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wait i thought the rules changed in 2025? my friend told me ESD is more strict now about what counts as good cause to quit
There haven't been major changes to the "good cause" definitions in 2025, but ESD is applying the existing standards more consistently. Discrimination-based harassment (like gender-based comments) still qualifies as good cause to quit, but general workplace unpleasantness without discrimination elements is being more strictly evaluated. Documentation requirements haven't changed.
Thanks everyone for your advice! Update: I filed my appeal yesterday emphasizing the gender-based nature of the harassment, included all my documentation (emails, texts, HR complaint copies, doctor's note about anxiety/insomnia), and submitted a statement from a coworker who witnessed some of the incidents. I also got through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned (it actually worked!), and the agent was really helpful. She explained that the initial adjudicator might have missed the gender discrimination aspect of my claim. She also said my appeal looks strong based on what I described. Fingers crossed the appeal works out. I'll update when I hear something!
Great job pulling together all the right documentation! The gender discrimination aspect plus the doctor's note about your health make for a compelling case. The witness statement is also extremely valuable. Appeals can take 3-4 weeks to process, so don't worry if you don't hear back immediately. Please do update us when you get the decision!
Update: Just checked my account and it's moved from 'processing' to 'pending issue' overnight. Looks like I might be heading to adjudication too. This is so stressful. Does anyone know if I can still get backpay for these weeks if it takes a long time to resolve?
Yes, if your claim is eventually approved, you'll receive backpay for all eligible weeks (except the waiting week). Keep filing your weekly claims even while your claim is in adjudication or pending status. This is very important - if you stop filing weekly claims, you won't receive payment for those weeks even if your claim is eventually approved. Also check your ESD account alert/message center regularly, as they may request additional information.
KEEP CALLING THEM!! The website updates are meaningless half the time. My claim was "pending" for weeks until I finally got through to someone who fixed it in like 5 minutes. Turns out it was just some stupid verification flag that could have been resolved immediately if they'd bothered to tell me about it. The whole system is designed to make people give up I swear.
your in adjudiation? that sucks, mine was stuck there 4 ever!! like 3 months!! and nobody told me why. i finally got paid after contacting my state rep AND the govs office. do both. the squeky wheel gets the greese!!!
Important tip based on your adjudication status: If you're able to get through to ESD, ask specifically for an adjudicator or claims specialist. The regular agents are limited in what they can do for adjudication cases. Also, with 8 weeks pending, you likely qualify for a hardship escalation. Make sure to mention the risk of utilities being shut off - that should get you a 72-hour escalation. Document everything - who you spoke with, date, time, what they promised, etc. You might need this information later if there are more delays.
So did your payment come through on time? I'm having a similar issue and wondering what happened with yours.
This reminds me of when I first started on unemployment back in January... I was so paranoid about every little status change! I once stayed up until midnight to file because I thought it would process faster lol. Now I just file whenever I have time on Sunday and the money always shows up on Wednesday for me. The whole system is confusing at first but you get used to it.
Andre Lefebvre
One important thing to note - when dealing with overpayment increases, you need to determine if they're adding what's called a "fraud penalty" (50% additional) or if they're recalculating the entire overpayment amount. In my experience, the key is getting written documentation. Every time you speak with ESD: 1. Get the agent's ID number 2. Take detailed notes with dates/times 3. Immediately follow up with an eServices message summarizing the call 4. Request all determinations in writing ESD is required to provide written explanation for all overpayment calculations. If they haven't, that's a procedural error you can use in your appeal. Also, there's a specific overpayment waiver form on the ESD website if financial hardship applies to your situation.
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Ethan Brown
•This is extremely helpful, thank you! I hadn't thought about following up each call with an eServices message to document it. I'll start doing that immediately. And I'll look for that waiver form too - this amount would definitely cause financial hardship.
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Yuki Yamamoto
Update on your options: If you truly never received notification of an appeal hearing or decision, you can file what's called a "Petition for Review" with the Commissioner's Review Office. This is different from a regular appeal. You'll need to explain that: 1. You filed an initial appeal 2. You never received notice of hearing 3. You never received a decision This can be done even after the normal appeal deadline has passed. The Commissioner has authority to determine if your procedural rights were violated. Regarding the increased amount - request an itemized statement showing exactly how the new amount was calculated. This is your right under Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
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Ethan Brown
•Thank you! Do you know how I file this Petition for Review? Is there a specific form or do I just write a letter? And where exactly do I send it? The ESD website is so confusing with all these different processes.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•There's an actual form! Go to ESD website → Unemployment Benefits → Forms and Publications → search for "Petition for Review" (form number ESD 161). You can submit it by mail, fax, or through your eServices account under "Upload a Document." Make sure to include all relevant details and documentation showing your attempts to resolve this. The Commissioner's office is separate from the regular appeals process and can override previous decisions.
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