my cousin went thru something like this and just ignored the overpayment letters for like a year and eventually they just went away lol not saying thats what u should do but just saying...

Hey I just remembered something important - make sure you submit a request to WAIVE the overpayment at the same time you appeal the disqualification! Even if you lose the appeal about being disqualified, you might be able to get the overpayment waived if you can show it wasn't your fault and you can't afford to repay it. It's a separate process but you can do both.

At my last job, I actually processed unemployment claims for the state of Nevada (similar system to WA). The training is incredibly intensive because one small mistake can cause massive overpayments or wrongful denials. I had three months of training and still made mistakes my first year. Accessing sensitive data also requires background checks and security clearances that take time. That said, ESD should absolutely implement a callback system rather than making people wait on hold. That technology exists and many other states use it. No excuse for not having that in 2025.

You can submit feedback about the callback suggestion through the Contact Us form on the ESD website, but honestly reaching out to your state representatives might be more effective. They have direct channels to ESD leadership and constituent complaints get prioritized. Worth a shot!

my dad had to do this last year he got a note from his doctor saying he couldnt do certain jobs becuz of his back and esd gave him the waiver. he still had to be willing to work jobs he COULD do tho. its not like a total free pass but they dont make you apply for jobs you cant physically do

To answer your question about timing - job search waivers typically take 2-3 weeks to process in 2025, but it can take longer during busy periods. And yes, as others have mentioned, he MUST continue doing and documenting his job searches until he gets an official approval. One strategy while he waits: he can focus his job search activities on positions that would accommodate his health limitations. Informational interviews and career workshops also count as job search activities, which might be easier for him than actual applications. Make sure he keeps detailed records of all communications with ESD regarding the waiver request. If there's any confusion later, having documentation of when he applied for the waiver will be important.

Let me just add something important - did you receive any written warnings before being fired? Was there a progressive discipline policy they were supposed to follow but didn't? Those details can really matter in your case, especially if they claim it was for performance but can't show they followed their own policies. And for what it's worth, I've seen claims get approved even when the employer responded late with their side of things, but the employee had good documentation showing the termination wasn't for misconduct or truly poor performance. So gather whatever evidence you can!

I had a similar thing happen and my claim was in adjudication for almost 6 weeks!!! Keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet. If they approve you, you'll get all the back payments at once. But yeah, the employer responding late doesn't automatically approve you - wish it did lol

r u sure u entered the right bank info? my friend put in the wrong account # and it took them 3 weeks to figure it out and fix it

Just to update the information here for anyone reading this thread later: As of 2025, the typical timeline from approval to first payment is: - With direct deposit properly set up: 4-7 business days after your first eligible weekly claim shows as 'paid' - With ReliaCard: 7-14 calendar days (to allow for mail delivery of the card) If you're approaching these timeframes without receiving payment, you should contact ESD. And remember that bank holidays can add delays to the processing time.