LOOOOL at ESD. They expect us to surrive on NOTHING when benefits run out. I was on UI last year and when it ended they just cut me off. No help, no extensions, just DONE. The whole system is designed to fail us. Good luck with disability too - I hear they deny everyone the first time. The government doesn't care if we end up homeless!!!

Have you talked to DSHS about HEN (Housing & Essential Needs)? It's specifically for people who are waiting for disability decisions and have very limited income. Won't replace your UI but it can help with rent, utilities, and some basic needs. I got on it after my UI ran out while waiting for my disability hearing. You apply through DSHS and it's administered through local community agencies. Just another option to look into.

I work in HR and can confirm this is 100% legitimate. We've had several employees experience fraud holds in the past year. What's concerning is that ESD always sends very specific instructions about how to release the hold. Usually it involves uploading identification documents through their secure portal. If he's being vague about what steps he needs to take, that would make me suspicious.

Update: I talked to him and he showed me his eServices account. There actually is a fraud hold! He had a letter in his messages that he hadn't even opened asking for ID verification from 3 weeks ago! No wonder it's taking so long - he never responded to them! We're uploading his documents now. Thanks everyone for helping me understand this was a real thing and not made up.

To answer your follow-up question - the best number to call is the main ESD claims center (800-318-6022). Make sure to specifically mention that you're calling about a "tax refund intercept refund after overpayment waiver approval." Using those exact terms helps get you to the right department faster. Also important: when you do get through, ask the agent to note in your file exactly when you requested the refund. This creates a timestamp that can be helpful if you need to follow up later.

Quick update for anyone who finds this thread later: I finally got through to ESD today after many attempts. The agent confirmed they will refund my intercepted tax return since the overpayment was waived, but said it could take 8-10 weeks for processing. She also mentioned they typically send paper checks for these refunds rather than direct deposit. I had to specifically request this - it wasn't automatic! Make sure you call if you're in this situation.

Just wanted to add - keep DETAILED records of every attempt to contact them from now on. Dates, times, copies of emails, names of anyone you speak with, etc. This documentation will be super important if you end up having to take legal action. And follow up on EVERYTHING in writing, even if you manage to talk to someone on the phone.

my aunt works for a different state agency (not esd) and she says sometimes claims get "stuck" in the system after appeals because the appeal decision doesnt automatically connect with the payment system??? like the computers dont talk to each other right. maybe thats whats happening?

One more important thing: eligibility determination and identity verification are two separate processes that happen simultaneously. Many first-time claimants get caught up in ID verification issues that can delay benefits. Make sure you've uploaded clear photos of your ID documents in your ESD account, and respond immediately to any requests for additional verification. This alone can save you weeks of waiting.

when i filed last month it took 9 days exactly!!! just waiting was so stressful tho!!!!! hang in there!!!