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Confused about Working Family Tax Credit vs. ESD benefits - where to get help?

Hi everyone! I'm incredibly confused and hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I lost my job at the warehouse last month and filed for unemployment through ESD. While looking into what benefits I might qualify for, I came across something called the Working Family Tax Credit. I submitted an application through the Department of Revenue website two weeks ago but haven't heard anything back. Called ESD yesterday and after waiting 90 minutes, the agent told me they couldn't answer my questions about the tax credit status or whether it affects my UI benefits. Does anyone know if these programs are connected? Will getting the tax credit reduce my weekly unemployment amount? And who should I actually contact about the status of my application? The DOR website isn't very helpful and I'm stressing about bills piling up.

My sister works for DOR (not in the tax credit department tho). She says they got WAY more applications than they expected for the Working Family Tax Credit this year and are super backlogged. If it's been less than 90 days, they probably won't have any updates for you yet. Just FYI.

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Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'll stop worrying about these programs being connected and focus on following up with each department separately. Going to call the DOR hotline tomorrow about the tax credit and keep working with ESD on my unemployment claim. Really appreciate all the advice!

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good luck!!!! hope u get both!!! ๐Ÿ‘

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Has anyone used ESD's Unemployment Law Project for claim appeals? Worth it?

I just got hit with a disqualification letter saying I quit my job without good cause, but that's not what happened at all. My manager basically told me I had to work 60+ hour weeks or leave, and when I couldn't do it because of my health condition, they treated it like I quit. Now ESD is asking me to pay back $4,800! I'm thinking about contacting the Unemployment Law Project since they offer free legal help, but I'm worried they'll be overbooked or not that helpful. Has anyone here actually used them for an appeal? Did they actually help your case or was it a waste of time? My appeal deadline is in 2 weeks and I'm freaking out about handling this alone.

if ULP doesnt work out dont give up... my moms friend represented herself and won her case! she just prepared really well and had all her evidence organized. but ya try ULP first for sure

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One last recommendation - regardless of whether you get ULP help or not, be very careful about how you phrase things in your appeal and hearing. Never say you "quit" - always say your employer gave you an impossible choice that effectively terminated your employment. And focus on the medical condition as the primary reason you couldn't meet their new demands. This framing makes a big difference in how judges interpret your case.

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That's really important advice, thank you! I've been saying I quit because I couldn't work those hours, but I'll change how I talk about it now.

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Weekly claims showing 'disqualified' despite approval letter - ESD says I'm approved but no benefits?

I'm at my wit's end with ESD! I was laid off from my banking position on August 18th, 2024 (downsizing). I immediately filed for unemployment and have faithfully submitted my weekly claims ever since. Every single claim comes back as "disqualified" despite ESD sending me an approval letter dated September 6th stating my benefits were approved starting August 18th! There are absolutely NO pending issues showing in my account, no messages requiring action, and no explanation for why I'm being disqualified each week. \n\nI've called ESD at least 30 times but either get disconnected or sit on hold until the system automatically hangs up on me. I've sent messages through eServices but received no response after 3 weeks. \n\nIs this some kind of crazy glitch in their system? Should I physically mail them a letter with copies of my approval notice? Drive to an office in person? Has anyone else had their claims show as disqualified even after receiving an official approval letter? I'm seriously behind on bills and need this resolved ASAP!

UPDATE: I was able to get through to ESD this morning using the Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and wanted to share what I learned since I had a similar issue last month. \n\nThere's a known glitch in their system where an approved claim can still show weekly certifications as \

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Thank you SO MUCH for this information! This sounds exactly like what's happening with my claim. I'll definitely be specific about the approval letter and ongoing disqualifications when I call. Really appreciate you coming back to update with what you learned!

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ESD adjudication with no income - new job starts Oct 30 - need help speeding up approval

I got laid off September 1st and immediately filed for unemployment. It's been stuck in adjudication for almost a month now with ZERO income coming in. I finally landed a new position but don't start until October 30th, with first paycheck not arriving until November 10th! I'm seriously stressing about how to cover basic expenses for the next 6 weeks. The worst part? I've tried applying for utility assistance programs (power/water/phone/garbage) but they ALL say they can't help until my unemployment is actually approved! Is there ANY way to speed up the adjudication process? I've called ESD multiple times but can never get through to a real person. I'm at the point where I might have to borrow money from my mom for gas and groceries just to survive until my new job starts, which is incredibly embarrassing at my age. Anyone successfully navigated this nightmare and have tips? Or know if there are emergency assistance programs that don't require ESD approval first?

To clarify some information that's been shared in this thread: 1. Adjudication typically occurs when there's a question about your eligibility. Common reasons include: job separation issues (were you truly laid off or was there misconduct?), availability for work, or earnings verification. 2. You can request standby status if you have a definite return-to-work date within 4 weeks. Since your new job starts Oct 30, you might qualify depending on when you applied. This would waive job search requirements. 3. For immediate assistance while waiting: - 211 is a resource hotline that can connect you with emergency services - Churches and community organizations often have emergency funds - Food banks do not require unemployment verification - Most utility companies have internal emergency assistance programs 4. Keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact ESD, as well as documentation of financial hardship. This can help if you need to escalate your case. If your circumstances are particularly dire (eviction risk, inability to afford medication, etc.), make sure to clearly communicate this when you reach an agent.

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Thank you so much for this comprehensive breakdown! I'll call 211 today and see what resources might be available. And I'll definitely keep better records of my contact attempts with ESD going forward.

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hows it going? any luck getting thru to esd yet???

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I tried calling at 8am sharp today but still couldn't get through - got the "high call volume" message and it disconnected me. But I did contact my state rep's office like someone suggested! They took down all my info and said they have a liaison who works with ESD. Fingers crossed that helps. Also found a local food bank that doesn't require any verification, so at least I'll have some groceries while I wait.

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ESD weekly claim job search log requirements changed - does this affect payment day?

I'm confused about a new message I got from ESD when filing my weekly claim yesterday. It said I only need to fill out and keep my job search logs (not submit them with each claim like before?). Does anyone know if this change affects which day of the week payments get deposited? I'm used to getting paid on Wednesdays, but I'm worried this new process might delay things. My rent is due next week and I really need that payment to hit my account on time. Has anyone else noticed this change or know what's going on?

This reminds me of when I was on unemployment back in 2023 and they switched systems mid-year. I kept getting letters saying I needed to do different things for job search and I was so confused. Then suddenly they wanted all my logs for the past 8 weeks and I hadn't been keeping them properly! Had to appeal and everything. Such a headache. My sister-in-law works for WorkSource and she says always keep WAY more documentation than you think you need.

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This is good advice. For job search logs, I recommend keeping: 1) screenshots of job applications, 2) confirmation emails, 3) names and contact info of anyone you spoke with, and 4) detailed notes about any interviews or follow-ups. The ESD website has a template you can download that shows exactly what information they expect to see.

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To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The change regarding job search logs is that you no longer need to submit detailed information each week, but you MUST maintain records of your activities. 2. Payment schedules remain the same - this administrative change doesn't affect when funds are deposited. 3. You still must perform and document 3 qualifying job search activities each week. 4. ESD can request your job search logs at any time for up to a year after your benefit year ends. 5. If audited and unable to provide documentation, you may be disqualified and required to repay benefits. This change was implemented to streamline the weekly filing process, but the underlying requirements remain the same.

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Thank you for laying it all out so clearly! This is exactly what I needed to know. I'll make sure to keep detailed records even though I don't have to submit them weekly.

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