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has anyone noticed that ESD notifications show up in spam folders sometimes??? might be worth checking there too. happened to my cousin last month
Good point! Just checked my spam folder and there's nothing there from ESD, but that's definitely something to keep an eye on going forward. Thanks!
Based on what you've found out about the child support deduction, I wanted to add that you should make sure to print or save screenshots of your payment details from eServices. These will be important documentation if you need to request a modification from DCS. Also, when you do connect with DCS, ask them about the "need-based formula" - there's a calculation they use that might allow for a lower withholding percentage based on your basic living expenses.
That's really helpful advice! I'll definitely save all the documentation from eServices. I hadn't heard of the "need-based formula" before, so I'll specifically ask about that when I call DCS. Thanks for the insider tip!
I filed the complaint online through the Governor's official website. I kept it factual and unemotional - just listed the timeline, noted that ESD's own policies state they shouldn't pursue collections while a waiver is pending, and explained the financial hardship the situation was causing. I emphasized that I wasn't contesting the overpayment determination itself, but rather the excessive delay in processing the waiver and the threat of collections despite a pending waiver. I think the key is to be specific about policy violations rather than just expressing frustration.
One more thing to note - if your overpayment was due to an ESD error rather than any misrepresentation on your part, make sure that's prominently mentioned in all your communications. The pandemic-era rules were changing constantly, and many overpayments are because ESD initially told people one thing and then changed their interpretation later. This is especially true for the work search requirements, which were waived and then reinstated at different points. Document exactly when you filed, what the rules were at that time, and how you followed the guidance available then. This can strengthen your waiver case significantly.
That's exactly what happened in my case! The work search requirements were definitely waived when I was collecting benefits. I have screenshots of the ESD website from that time saying we didn't need to do work search activities. I'm going to add that information to my governor's complaint. Thanks for the suggestion!
I successfully appealed an $8,300 overpayment last year. The key was proving that I made a reasonable effort to comply with ESD's instructions. I brought printouts of all my weekly claim confirmations and highlighted the confusing language that led to my mistake. One suggestion that really helped me: request your complete claim file through a public records request before your hearing. This will show all the notes and communications in your case. I found that an ESD agent had actually noted my confusion about reporting requirements in their system, which supported my case that the error wasn't my fault.
How do I request my claim file? That's a really good idea because I did call multiple times trying to clarify how to report my hours correctly.
whatever you do dont wait until the last minute!! my freind thought he had more time and his deadline passed and then they started taking money from his tax returns
Thanks for the warning! I'm definitely going to stay on top of all the deadlines and make sure I have everything ready for the hearing.
anybody else notice how the esd website is down like every other weekend for "maintenance" right when most people have time to file their claims??? seems REAL convenient for them
Omg yes!!! I thought I was the only one noticing this! Always down Sunday mornings when I try to file 🙄
Update: I got approved! For anyone with this same issue, here's what worked for me. I followed the advice here about the Commissioner Approved Training application AND I was able to reach an ESD specialist who flagged my account properly. The key was getting my union to provide a detailed letter explaining why these classes are mandatory for ongoing employment eligibility. All my previously denied weeks are being reconsidered now. Thanks everyone for your help!
That's awesome! Did they tell you if you need to reapply for CAT status for your next training period or if it carries over for future mandatory classes?
my buddy had the same issue and it turned out they needed some document he didn't know about. maybe check your eservices account for any alerts or documents needed section?
One important thing to know: When your claim is finally approved, you'll receive all the back payments for the weeks you've been filing. Make sure you're completing your weekly claims consistently and meeting the job search requirements (3 documented job search activities per week). To expedite your case beyond contacting the governor's office, you can: 1. Submit a hardship letter through eServices detailing your financial situation 2. Request an escalation to a Tier 3 specialist when you do reach someone 3. Ask specifically if there are any documents or information missing that's causing the delay Another approach some claimants have had success with is contacting their local WorkSource office. While they don't process claims directly, they sometimes have direct channels to ESD staff who can look into claim issues.
To answer your follow-up question - yes, you should still report job search activities for the days you weren't working at your new job. ESD requires you to meet the job search requirements for any week you're claiming benefits, even partial benefits. Since you've started working, you can actually list your successful job search that led to this position as one of your activities if it falls within the week you're claiming.
Just an update - I finally got my claim resolved using the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above. Got through to ESD in about 15 minutes after trying for DAYS on my own. The agent said I'd done everything right but there was a system flag on my account because my previous employer disputed something. Might be worth checking if you have anything similar going on with yours.
Thanks for the update! I ended up getting through to ESD and everything's been sorted out now. For anyone else reading this in the future - I did exactly what was suggested here (answered no to union questions, reported my exact work days and earnings) and received partial benefits for the days I wasn't working. The system calculated everything correctly.
I went through almost the exact same situation last fall. When ESD says "waiting for information" but doesn't tell you what they're waiting for, it's incredibly frustrating. In my case, after FINALLY getting through to an agent, they told me my employer had disputed my claim saying I had "voluntarily quit" rather than being terminated for medical absences. Do you have any documentation from your termination meeting? Email, paperwork, anything stating the reason they gave? If QFC is trying to categorize this as something other than what actually happened, you'll need that documentation for your appeal hearing. Regarding your eviction situation, contact your county's rental assistance program immediately. Many have emergency funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It won't solve your ESD problem, but it might keep a roof over your head until this gets resolved.
Yes, thankfully I have the termination paperwork that specifically cites 'dependability' and lists the dates I was absent. I also have emails with HR about my medical documentation. I'll definitely look into rental assistance - that could be a lifesaver right now. Thank you!
Just wanted to follow up - if you're getting evicted and this is a medical condition situation, also contact the Northwest Justice Project right away. They have a CLEAR hotline (1-888-201-1014) for free legal help with both unemployment AND eviction issues. Since your termination was related to a medical condition, you have additional protections under disability laws that might help your case. And definitely pursue getting through to an actual ESD agent as others have suggested. The status messages in the portal are often vague and unhelpful. Only a live agent can tell you exactly what's holding up your claim.
I'll call the CLEAR hotline today - thank you! I didn't even think about potential disability protections. Really appreciate everyone's help here, it's giving me some hope that I can get this resolved.
mine is late too but i'm on standby status so i don't have to do job search i wonder if that makes a difference? anyone else on standby having delays?
UPDATE: It finally processed and I got paid. It was just a day later than normal. Thanks everyone for the reassurance and suggestions! I was getting worried for nothing. For anyone else experiencing delays, it seems like it's just taking ESD a bit longer than usual this week.
Just got mine too FINALLY! Still annoying they can't be consistent. Glad you got your payment!
thx for the update! good 2 know its working now
Adjudication timelines are currently running 5-8 weeks for standard issues and 8-12 weeks for more complex cases (like those involving self-employment verification). If you've been waiting 7 weeks, you might want to check your online account to see if there are any pending document requests or action items. Sometimes they need additional information but the notification gets lost.
UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! Here's what worked for me in case anyone else is stuck in the same situation: 1. I used the instructions from @ProfileUser4 above and listed myself as the employer with "Self-Employed" after my name 2. The system initially still got stuck, so I cleared my browser cache and tried again with Microsoft Edge instead of Chrome 3. I got through the application but as predicted, my claim went to adjudication 4. I used the Claimyr service that was recommended here to reach an ESD agent (it took about 30 mins but ACTUALLY WORKED!) 5. The agent was able to update some details on my claim and told me exactly what documentation to upload for my freelance work My claim is still in adjudication but at least I'm confident everything is submitted correctly now. The agent said to expect 6-8 weeks for review but to keep filing my weekly claims in the meantime. Thanks everyone for your help with this frustrating situation!
Great news! The adjudication process is definitely lengthy for freelancers, but keep filing those weekly claims as instructed. One tip: on your weekly claims, make sure to report even small amounts of freelance income accurately - being consistent will help your case move through smoothly.
Definitely will do that! I've started tracking my freelance hours and earnings much more carefully now. The agent also mentioned I should keep proof of job search activities since I need to do 3 job search activities each week even while in adjudication.
Amina Bah
Can I ask what your claim was stuck on for those 6 weeks? Mine's been in adjudication for almost 5 weeks now and I'm losing my mind. Did you do anything special to get it moving?
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Miguel Alvarez
Mine was stuck in adjudication too! They were verifying my reason for separation since my employer contested it initially. I called about 20 times over those 6 weeks but only got through twice. Second time I spoke with someone who actually escalated it properly and it was resolved within 3 days after that. Persistence was key in my case. Good luck with yours!
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