Washington Unemployment
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ESD disqualified me for taking GED classes - hit with overpayment despite classes being only 8hrs/week
Feeling totally blindsided today. Just got this disqualification letter from ESD saying I'm not eligible for benefits because I'm 'in school' and therefore not available for work. They're demanding I repay ALL my benefits as an overpayment! Here's the thing - I'm just taking online GED classes that are literally 8 HOURS A WEEK, and I can do them whenever I want! I immediately faxed them proof showing the flexible schedule and minimal time commitment. The letter says I'm disqualified because being in school means I can't work - which is ridiculous for a part-time, self-paced GED program. I've filed an appeal but I'm freaking out. The overpayment is $4,200 which I absolutely cannot afford right now. Has anyone fought an appeal for something similar with ESD? Do I have any shot at winning this? I was completely honest on all my weekly claims and never thought getting my GED would jeopardize my benefits.
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ESD claim stuck in adjudication since November 2025 - no payments, can't reach anyone
I was laid off from my warehouse management position on February 12th due to company restructuring. I filed my unemployment claim on February 15th and everything seemed normal at first. By March 1st, my claim status changed to 'adjudication in progress' and it's been that way for over 7 weeks now! Every single weekly claim shows as 'pending' and I haven't received a dime. I've called ESD literally 40+ times trying to talk to someone but either get disconnected immediately or sit on hold for 2+ hours only to get hung up on. I've sent multiple messages through eServices but haven't gotten any response whatsoever. No letters in the mail explaining what's happening, no emails, absolutely nothing. Meanwhile, I'm doing everything by the book - filing weekly claims on time, completing my 3 required job search activities each week, documenting everything. My savings are completely depleted and I'm about to miss my second rent payment. How is someone supposed to survive when the system completely fails like this? Has anyone broken through this wall of silence? I'm desperate for any advice on how to actually get my claim processed!
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Are you using the eServices portal or the new SecureAccess Washington system? I heard they changed everything in January and some claims got stuck in the transition. my brother had to re-verify his identity in the new system even though he'd already done it in the old one.
I'm using the SecureAccess Washington system since that's what the site directed me to. I did have to create a new account when I applied in February. I wonder if there's some issue with the new system that's causing these delays.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get your situation resolved? I've been thinking about your post because I know how stressful it is to be in that position. Did you try contacting your representative or using one of the other suggestions?
Thank you for checking back! I actually tried two approaches - I contacted my state rep yesterday AND I used Claimyr this morning to get through to ESD. I finally spoke to an agent who told me there was a mix-up with my identity verification (even though I submitted everything correctly). They cleared it up on the spot and said my claim should be processed within 3 business days. I'm cautiously optimistic but won't believe it until I see the money in my account. I'll update once I know more.
That's excellent news! So glad you were able to get through to someone who could actually help. The identity verification issues seem to be really common this year. Fingers crossed your payments come through quickly!
How long until ESD deposits first unemployment payment? (2025 timeframes)
I just got approved for regular UI benefits after applying 2 weeks ago (laid off from construction job - company downsizing). My ESD account shows 'approved' status with a weekly benefit amount of $825, but I haven't received any money in my bank account yet. I've filed 2 weekly claims so far, both showing as 'processed - paid' on the website. Does anyone know what the typical waiting period is between approval and actually getting the first payment these days? I keep checking my account but nothing's there. Getting a bit anxious since rent is due next week. I set up direct deposit during the application.
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r u sure u entered the right bank info? my friend put in the wrong account # and it took them 3 weeks to figure it out and fix it
Thanks for the thought! But it looks like the issue is they sent it to the ReliaCard instead of direct deposit for some reason. Going to wait for that to arrive now.
Just to update the information here for anyone reading this thread later: As of 2025, the typical timeline from approval to first payment is: - With direct deposit properly set up: 4-7 business days after your first eligible weekly claim shows as 'paid' - With ReliaCard: 7-14 calendar days (to allow for mail delivery of the card) If you're approaching these timeframes without receiving payment, you should contact ESD. And remember that bank holidays can add delays to the processing time.
That might be the "official" timeline but we all know ESD doesn't stick to it half the time! I've seen people wait a month even with everything set up correctly. Just saying...
You're right that there can definitely be variations and exceptions. I was providing the standard expectation, but individual experiences may differ based on various factors like system issues, identity verification holds, or high claim volumes.
Does ESD adjudicator make eligibility decision based on when employer responds to claim?
I just got a notice that my claim is in adjudication and I'm freaking out about whether I'll get benefits or not. My former company fired me for 'poor performance' which is total BS - they just needed to cut costs. The letter says they're investigating my separation from work, but what I'm confused about is timing. My ex-employer is notorious for being slow with paperwork. If they don't respond to ESD within the deadline, does that automatically make me eligible? Or does the adjudicator still decide even if my employer is late with their response? I really need these benefits to cover rent next month.
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Let me just add something important - did you receive any written warnings before being fired? Was there a progressive discipline policy they were supposed to follow but didn't? Those details can really matter in your case, especially if they claim it was for performance but can't show they followed their own policies. And for what it's worth, I've seen claims get approved even when the employer responded late with their side of things, but the employee had good documentation showing the termination wasn't for misconduct or truly poor performance. So gather whatever evidence you can!
I received one written warning about 4 months ago, but it was for something completely different than what they ended up firing me for. And they totally skipped the "improvement plan" step that's in their handbook. Does that help my case?
Yes! That's exactly the kind of thing that can help your case. Make sure you mention that they skipped steps in their own progressive discipline policy. If you have a copy of the employee handbook section about discipline, have that ready too. Adjudicators look closely at whether employers followed their own policies.
I had a similar thing happen and my claim was in adjudication for almost 6 weeks!!! Keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet. If they approve you, you'll get all the back payments at once. But yeah, the employer responding late doesn't automatically approve you - wish it did lol
This is absolutely correct and very important - ALWAYS continue filing your weekly claims during adjudication, even though you're not receiving payments. If you stop filing and then get approved later, you can't go back and claim those missed weeks.
ESD call wait times driving me insane - why can't they hire remote workers?
I've been trying to reach ESD for TWO WEEKS about my denied standby status and it's ridiculous!! The wait times are absolutely insane - yesterday I was on hold for 3 hours before getting disconnected. Why doesn't ESD just hire a bunch of remote customer service reps to handle calls from home?? Seems like a no-brainer solution: - Work from home agents could be quickly trained - Creates jobs for Washington residents - Would drastically cut down these absurd wait times - State job would look good on people's resumes - Brings stability to folks who need work I'm about to lose my apartment because this standby denial is preventing me from getting my benefits. Anyone else think the whole system needs a complete overhaul? Or at least know a way to actually talk to a human at ESD without waiting until 2026??
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At my last job, I actually processed unemployment claims for the state of Nevada (similar system to WA). The training is incredibly intensive because one small mistake can cause massive overpayments or wrongful denials. I had three months of training and still made mistakes my first year. Accessing sensitive data also requires background checks and security clearances that take time. That said, ESD should absolutely implement a callback system rather than making people wait on hold. That technology exists and many other states use it. No excuse for not having that in 2025.
A callback system would be amazing! I'd feel so much better giving my number and getting a call back in 3 hours than sitting on hold praying I don't get disconnected after waiting forever. Is there some place where we can suggest that to ESD?
You can submit feedback about the callback suggestion through the Contact Us form on the ESD website, but honestly reaching out to your state representatives might be more effective. They have direct channels to ESD leadership and constituent complaints get prioritized. Worth a shot!
Good advice! I emailed my rep during my claim issues and got a call from someone at ESD within 48 hours. Didn't solve everything but at least got the ball rolling.
Zane Gray
my cousin went thru something like this and just ignored the overpayment letters for like a year and eventually they just went away lol not saying thats what u should do but just saying...
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Monique Byrd
This is absolutely terrible advice. ESD overpayment debts NEVER just "go away" - they can garnish wages, take tax refunds, and even add interest to the debt. The statute of limitations on these debts is extremely long, and ignorning the letters only makes things worse.
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Alejandro Castro
Hey I just remembered something important - make sure you submit a request to WAIVE the overpayment at the same time you appeal the disqualification! Even if you lose the appeal about being disqualified, you might be able to get the overpayment waived if you can show it wasn't your fault and you can't afford to repay it. It's a separate process but you can do both.
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Lourdes Fox
AuthorThank you! I didn't know I could request a waiver. I'll look into that right away.
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