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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?
You absolutely MUST continue filing weekly claims even while in adjudication. If you stop filing, your claim will be considered abandoned and you'll lose benefits for those weeks permanently. Even if it feels pointless, keep filing consistently every week. When your adjudication is resolved, you'll receive all back payments for properly filed weeks.
I hate to say it, but ESD rarely reverses overpayment decisions. I fought one for 6 months, went through two hearings, and still had to pay everything back. The judges at OAH seem to always side with ESD. It's honestly rigged against us.
That hasn't been my experience. I've represented clients in OAH hearings where we successfully overturned ESD decisions. The key is being extremely prepared with documentation and understanding exactly which regulation ESD is using to claim the overpayment. The judges follow the law - you just need to show ESD misapplied it in your case.
Update: I finally got through to someone at ESD! Turns out they're saying that because I did some gig work during weeks 3-6 of my claim, my combined income exceeded their threshold, which made me ineligible for standby for those specific weeks. The agent explained I needed to submit proof that my employer still had me on standby despite the extra income. I'm gathering emails from my boss now and will be requesting a formal hearing. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Honestly, I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. I was skeptical but desperate after weeks of trying. Got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. Expensive but worth it just to finally understand what's happening with my claim.
I don't think it's just maintenance. My friend filed her claim on Saturday with no problems, so whatever is happening started after that. Probably another one of their system crashes like what happened in January. I took screenshots of the error messages just in case I need to prove I tried to file on time.
One more thing to try - check if you can make an in-person appointment at your local WorkSource office. They can sometimes look up your claim status and identify issues that aren't visible on the portal. I've seen people get their pending issues resolved much faster with in-person help than trying to call the main ESD line.
update: i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned and actually got thru to ESD! turns out i had an identity verification issue that never showed up in my portal. they fixed it and said my claim should move forward in 72 hrs. might be worth trying for u too
That's great news! Thanks for sharing the update. I'm definitely going to try Claimyr if I don't have luck with uploading my additional ID documents and the WorkSource appointment. Really appreciate you letting me know it worked!
Ava Thompson
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
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
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.
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Sofia Hernandez
•Double damages would be amazing given the stress this is causing. I've already had to contact my landlord about a late payment. I'll definitely add comments to my weekly claims about the wage complaint - that's really helpful advice.
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