did anyone complete thier orientation online? i hate going to in-person stuff and the esd website say you can do virtual orentation but doesnt say how????

Here's the exact process for 2025: 1. Register on WorkSourceWA.com (which you've done) 2. Call your local WorkSource office (keep trying - mornings are best) 3. Ask specifically for "UI Orientation scheduling" 4. Attend orientation (virtual or in-person) 5. After orientation, you'll be given instructions on how to request a career counselor if needed Important: The orientation MUST be completed within 30 days, but career counselor assignment can happen later. If you're struggling to get through on the phone, try emailing your local office with your name, last 4 of SSN, and a request for orientation scheduling. They typically respond within 48 hours. Also, while waiting for orientation, continue doing and documenting your 3 job search activities each week. The orientation itself will count as one activity for the week you complete it.

Quick update on refund timelines - I was just helping another claimant with this last week. ESD is currently running about 6-8 weeks for processing overpayment refunds. If you had direct deposit set up, make sure it's still the same account, as they'll use whatever bank info they have on file. If you've closed that account, you should update your banking info in eServices immediately or call to notify them. Also, if your original overpayment was deducted from benefits rather than paid directly by you (meaning they withheld money from your weekly claims), the refund process can take a bit longer as it requires additional verification steps.

Just got my refund last week after my overpayment was waived in early March, so about 7 weeks total. No notice or anything, just showed up in my bank account with a weird reference number. Almost missed it! Make sure you're checking your account regularly.

don't forget to file for continued benefits while appealing!!! i made that mistake and lost 2 months of potential benefits even tho i won my appeal!!! even if they say ur disqualified, file weekly claims anyway and note that ur appealing.

That's a really good point - thank you! I almost stopped filing because of the disqualification letter. I'll make sure to keep submitting my weekly claims during the appeal process.

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!

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.

I just wanted to follow up on the contact options. If you do decide to try reaching ESD directly, call right when they open (usually 8am). The queue fills up fast and they often stop accepting new callers by 8:30-9am. Make sure you have your claim ID, the last 4 of your SSN, and be ready to verify your identity. Also, check your spam/junk folder regularly. ESD sometimes sends important communications that get filtered out, including requests for additional information that could be holding up your adjudication.

After I finally got through to ESD about my multiple adjudications, they told me they can actually mark your case as hardship if you're facing eviction or utility shutoffs. This can sometimes prioritize your claim. You might need documentation like an eviction notice or past due bill, but it's worth asking about if you're in that situation.