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.

Just following up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious because I may be in a similar situation soon.

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??

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.

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.

Based on what others have shared about the "blanket overpayment forgiveness initiative," this makes perfect sense now. The Washington legislature did approve a measure last year to review certain types of separation disputes where employer testimony was the primary deciding factor. If yours fell into that category, you're legitimately entitled to this refund. As for what to do: I recommend keeping the money in a separate savings account for 6 months. If ESD doesn't contact you by then requesting it back, it's almost certainly yours to keep. By that time, you should also have received a 1099-G for tax purposes if the refund is considered taxable income (which it likely is). The most important thing is that you've already tried to verify this with ESD, which shows you're acting in good faith if there ever was an issue down the road.

Just a final thought - while waiting for verification, check if you can access any adjudication notes in your online ESD account. Sometimes the decision documentation contains important details about why they reversed their decision. Look specifically for terms like "administrative review," "legislative relief," or "class action settlement" - all of these would indicate a systematic reversal rather than an error. Also, starting in 2025, ESD is required to provide clearer documentation when they reverse previous decisions, but since your refund is happening under the old system, you might need to dig a bit for the full explanation.