Washington Unemployment
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Tax question: Will ESD send 1099-G for unemployment payments split between December and January?
So I filed for unemployment back in December 2024 after I got laid off from my construction job just before the holidays (thanks boss, great timing). My claim got approved pretty quickly but I didn't actually receive my first payment until the second week of January 2025. Now I'm wondering about tax stuff - will ESD send me a 1099-G form for 2024 even though I didn't physically get any money that year? Or will everything just be on my 2025 tax form next year? This is my first time on unemployment and I'm trying to get my tax stuff organized early. The ESD website isn't clear about this situation.
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ESD refund deposit arrived - scared to spend it after past overpayment issues
Just got my ESD refund deposited today (unexpected $1,250) and I'm honestly terrified to touch it. Back in 2023, I had a nightmare situation where ESD gave me money, I used it for rent, then SIX MONTHS later they decided I wasn't eligible and demanded everything back with penalties. I had to go through a brutal appeals process that lasted forever. Anyone else feeling uneasy about these refunds? Have you gotten any official documentation explaining WHY we're getting this money? I keep checking my eServices account but there's nothing explaining the deposit. Just worried history will repeat itself and we'll all get overpayment notices in a few months. What's everyone doing with their refund - spending it or letting it sit in case we have to return it?
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To summarize for everyone concerned about these refunds:\n\n1. Yes, they are legitimate refunds resulting from ESD's benefit calculation audit\n2. Official documentation is being mailed but is delayed (expect within 2 weeks)\n3. The money is yours to keep - it's a correction of an underpayment\n4. The refunds are taxable income for 2025 (will be on your 1099-G)\n5. If you need immediate confirmation, contacting ESD directly is your best option\n\nI hope this helps ease everyone's concerns. This is a rare case where ESD is actually correcting errors in the claimants' favor!
ESD claim filed 4 weeks ago with no updates - can't reach anyone by phone
I applied for unemployment benefits exactly 4 weeks ago and honestly have no idea what's happening with my claim. I've been dutifully filing my weekly claims every Sunday as required, but my ESD account still shows 'pending' status with zero information. I've tried calling the customer service line at least 15 times over the past two weeks, but either get disconnected immediately or sit on hold until the system kicks me out at the end of the day. I even sent a message through the eServices portal 10 days ago - complete silence. I'm starting to panic because my savings are almost gone and my rent is due next week. Has anyone found a way to actually get information about their claim status? Is this normal processing time in 2025 or should I be concerned something's wrong with my application? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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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.
Thank you! I actually found the layoff notice email from my employer with the budget cut explanation, so I'll have that ready. Still trying to get through on the phone but at least I feel less in the dark now.
Can't find option to appeal Commissioner's Review on ESD website after denial
I just received my hearing decision and I was denied benefits. The judge's decision doesn't make sense to me because my employer changed my schedule without notice and I couldn't accommodate it with my childcare situation. The denial letter says I can appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office and even mentions I can submit it online through the ESD website. I've been searching everywhere on eServices but can't find any option or link to file this appeal. Has anyone gone through this process recently? Where exactly on the ESD site can I submit a Commissioner's Review appeal? The deadline is only 30 days from the decision date so I'm getting anxious about missing it.
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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.
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!
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!!
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!
What's the best direct ESD customer service number for claim issues?
I've been trying to reach someone at ESD for days about my claim that's been stuck in adjudication for 3 weeks. The main number (800-318-6022) just keeps disconnecting me after the automated messages. Does anyone know if there are any direct lines to actual customer service reps who can help? Or specific times when it's easier to get through? I'm getting desperate as rent is due next week and I need to know what's happening with my claim!
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does ne1 know if theres a seperate # for overpayment issues?? i got a letter saying i owe $4200 back and i NEED to talk to someone!!
The same main number handles overpayment issues. Make sure to select the correct option in the phone menu for overpayments. But the connection difficulties are unfortunately the same regardless of what type of issue you're calling about.
Just wanted to update - I called 43 times this morning starting exactly at 8:00 am and FINALLY got through to someone at 8:37. The rep was actually super helpful and fixed my issue in 10 minutes. So keep trying!!!
That's both encouraging and discouraging at the same time. Glad you got through but 43 calls is insane! I'll start my marathon calling session tomorrow morning. Thanks for the update!
Emma Johnson
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!
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Raúl Mora
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.
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Arjun Kurti
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!
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