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This happened to me too!!! The whole system is rigged against students. I got denied because of "school conflicts" even though I could work weekends and evenings. It's so frustrating. Let us know how your appeal goes - I gave up and didn't fight it.
One more thing - when you file your appeal, check the box requesting an IN-PERSON hearing if possible (not phone). Statistical data shows appeal approval rates are higher for in-person hearings versus phone hearings. Bring all your documents organized in a folder with tabs. Also, in your situation, the Training Benefits program really does sound like the best option. You can apply for it separately from your appeal. If approved, it would override the able and available issue completely. The application is on the ESD website under "Services" then "Training Benefits" - there's a downloadable form.
I just looked up the Training Benefits program and filled out the application! It specifically mentions healthcare training as a priority area. I had no idea this existed - thank you so much for pointing me in this direction. I'll still proceed with my appeal but this seems like it might solve the whole problem.
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know it's working now! Just successfully filed my husband's weekly claim. Looks like it was some kind of system glitch that got fixed. For anyone else having this issue, try logging in again now.
Glad to hear it's resolved! For future reference, when this happens again (because let's be honest, it probably will at some point), there are a few official ways to check system status: 1. ESD's Twitter account sometimes posts about known outages 2. The technical support email (esditprod@esd.wa.gov) will sometimes respond with an auto-reply if there's a known issue 3. The recorded message on the main claims line occasionally updates to mention system issues Also remember that even if you can't file on Sunday, you have until Saturday of the following week before it's considered late. So there's usually no need to panic if the system is down for a day.
wait does anyone know what happens with the appeal if you start working again before they make a decision? i also got denied and appealed and have a hearing next week but i just got a new job. do i still get the back unemployment money if i win?
Yes, even if you're working now, you can still receive back benefits for the weeks you were eligible and properly filed claims. Just make sure to report your new employment and earnings correctly on any weekly claims you file going forward. Congratulations on the new job!
Update: Got the official decision in the mail today! The ALJ totally sided with me and said ESD was wrong to deny my benefits. The letter says I'm eligible from my original filing date and ESD is ordered to pay all my back benefits! Now just waiting for the money to actually show up in my account. Feeling so relieved!
Have your husband call the hall tomorrow morning and make sure they have him listed as available for work!! Sometimes they forget to move you back to the available list when you get laid off again. Also get him signed up for dispatch text alerts if his local offers them.
Just want to clarify something important: Make sure your husband continues to meet job search requirements during this 1-2 week temporary layoff period, unless he's specifically granted standby status. Even if he expects to return to the same employer soon, he technically needs to complete and document three job search activities each week unless ESD has formally approved standby status. Having the employer specifically state in writing that they expect to recall him on a specific date can help with this. Many people miss this detail and end up having benefits denied for insufficient job search activities, even during brief layoffs.
Thank you for mentioning this! I don't think he has formal standby status. So even for this very brief 1-2 week period, he still needs to do the 3 job search activities per week? Is contacting his union hall for dispatch opportunities considered a valid job search activity?
Nia Jackson
i dunno why everyones saying to call esd... have u checked ur bank account? sometimes they just deposit the money without updating the website lol
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Anastasia Fedorov
•Yeah, I've been checking my account daily since I got the decision letter (about a week ago). Nothing there yet, unfortunately.
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Zara Rashid
Based on your reply that it's about $4,200 for 7 weeks, that's definitely worth pursuing. While the system should automatically trigger these payments after an appeal win, there's often a disconnect between the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and ESD's payment systems. Sometimes you need to specifically request what's called a "benefit reinstatement following appeal reversal" - that's the exact phrase that might help when talking to representatives. Also, make sure your current address and payment method are up-to-date in the system. I've seen cases where backpay was issued via paper check to an old address even when people had direct deposit set up.
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Anastasia Fedorov
•Thank you! I'll definitely use that phrase when I call. And good point about checking my contact info - I moved about 6 months ago and though I updated my address in the system, it wouldn't hurt to verify everything is correct. Really appreciate the advice!
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