


Ask the community...
I literally just dealt with this last month lol. Select "laid off/lack of work" and then explain in the comments that you're still employed but weren't scheduled for any hours that week. Worked fine for me!
Thank you! Seems like this is the consensus answer. I'm going to try this approach.
UPDATE: I submitted my claim using 'laid off/lack of work' and explained everything in the comments section. My payment was processed normally and I didn't have any issues! Thanks everyone for your help with this. Hopefully this thread helps someone else in the same situation.
Yay! Glad it worked out for u :
UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the advice from this thread and specifically asked for a backdate adjustment for my reopened claim. The agent was really helpful once I explained everything clearly. They backdated my claim reopening to 3/16 and said last week will now count as my waiting week instead of this week. Payment for this week should process in the next 48 hours! Such a relief - thank you all for your help!
Excellent news! I'm glad they were able to resolve it quickly for you. This is a good reminder for everyone about the importance of reopening claims immediately when transitioning between benefit years.
yayyy!!! so happy for u!!!
anybody else notice ESD always seems to take FOREVER to give you YOUR money back but if THEY think you owe THEM they want it back like yesterday?? 🙄
Update for everyone in this thread: ESD recently changed their overpayment refund process in January 2025. Previously, refunds over $1500 were automatically split into multiple payments for "system processing reasons." Under the new system, refunds should come as a single payment unless different weeks of eligibility are being processed separately. The OP's case sounds like it's still under the old system OR involves weeks being handled by different departments (regular UI vs. extended benefits, for example). For reference, the standard processing time for the remainder of split refunds is now officially 21 business days from the first payment, though it can be faster.
wait so did you say you got severance? if you got severance you have to report that and it might delay when your benefits start. i think you have to use up the severance first before unemployment kicks in? someone correct me if im wrong
You're partially correct. In Washington state, severance pay can affect unemployment benefits, but it depends on how it's paid out: - Lump sum severance usually doesn't delay benefits (but must be reported) - Continued regular payments that resemble your normal salary can delay benefits until they end OP should report any severance received when filing the initial claim and ESD will determine how it affects their specific situation.
Thanks for pointing this out - my severance is just 2 weeks of pay as a lump sum. I'll definitely report it when I file.
One more thing - make sure you appeal if they try to take more than 50% of your benefits for the overpayment. I've seen cases where the system automatically sets it higher but you have the right to request the standard 50% offset.
Good to know! I'll definitely watch for that and appeal if needed. Filing my claim now and will update with how it goes. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Adriana Cohn
CONGRATS!!! The system actually worked for once!! 🎉
0 coins
Jace Caspullo
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this! I'm going to try the same approach with my situation. It's so helpful to hear from someone who actually got it resolved successfully.
0 coins