not to take this off topic but has anyone else noticed that ESD is taking FOREVER to process anything lately? my coworker had a simple address change take 6 weeks to process. wonder if the waiver is taking so long because of general backlog or if waivers are just low priority for them

UPDATE for everyone on this thread: ESD has recently (as of March 2025) implemented new processes for handling overpayment waivers. They are now reviewing older waivers first, so if your waiver request was submitted more than 3 months ago, you should see movement soon. For the original poster's son, I recommend he takes these specific steps: 1. File his new claim immediately 2. Upload a letter explaining his pending waiver situation in the document upload section of his new claim 3. Request standby status since he has a definite return date within 8 weeks 4. Call ESD using one of the methods discussed to check on his waiver status 5. Keep meticulous records of all his job search activities (if standby isn't approved) Even with a 50% reduction to repay the overpayment, he'll still receive some benefits to help with expenses during this temporary layoff.

Try contactng your state rep!!!! That's what finally worked for me after 3 months of getting nowhere with ESD directly. Their office has special contacts at ESD and can expedite things. It's literally their job to help constituents with state agency problems.

QUICK UPDATE!! I tried calling that collections number that someone mentioned above (866-697-4831) and got through right away!! The agent confirmed it was a system error and I don't actually owe anything!! She said they're getting tons of calls about these notices that went out by mistake. Such a relief!!

Another tip - if you're uploading documents, make sure the file names are descriptive and include your claim ID. Something like "ClaimID_12345_Layoff_Letter.pdf" instead of just "scan1.pdf". My friend works in a similar government department (not ESD) and says this helps tremendously when they're sorting through thousands of uploaded files.

one question - did you keep filing your weekly claims during the whole adjudication process? i've been filing every week but since nothing is getting paid i'm wondering if i should even bother?

also just a heads up that when u file with L&I they might ask for bank statements to prove u tried to cash the check and it didnt work

One more important thing - Washington state law provides for double damages in some wage theft cases. When you file with L&I, they can assess a penalty against the employer. So you might eventually get more than just your unpaid wages. Also, regarding your unemployment claim - when you do your weekly claims, there's a section for comments. Always note there that you have a pending wage claim with L&I for your final paycheck. This creates a record that you've been transparent about the situation.

Did you try refreshing the page? Sometimes the ESD site glitches and doesn't show all the contact options. Also make sure your browser isn't blocking pop-ups because sometimes their contact form opens in a new window.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone with the same problem, I tried calling at exactly 8:00 AM as someone suggested, and while I still had to wait about 25 minutes, I actually got to speak with a real person. They explained that my claim was delayed because of an employer response issue, but they've now moved it forward. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!