I'll make sure to emphasize this clear sequence. Thanks for sharing your success story!
Military transition to ESD unemployment - out-of-state ID concerns
Just finishing up my 6-year Army contract next week and planning to file for unemployment while job hunting here in WA. Has anyone gone through the military-to-civilian unemployment process recently? I've heard there are some specific forms (like DD-214) that need to be uploaded differently than regular work history docs. Also nervous because my driver's license is still from Texas - will this cause problems or delays with my claim? Anyone know if I should get a WA ID first or if I can still file with my TX license? Thanks in advance for any advice!
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oh i 4got to mention if ur using the GI Bill that doesnt count against ur unemployment. some ppl think it does but it dont. u can collect both at same time
This is correct. GI Bill benefits are for education and don't impact your unemployment eligibility or benefit amount. However, if you're attending school full-time, ESD might question your availability for work, so be prepared to explain how you're still able and available to accept full-time employment while attending school.
Bullying in ESD unemployment support groups - why I'm stepping back
So I've been active in this group for the past few months while navigating my ESD claim, and I've really appreciated the support from most people here. Unfortunately, I'm stepping back from posting (though I'll still read) because of a particularly aggressive member who's been harassing me in comments. This person is upset about their claim being delayed after filing online instead of by phone, and has been taking out their frustration on me. They've also mentioned overdrafting their account multiple times and somehow blames others for that? The hostility has gotten too much - I was just trying to share what worked for me and ask questions when I needed help. Mental health is already strained when dealing with unemployment, and I don't need this added stress. Thanks to those who've been kind and helpful (especially to the person whose username starts with C - you've been amazing). Wishing everyone good luck with their claims!
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For what it's worth, I've compiled some of the most helpful information from various posts (including yours) into a document about navigating common ESD issues. Things like adjudication timelines, required documentation for identity verification, and the appeals process. Would you mind if I shared it here? I've made sure to remove any personally identifiable information. I think a resource like this could help reduce some of the repetitive questions and frustrations people experience.
That sounds fantastic! Please do share it. I'm happy that some of my experiences could help others, even if I'm taking a step back from active posting. That's exactly the kind of supportive community effort I'd hoped to see here.
btw does any1 know if we still have 2 do job search activities if were on standby status? my boss says ill be back in 4 weeks but ESD website is confusing me
If you have approved standby status, you don't need to complete job search activities during the standby period. However, you must still file your weekly claims and be able and available for work. Make sure your standby status is actually approved in your ESD account - don't just take your employer's word for it. Check your determination letters in your online account or call ESD to confirm.
Aisha Rahman
Is anyone else bothered by how ESD handles disability-related claims? They make everything so complicated and put the burden on us to prove everything when employers can just make up reasons to fire people. The whole system feels rigged against workers with disabilities.
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CosmicCrusader
EXACTLY! The way ESD handles disability claims is BROKEN. They start from a position of suspicion instead of support. Plus, they expect detailed medical documentation but then make it nearly impossible to submit it properly. I've seen so many legitimate claims denied initially only to be approved on appeal when someone finally takes the time to review the evidence properly.
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Mateo Perez
how long ago did u get the voicemail? sometimes they only give u like 48 hrs to call back
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Luca Marino
AuthorJust got it yesterday afternoon! They said I have until Friday to call back, so I have a couple days still.
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