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Try calling exactly at 4:25pm. That worked for me twice because most people don't realize they're open until 5pm and stop calling after lunch. The queue usually clears out a bit by then.
Finally got through! Used the Claimyr service you recommended and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They fixed the issue with my overlapping claims and released all my pending payments. Such a relief after weeks of frustration. Thank you SO much for the suggestion!
Im sorry ur dealing with this! I had something kinda similar happen with my cosmetology license last year and what helped was getting a letter from my previous employer stating that they would rehire me once my license was renewed. ESD accepted this as proof that I was just temporarily unable to work due to administrative processing and not due to any fault of my own.
After your adjudication interview, if they still deny your benefits, remember you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal would go to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), where an Administrative Law Judge would review your case. You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. While it takes time, the appeal process often results in reversals of incorrect ESD determinations, especially in complex cases like yours where you're clearly making good faith efforts to maintain your eligibility to work.
There's some confusion in this thread about how the calculation works. Here's the exact formula ESD uses: 1. They subtract $5 from your gross earnings 2. They subtract 75% of the remaining amount from your weekly benefit For example: If you earn $100 in a week and your weekly benefit is $500: $100 - $5 = $95 $95 × 75% = $71.25 $500 - $71.25 = $428.75 (your adjusted benefit) Total income: $100 + $428.75 = $528.75 So you actually end up with MORE total income than just receiving unemployment alone. Just make sure you always report accurately and maintain your job search activities.
Thank you all SO much for your advice! I'm going to accept the on-call position and make sure I report everything accurately. I'll keep searching for full-time work and completing my job search activities every week. It's a huge relief to know I can earn some extra money without losing all my benefits. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your experiences and knowledge!
One more thing to be aware of - if your overpayment was due to an agency error (which many pandemic ones were), you might be eligible for an additional waiver of the interest and penalties. This isn't automatic - you need to specifically request a "waiver of fees and interest under RCW 50.20.190(4)" in writing. The standard waiver program doesn't always include this. Could explain some of the difference in your refund amount.
Update: I finally got through to ESD after trying for two days straight. The agent explained that the $1,400 difference was broken down as: - $515 in administrative fees (which aren't waived) - $685 in federal tax withholding (10%) - $200 in interest that had accrued before I started repayment She said I'll receive a detailed breakdown in the mail within 2 weeks, and the actual refund should be deposited within 30 days. Thanks everyone for your helpful advice - it gave me the right questions to ask!
Anastasia Kozlov
i had kinda the same thing happen but it was cuz i answered a question wrong on my weekly claim. took FOREVER to fix. have u been filing ur weekly claims still even tho ur not getting paid? u gotta keep doing that or they'll close ur whole claim and ull have to start over again. dont forget!!!!
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Diego Chavez
•Yes, I've definitely been keeping up with my weekly claims! That's one thing I made sure to do even through all this frustration. Thanks for the reminder though - I've heard horror stories about people who stopped filing and had to restart the whole process.
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Sean Kelly
Any update? Were you able to get through to ESD today? Did any of these suggestions help? Also, how did your job interview go?
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Diego Chavez
•Update! First, the interview went really well - they're checking my references, so fingers crossed! As for ESD, I called at 8:01 AM and actually got through after about 40 minutes. Used the "employer non-response adjudication review" phrase that was suggested here, and the agent immediately knew what I was talking about. They confirmed my employer never responded and have now expedited my claim for processing. They said I should see movement within 72 hours! Thank you all SO MUCH for the help and support. This forum has been a lifesaver.
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