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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.
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.
does this apply to debit card users too? my benefits went to the ESD debit card and they took the overpayment from there. do they just redeposit to the same card?
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.
That's great to hear! Seems like 6-8 weeks is the consensus timeframe. Did you have to call them at all or did it just happen automatically?
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.
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.
Mei Lin
One more thing - make sure you're still completing your weekly claims even while waiting for the payment issue to resolve. I've seen people get so focused on the stuck payment that they forget to file for current weeks, which creates even more problems. Also, when you do reach someone at ESD, ask them to check if there's an "identity verification hold" that may not be visible to you in your online portal. Sometimes these are placed automatically by their system with no notification.
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Jamal Wilson
•this happened to me!! i missed filing for ONE week while i was trying to fix my stuck payment and they made me restart my whole claim!! had to wait another 3 weeks for that new claim to process. total nightmare dont make that mistake
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Andre Dupont
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD! I tried the Claimyr service that someone suggested here, and despite being skeptical, it actually worked. After weeks of trying on my own, I connected with an agent within 20 minutes. Turns out my payment was stuck because of what they called a "cross-match flag" with another state system (even though I've never worked outside WA). The agent was able to clear it immediately. She said the payment should hit my account within 48 hours. Thanks to everyone for the advice and suggestions. Will update again when the money actually arrives!
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QuantumQuasar
•thanks for updating! let us know if the money actually shows up. gonna try that claimyr thing myself tomorrow, been trying to get through for almost a month now
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Giovanni Mancini
•Great to hear! The cross-match flag is fairly common, especially if you have a somewhat common name or SSN digits that are similar to someone who worked in another state. It's a fraud prevention measure, but unfortunately catches many legitimate claims in the process.
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