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In my experience working with unemployment claims, minor errors like selecting the wrong state are not typically cause for concern IF the wage information is correct. The ESD system is primarily concerned with accurate wage reporting since that affects your benefit amount. That said, there are two approaches you can take: 1) Call ESD to report the error and request a correction. This is the most technically correct approach. 2) Document your error (screenshot, notes with date/time) and keep it for your records, but don't take further action unless ESD contacts you. The system will likely reconcile this automatically when your employer files their quarterly wage reports. If there's a discrepancy that raises flags, ESD will contact you for clarification.
I understand your frustration with the system. You're right that in some cases even small errors can trigger reviews. However, there's an important distinction - employer name discrepancies often trigger fraud alerts because they can indicate someone working for an unreported employer. State location for an otherwise correctly reported employer with matching EIN typically has lower priority in the verification hierarchy. That said, your neighbor's experience shows why some people prefer the cautious approach of calling to correct errors.
Make sure you keep track of ALL your communications with ESD!!!! I learned this the hard way - take screenshots, write down claim ID numbers, names of reps you speak with, dates/times, EVERYTHING. Their system is so messed up sometimes that if you need to prove you tried to correct something, you'll need detailed records.
That's good advice. I'll definitely keep detailed notes of any calls I make. Would you recommend sending something in writing through their message system too, so there's a paper trail?
Since no one has mentioned it yet - there's also a minimum earnings threshold to qualify for ANY unemployment benefits in Washington. For 2025, you need to have earned at least $3,875 in your base year (which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). Also, your weekly benefit amount is calculated as roughly 1/25 of what you earned in your highest-earning quarter of the base year, up to the maximum benefit amount of $1,125 per week. When you apply, make sure to explain that your hours reduction is temporary but significant enough to impact your financial stability. You should qualify if the reduction is substantial compared to your normal schedule.
Don't forget you'll still need to pay taxes on unemployment benefits! I learned that the hard way last year... ouch! You can have ESD withhold 10% for federal taxes which I'd recommend.
Not for nothin but why did you even TELL them about the retail job??? If you didnt work there long enough to qualify anyway you coulda just left it off your application. Thats what my brother did and he got approved no problem.
This is actually terrible advice. ESD requires you to report ALL employment, and they have access to employer tax records that would show the missing job. Intentionally omitting employment can result in fraud penalties and having to pay back all benefits plus interest. Please don't suggest people commit fraud.
I just submitted my appeal online. Now the waiting game begins... thanks everyone for the advice. I'm still calling ESD every day hoping to get through to someone who can help speed things up. Will update when I have news.
Good job filing the appeal! Just remember that the OAH is separate from ESD, so calling ESD won't speed up your hearing date. However, getting through to ESD can still help with making sure your weekly claims are being processed correctly while you wait. Also, when you get your hearing notice, it will tell you how to submit evidence. Make sure you submit anything you want the judge to consider at least 24 hours before the hearing date.
If anyone is having trouble reaching ESD for questions about this or other claim issues, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). After trying for days to get through on my own, they got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 When I finished my last claim after getting hired, I had a question about reporting a signing bonus and needed to talk to someone. Claimyr was definitely worth it to get a clear answer directly from ESD.
Do they actually work? I've been trying to reach ESD for 2 weeks about my adjudication and keep getting hung up on
Just to clarify an important point that people sometimes get confused about: You need to report any hours worked AND earnings for the WEEK OF WORK, not when you get paid. So if you work Monday-Friday but don't get your first paycheck for two weeks, you still need to report those hours and estimated earnings on your claim for the week you actually performed the work. Also, if you have any pending issues on your claim, make sure to continue checking your ESD account for a few weeks after you stop claiming, as they might still need information from you to resolve those issues.
KaiEsmeralda
Why is it so IMPOSSIBLE to get anyone on the phone at ESD?!? I've been trying for 3 weeks to fix an error they made on my claim. This system is completely broken. Meanwhile they expect us to respond to their requests within 48 hours or risk disqualification!
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Debra Bai
•I feel your frustration. After battling the phone system for days, I finally had success with Claimyr. It's ridiculous that we need a third-party service to reach a government agency, but it worked when nothing else did.
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Santiago Diaz
One more point to consider: You're allowed to submit a statement correcting information on your initial claim. Go to your eServices account, find the "Upload Documents" section, and upload a signed statement explaining the error and including any supporting documentation from your employer. Title it "Request for Redetermination - Separation Pay Classification". This creates a paper trail while you're trying to reach someone by phone.
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Just did this! I uploaded both my statement and the letter from HR clearly stating this was a one-time service recognition payment based solely on past service. Now I just need to reach someone to make sure it gets processed correctly. Thanks for all the help everyone!
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