


Ask the community...
so like what if u made exactly ur weekly benefit amount? do u get nothing that week or do u get something?
If you earn exactly your weekly benefit amount, you would not receive any unemployment benefits for that week. You only receive benefits when your earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount. In that case, ESD deducts 75% of what you earned from your weekly benefit. But if your earnings equal or exceed your weekly benefit amount, you receive $0 for that week. Still file your weekly claim though!
One more tip based on my experience - print out or screenshot the confirmation page after you submit your weekly claim with the high earnings reported. I had an issue once where ESD later questioned my reporting, and having those screenshots saved my butt! Just a good practice in general when dealing with unemployment stuff.
Update: I took several of your suggestions and have progress to report! I visited my local WorkSource office yesterday and they confirmed my claim is in adjudication due to "employment separation issues" - apparently my employer didn't respond to ESD's initial inquiry. The WorkSource staff couldn't fix it directly, but at least now I know what's happening. I also reached out to my state representative's office by email. Not giving up on trying to reach ESD directly. Thank you all for the help and suggestions!
That's great progress! Now that you know it's an employer response issue, you can be more specific when you do reach an ESD agent. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while this gets sorted out. The good news is that once your adjudication is complete (assuming it's decided in your favor), you'll receive all back benefits for the weeks you've claimed. One additional tip: If you can locate any documentation about your separation (layoff notice, emails, etc.), have those ready to provide if asked. This can sometimes speed up the adjudication process.
I'm still waiting on my 1099-G from 2023!!! ESD is such a mess, they sent it to my old address and now I can't get anyone to help me get a new one! This whole system is broken!
For 2023 1099-Gs, you should be able to download them directly from your eServices account without calling. Look under the 1099-G tax information section. If you don't see it there, you'll need to update your address in the system first, then request a duplicate form. But for the original poster's situation, they wouldn't have a 2024 form if no payments were issued in 2024.
Thank you all for the helpful information! I feel much better now. To summarize what I've learned: since my payments were all issued in January 2025 (I double-checked the dates in eServices), I'll only get a 1099-G for tax year 2025, which I'll receive in January 2026 for filing my 2025 taxes. I don't need to worry about missing a 2024 form. This makes tax season a little less stressful!
The whole ESD appeal system is designed to favor employers. I had PERFECT documentation and still lost because the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) decided my boss was "more credible" despite having zero evidence. The system is rigged, I'm sorry to say. Don't be surprised if you lose even with good evidence. I'm still fighting my case 8 months later. Appealed to Commissioner's Review Office but they rubber-stamp everything.
While some people do have negative experiences, I wouldn't say the system is entirely rigged. In fact, statistics show that claimants win a significant percentage of appeals, especially when they have documentation. Your individual case may have had specific issues, but making blanket statements that the system is designed to favor employers isn't accurate or helpful to someone preparing for a hearing.
Update: I just finished my hearing and I think it went well! The judge was super professional and didn't let my ex-boss interrupt me. When she tried claiming I was "insubordinate," the judge asked for specific examples and dates, and she couldn't provide any. He also accepted my last-minute evidence submission. I made sure to ask questions when it was my turn, just like you all suggested. I asked why the reason for my termination changed three times in her statements to ESD, and she got really flustered. The judge noticed that too. Now I just have to wait for the decision. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - I felt much more prepared and confident than I would have otherwise. Will update when I get the ruling!
Fernanda Marquez
Yes, you'll receive copies of any response your employer submits. The Commissioner's Review is less formal than the hearing process but still follows procedural rules. To answer your earlier question - yes, you should attach relevant documentation to your message. Include: 1. A copy of your hearing decision (with docket number) 2. Any evidence that supports your position 3. A clear explanation of why the judge's interpretation was incorrect Keep in mind that you generally can't introduce new evidence that wasn't presented at the original hearing. The review focuses on whether the judge made legal errors based on the evidence already presented.
0 coins
Axel Bourke
•Thank you so much. I'm going to prepare everything tonight and submit through the secure message center tomorrow. I really appreciate everyone's help!
0 coins
Aidan Percy
Let us know how it goes! I've got my fingers crossed for you. The whole unemployment system feels designed to wear people down until they give up. but stay persistent!!
0 coins
Axel Bourke
•I definitely will update once I hear anything. And you're right - it does feel designed to be confusing and frustrating. I almost gave up but I'm glad I asked here!
0 coins