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.

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.

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.

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.

Update: My payment just switched from 'processing-web' to 'paid' this morning! Took 4 business days total. The funds should be in my account tomorrow according to the payment details. Looks like it just needed extra processing time for some reason.

I just wanted to share an update - my claim that was stuck in 'processing-web' finally moved to 'paid' status today, after 5 business days. I never received any explanation for the delay, but the payment amount looks correct. Hope this helps anyone else experiencing similar delays!