I successfully appealed an $8,300 overpayment last year. The key was proving that I made a reasonable effort to comply with ESD's instructions. I brought printouts of all my weekly claim confirmations and highlighted the confusing language that led to my mistake. One suggestion that really helped me: request your complete claim file through a public records request before your hearing. This will show all the notes and communications in your case. I found that an ESD agent had actually noted my confusion about reporting requirements in their system, which supported my case that the error wasn't my fault.

whatever you do dont wait until the last minute!! my freind thought he had more time and his deadline passed and then they started taking money from his tax returns

anybody else notice how the esd website is down like every other weekend for "maintenance" right when most people have time to file their claims??? seems REAL convenient for them

Update: I got approved! For anyone with this same issue, here's what worked for me. I followed the advice here about the Commissioner Approved Training application AND I was able to reach an ESD specialist who flagged my account properly. The key was getting my union to provide a detailed letter explaining why these classes are mandatory for ongoing employment eligibility. All my previously denied weeks are being reconsidered now. Thanks everyone for your help!

my buddy had the same issue and it turned out they needed some document he didn't know about. maybe check your eservices account for any alerts or documents needed section?

One important thing to know: When your claim is finally approved, you'll receive all the back payments for the weeks you've been filing. Make sure you're completing your weekly claims consistently and meeting the job search requirements (3 documented job search activities per week). To expedite your case beyond contacting the governor's office, you can: 1. Submit a hardship letter through eServices detailing your financial situation 2. Request an escalation to a Tier 3 specialist when you do reach someone 3. Ask specifically if there are any documents or information missing that's causing the delay Another approach some claimants have had success with is contacting their local WorkSource office. While they don't process claims directly, they sometimes have direct channels to ESD staff who can look into claim issues.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, you should still report job search activities for the days you weren't working at your new job. ESD requires you to meet the job search requirements for any week you're claiming benefits, even partial benefits. Since you've started working, you can actually list your successful job search that led to this position as one of your activities if it falls within the week you're claiming.

Just an update - I finally got my claim resolved using the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above. Got through to ESD in about 15 minutes after trying for DAYS on my own. The agent said I'd done everything right but there was a system flag on my account because my previous employer disputed something. Might be worth checking if you have anything similar going on with yours.

I went through almost the exact same situation last fall. When ESD says "waiting for information" but doesn't tell you what they're waiting for, it's incredibly frustrating. In my case, after FINALLY getting through to an agent, they told me my employer had disputed my claim saying I had "voluntarily quit" rather than being terminated for medical absences. Do you have any documentation from your termination meeting? Email, paperwork, anything stating the reason they gave? If QFC is trying to categorize this as something other than what actually happened, you'll need that documentation for your appeal hearing. Regarding your eviction situation, contact your county's rental assistance program immediately. Many have emergency funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It won't solve your ESD problem, but it might keep a roof over your head until this gets resolved.

Just wanted to follow up - if you're getting evicted and this is a medical condition situation, also contact the Northwest Justice Project right away. They have a CLEAR hotline (1-888-201-1014) for free legal help with both unemployment AND eviction issues. Since your termination was related to a medical condition, you have additional protections under disability laws that might help your case. And definitely pursue getting through to an actual ESD agent as others have suggested. The status messages in the portal are often vague and unhelpful. Only a live agent can tell you exactly what's holding up your claim.