


Ask the community...
Just following up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious because I may be in a similar situation soon.
Yes! Finally got it approved yesterday after using that Claimyr service to get through to ESD (regular phone method was impossible). The key was asking specifically for "Commissioner Approved Standby" like someone suggested above. They required my offer letter and called my new employer to verify. The agent said this is actually pretty common but not well-documented on their website. I'll get 2 weeks of benefits to bridge the gap until my job starts. Such a relief!
This reminds me of when I had to deal with ESD last summer... I was trying to get standby for a completely different reason (temporary layoff) and the whole system is so confusing! I spent hours reading their website and still couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do. Ended up having to get help from my state representative's office to resolve it. Why can't they make this stuff clearer??
Just went through this exact thing! The 1099-G for 2022 is actually showing the ADJUSTMENT to your 2020 benefits because of the overpayment determination. It's not saying you got new benefits in 2022. What happened in my case: I got benefits in 2020, then in 2022 they decided some was an overpayment. The 2022 1099-G reflects that adjustment. Confusing as hell, but that's how their accounting works. You need to call the ESD tax line specifically: 360-486-2252. Don't waste time with the regular unemployment line.
One important thing no one's mentioned yet - make sure you keep all documentation showing the timeline of events. This includes: 1. Your original 2020 1099-G 2. The overpayment notice you received in 2021 3. This new 2022 1099-G 4. Any appeal paperwork 5. Records of your employment during 2022 ESD is required to correct erroneous 1099-Gs, but the process can take time. If you're approaching the tax filing deadline, you might need to file Form 4868 for an extension. Don't file your taxes with incorrect information just to meet the deadline.
Ugh been there done that got the t-shirt. Benefits run out WAY TOO QUICK and then you're just left hanging. Start applying for literally everything now, even stuff you think is beneath you. Trust me.
Just to summarize the options when UI benefits exhaust before your benefit year ends: 1. No automatic extensions are currently available 2. Consider part-time work to receive partial benefits (stretches your claim longer) 3. Look into Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) or Training Benefits if you're interested in retraining 4. Utilize WorkSource services fully - job search assistance, workshops, hiring events 5. Apply for other assistance programs (SNAP/Basic Food, housing assistance, etc.) 6. Continue required job search activities consistently 7. If you have unique circumstances, speak directly with an ESD specialist to review your specific situation Keep in mind that even after benefits exhaust, you should continue checking your ESD account and messages periodically, as policy changes sometimes occur that might affect your claim.
Thank you so much for this clear summary! Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to 1) try to speak with an ESD specialist directly about possible training programs, 2) look for part-time work to extend my benefits, and 3) fully utilize WorkSource services. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me understand my options.
After my long wait, I found out from an agent that my claim got stuck because my married name is on my license but my birth name was on my SS card. So make sure all your docs match exactly! They never contacted me about this discrepancy - I had to call multiple times to figure it out.
Update to my earlier comment - the ESD website now says verification timelines are "4-6 weeks" rather than "5-6 weeks" as of their April 2025 update. Small improvement but shows they're at least working on the backlog. Make sure you check your spam folder daily too - some ESD communications get filtered there.
Lindsey Fry
Just wanted to add some clarification on the legal side of this: The pandemic overpayment review is happening due to the Relief for Taxpayers Act that passed in 2024. ESD is legally required to review ALL pandemic-era overpayments, even small ones like yours. There's no way to opt out of the review itself, but you can definitely decline any refund they might determine you're eligible for. Based on my experience as a benefits navigator, I'd recommend sending a secure message through your eServices account that simply states: "I acknowledge the pandemic overpayment review process, but formally decline any waiver or refund that may result from this review. Please note this decision in my file." That creates a record of your preference while minimizing your interaction with them.
0 coins
Mikayla Davison
•Thank you for this precise wording! That's exactly what I was looking for. I'll send that message today so it's documented before their review. Really appreciate the expert advice.
0 coins
Saleem Vaziri
lol everyone in these comments acting like ESD is actually organized enough to follow through on anything. I got the same emails 9 months ago, ignored them all, and literally nothing happened. Their systems are so messed up they probably have no idea who's responded and who hasn't. I wouldn't waste a minute of mental energy on this.
0 coins
Lindsey Fry
•While I understand your frustration, I'd caution against completely ignoring official communications. The pandemic overpayment review process is actually one area where ESD has been surprisingly consistent because it's federally mandated and tracked. They've processed over 80,000 waivers since the program started.
0 coins