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Quick update - I contacted both my state representatives as suggested, and one of their offices actually called me this morning. They've assigned a caseworker who's going to contact ESD directly about my claim. They said they're seeing a lot of healthcare administration layoff claims stuck in verification right now because ESD is batch-processing them by industry. Apparently there was a large healthcare system that did layoffs, so they're checking all healthcare-related claims extra carefully. Still frustrating, but at least I have some explanation now.
This is actually correct. The online system works best with Chrome and Edge. If you're using Safari or Firefox, you might encounter more sync issues. The phone system is more consistent but the tradeoff is the delay in database updates.
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know my claim finally updated to 'submitted' in the online system! It took about 20 hours, but at least now I know everything is working correctly. Thanks to everyone for the reassurance and helpful information. I'll definitely keep filing by phone since it works for me, but now I know not to panic if the online status doesn't update right away.
dont forget you need to be looking for full time work even while doing contract stuff!!! esd still requires the 3 job search activities every week
Yes, that's correct. Unless you're specifically approved for standby status (which is rare these days), you must continue performing and documenting three job search activities each week regardless of part-time or contract work. The job search requirement is tied to receiving any amount of benefits, even partial benefits. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your job search activities in case of an audit.
Miguel Herrera
One important thing to note - if the pandemic waiver is approved, ESD should return any money they've intercepted from tax refunds. But the timeline is unpredictable. I've seen it take anywhere from 2-8 months after waiver approval for refunds to be processed. Make sure you keep documentation of everything, including your tax returns and any communication from ESD about the waiver.
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Paolo Romano
•This. Documentation is key. My brother-in-law had his refund taken last year for an ESD overpayment, got the waiver approved in August, but had to call multiple times with proof of the offset before they finally refunded it in December.
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Ava Thompson
Thank you everyone for the advice! We've decided to file separately this year to protect my refund, even though it'll cost us some tax benefits. We'll keep pursuing the pandemic waiver for his overpayment, but at least this way we'll have my refund for our immediate needs. I'm documenting EVERYTHING in case we need to fight for his refund later. This system is so frustrating!
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Miguel Herrera
•Smart decision! Make sure you both carefully check your filing status on each return - they need to match (both filing as 'married filing separately'). And remember you'll each need to either both itemize deductions or both take the standard deduction when using this filing status.
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Ava Thompson
•Thanks for the tip! I didn't realize we both had to make the same choice about itemizing. This whole situation is so much more complicated than it needs to be.
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