Washington Unemployment
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ESD website glitch prevents adding email to open new partial unemployment claim for seasonal slowdown
So frustrated with ESD's website right now! I've been trying to file for partial unemployment for the past 2 weeks because my construction work slowed down for winter season. The website keeps glitching at the email verification step - the letters/captcha bar won't appear and I can't drag down to continue to the next page. It just gets stuck there! I tried calling the main ESD number instead but the automated system doesn't even give an option to open a new claim! Just keeps directing me to use eServices which is exactly what's not working for me. Anyone else dealt with this specific email verification glitch? Or know a workaround to open a partial unemployment claim when the website isn't cooperating? My bills don't care that the system isn't working... ðŸ˜
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Stuck in ESD adjudication for 8 weeks - need proof of job separation help!
I've been caught in ESD adjudication limbo for nearly 8 weeks now and I'm getting desperate. Under the upload forms tab, it's asking for "proof of job separation" but I'm confused about what exactly to submit. I voluntarily left my previous position with a standard two-week notice, but I don't have any documentation of that notice saved. My former employer isn't responding to my requests for documentation either. I've tried reaching out to ESD multiple times by phone and email but can't get through to anyone who can help. This is my first time filing for unemployment, and honestly, I'm completely lost. I saw someone mention online that contacting your state representatives or Congress people might help push things through? Apparently, it worked for them after weeks of delays. Has anyone successfully done this? Or does anyone know what I could use as proof of separation when I left voluntarily? Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
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my friend had a claim stuck forever last month and he went to his WorkSource office in person and they helped him figure out what was going on. might be worth trying if the phone calls aren't working??
This is actually great advice. WorkSource offices can't directly intervene in ESD claims, but they do have direct lines of communication and can sometimes help identify what's causing the hold-up. They can also help with correctly uploading documents through their resource computers.
UPDATE: I want to thank everyone who replied! Based on your advice, I: 1. Uploaded my old and new schedules showing the hours reduction 2. Found and uploaded an email where I questioned the reduction 3. Uploaded my final paystub 4. Contacted my state representative's office (they were super helpful!) 5. Used Claimyr to finally speak with an actual ESD agent The agent confirmed my documents were received and that my claim is being prioritized now. She said the hours reduction definitely qualifies as good cause, especially since I had documentation. The legislative inquiry seems to have helped too. The agent said I should see movement within a week! I'll update again when I hear more, but wanted to thank this community for the guidance when I was feeling completely lost.
Great to hear! Thanks for updating us. This is exactly why documenting everything in your work life is so important - you never know when you'll need it. Hope your claim gets approved quickly!
So glad to hear things are moving forward!! Would you mind sharing which rep's office you contacted? I'm having issues too and wondering who to reach out to.
ESD overpayment marked 'cannot be waived' - should I still file waiver request?
I'm completely stressed about my ESD overpayment situation. I recently went through an appeal with OAH regarding a $5,200 overpayment from late 2023. The decision letter I got back explicitly states 'this overpayment cannot be waived' right at the top of the document. However, my attorney is suggesting we should still submit a waiver request anyway, claiming that there are expanded waiver options since the pandemic that might apply to my case even though my claim wasn't PUA. Has anyone successfully gotten a waiver approved after receiving the 'cannot be waived' notification? I'm worried about wasting more time and possibly legal fees if this is truly a dead end. The financial hit would be devastating right now as I just started a new job after 7 months of searching.
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Update: I talked with my attorney again and we're definitely going to file the waiver request. She says even though the decision says it can't be waived, that only applies to the appeal itself, not to the separate waiver process. I'll gather all my financial documents and proof that I reported correctly to include with the request. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's given me hope that this might work out after all!
Great decision! Make sure to submit copies (not originals) of all your supporting documents. Also, if possible, request an administrative hearing when you submit the waiver - this gives you a chance to explain your case directly to a judge if the initial waiver is denied. Good luck, and please let us know how it turns out!
Sorta off topic but did your lawyer charge a lot to help with the ESD stuff? My husband is dealing with a similar issue ($4800 overpayment) and we're wondering if hiring an attorney is worth it or if we should just handle it ourselves.
My attorney charges $250/hour, but she knows these cases well and has been efficient. For the waiver paperwork, she estimated 2-3 hours total. She said many people do handle it themselves successfully if they're organized and can clearly document everything. If your case is complicated or involves potential fraud allegations, professional help might be worth it.
Can I get ESD unemployment if fired after bereavement leave in WA? Employer claiming no-show
I'm in a really tough spot with my employer right now. My grandmother passed away two weeks ago, and I had to take bereavement leave suddenly. I clearly told my manager I'd reach out by last Friday about my return date (which I did), but I just got a warning email saying I've been marked as a "no-show" even though we never established a specific return date. Now I'm worried they're building a case to terminate me. If they do fire me, would I qualify for unemployment in Washington? I've worked there for 2.5 years with no disciplinary issues before this. Also, if I do end up needing to file, how long does it typically take for benefits to start in WA state right now? I've never filed for unemployment before and I've got rent due in 3 weeks. Anyone gone through something similar?
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my neighbor had something similar happen and what got her through the long wait for benefits was calling her utility companies, landlord, etc and explaining the situation. lots of places have hardship programs if you're waiting for unemployment to kick in. might be worth looking into before you're in a desperate situation?
That's really good advice, thank you. I'll start researching what kind of hardship programs my utilities and apartment complex offer, just in case.
One important thing to know is that if your employer contests your claim, ESD will schedule a fact-finding interview. This is when both you and your employer present your side of the story. Many people miss these calls because ESD often only gives a few days' notice, and if you miss it, your claim could be denied automatically. Once you file, check your ESD account and messages DAILY and answer any ESD phone calls even if you don't recognize the number. They often call from unmarked or blocked numbers. If you miss their call, there's usually no easy way to reschedule and it can add weeks to your claim processing time.
I had no idea about this. Thank you for the heads up about the fact-finding calls. I'll make sure to answer every single call and check my account daily if I end up having to file.
ESD payment showing paid but not in my bank account yet - how long to wait?
I've been waiting forEVER for my unemployment to go through and finally at 4:00 a.m. today my eServices account updated from 'pending' to 'paid'!!! But I checked my bank account like 10 times today and still nothing has shown up. Do ESD payments take an extra day to hit your account? or should it be same-day once it says 'paid'? I'm trying not to panic but I've got rent due in 2 days and I really need this money to clear. Anyone know how long the delay usually is between when ESD marks it paid vs when it actually deposits?
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Nathaniel Stewart
my cousin had this same problem last month and he said what worked was logging in very early in the morning like 5am when the system isnt busy. also make sure ur using a laptop not phone, the mobile site is terrible
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Zane Hernandez
Just following up - were you able to get your claim started? If you're still having issues, remember that once you do get your partial unemployment claim approved, you'll need to: 1. File a weekly claim every week, even with reduced hours 2. Report ALL earnings for the week accurately 3. Be aware that your first week is a waiting week (unpaid) 4. If you requested standby status, you'll still need to be available for any work your regular employer might offer Also, with partial unemployment, you can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount without reduction. After that, your benefit is reduced dollar for dollar. This is important to calculate so you understand what your payments will be.
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Eli Wang
AuthorYes! Finally got it working yesterday! Used Edge browser on my laptop at 6am and the email verification worked perfectly. Application is submitted and says "pending" now. Thanks for the additional info about weekly claims - I'll make sure to report everything correctly. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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