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!!!

just want to add that you should file a wage complaint with L&I regardless of what happens with ESD!! they can get you your unpaid wages plus interest and sometimes additional penalties. i got almost $4000 from my ex employer through L&I even though i only claimed about $2400 in unpaid wages originally.

Ok everyone - quick update! I texted my boss this morning with a formal request for my missing pay, citing the specific amount and due date. He just called me and admitted the business is probably closing and he can't make payroll. Said he'd understand if I quit. Going to send an official resignation email citing the unpaid wages as the reason and file with both L&I and ESD tomorrow. Thank you all SO much for your help! I'll update once I hear about my claim.

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.

I fogot to mention, make sure u answer ur phone even if it's unknown numbers!!! ESD calls from blocked numbers sometimes and if u miss the call they might just mark u as "unavailable" and deny your claim!

Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning after calling repeatedly since 7:00am. The adjudication is because my former employer is claiming I quit rather than being laid off. The agent said they're still processing my weekly payments while they investigate. They're sending me a questionnaire that I need to return within 5 days. Really relieved to at least know what's going on now!