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.

when i was on unemployment last winter i did this workforce thing at the community college for healthcare jobs got certificatied as CNA and they paid for everything plus my unemployment kept coming the whole time. you should check with worksource they helped me get started

Here's what you need to know about extending unemployment benefits in Washington for 2025: 1. Training Benefits (TB) Program: Extends benefits up to 52 additional weeks while you complete approved training. Apply BEFORE your regular UI exhausts. Work with WorkSource to identify approved programs. 2. Commissioner Approved Training (CAT): Doesn't extend benefits but waives job search requirements while you attend school/training. 3. Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP): For those starting a business instead of seeking traditional employment. 4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA): If your job was affected by foreign trade/outsourcing. With only 3 weeks left, you need to contact WorkSource IMMEDIATELY to discuss your options and start the application process. Not everyone qualifies, but healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields typically have good approval rates.

If for some reason you can't find the verification letter option in your eServices account (which sometimes happens if your claim has an unusual status), you can also request an official verification through the Customer Service Contact Center. When you call, specifically ask for a "Benefit Payment Verification Letter" and make clear it's for housing purposes. The representative can generate and email this to you while you're on the phone. The document contains your name, customer ID, benefit amount, and payment schedule on official ESD letterhead, which satisfies most housing requirements.

Update: I found both the verification letter and payment history! For anyone else looking, it's under the "Your benefits" section, then scroll down to "Payment history" and look for the little link that says "Request benefit verification letter". My apartment manager accepted it with no issues. Thanks everyone for your help!

isnt there somthing called paid family leave in WA now? might be better than unimployment checks

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! After reading all your comments, I think I'm going to: 1) Continue my unemployment claims until the baby arrives, 2) Look into PFML to see if that would give us better benefits for a few weeks, and 3) Make sure I have our childcare plan documented in case ESD asks about my availability to return to work. I really appreciate all the insights - this has been weighing on my mind a lot with everything else going on right now!