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Need to fix Texas employment info on ESD application - can't edit after submission?
I'm panicking a bit here. I just submitted my unemployment application yesterday but realized I made a huge mistake. When asked if I worked somewhere in the past 18 months, I selected 'no' but I actually worked in Texas for about 2 1/2 months last year! This is going to look like I'm hiding employment which I'm definitely not trying to do. I've been calling ESD non-stop this morning (literally 40+ calls) and can't get through to anyone. Is there any way to edit my application after submission? Can I somehow add this missing employment information before they process my claim? I'm worried they'll deny me for false information but it was just a stupid oversight.
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ESD Training Benefits denied for union apprenticeship - confused about qualification rules
I'm so frustrated with ESD right now. I've been receiving regular UI benefits for several months after being laid off from my construction job, but I only have about 3 weeks of benefits remaining. I'm currently in the laborers union but found an opportunity to join the operators union which would mean better pay and more stable work. The catch is I need to complete an 8-week training program starting in April. I called ESD today to see if I could get training benefits while doing this apprenticeship program. The first rep gave me confusing info about job search requirements (said I don't need to do job searches during training if I still have regular UI), but then I called back and a different agent told me that union apprenticeships DON'T qualify for Commissioner Approved Training or training benefits! This makes absolutely no sense to me. Why wouldn't required training for a skilled trade qualify? Has anyone successfully received training benefits for a union apprenticeship program? I'm trying to improve my career situation, not just sit around collecting benefits. Any advice on how to appeal this or who I should talk to?
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ESD is so inconsistent! my friend got approved for training ben. for her CDL training but i got denied for almost the same thing. it depends entirely on which worker reviews ur case and what mood their in that day. some of them don't know their own rules!!!! keep calling back til u get someone who will actually help u instead of just saying no.
This is so true. I had to call back three different times before I got the right information for my situation. Each person told me something completely different. It's worth being persistent.
UPDATE on Training Benefits rules for 2025: ESD has slightly broadened their interpretation of what qualifies as "substantially different occupation" for Commissioner Approved Training. The key factors now include: 1. Wage difference (10%+ potential increase helps your case) 2. Different skill set requirements (documented by DOT codes) 3. Different working conditions or environment 4. Industry demand (higher demand occupations get priority) For union apprenticeships specifically, you need to emphasize that this is a completely different career path requiring specialized training that wasn't part of your previous work. Don't frame it as advancement or career development - frame it as necessary retraining for employment. Also, be aware that even if you're denied Training Benefits (the extension), you can still get Commissioner Approved Training status which waives job search requirements while you train.
This is incredibly valuable information! The operators position would definitely be at least a 25% wage increase and involves completely different machinery and skills. I'll make sure to emphasize those points and use the language you suggested about retraining rather than advancement. Thank you so much!
Expedited my ESD appeal with hardship request - hearing in 2 weeks instead of 6 months!
Finally some good news I wanted to share! I filed my ESD appeal on January 12th after being denied benefits due to a 'quit without good cause' determination (I had documentation proving I was actually laid off). The ESD representative warned me it could take 6-8 months for a hearing date given the current backlog. I've been without any income for almost 3 months and was seriously panicking. I immediately requested a hardship expedite after filing the appeal. I sent in copies of my past-due mortgage statement ($2,875 overdue), utility disconnection notices, and a letter explaining that I'm a single parent with two kids and no other income source. This morning I got a call from OAH saying they've expedited my case and scheduled my hearing for February 28th - less than 3 weeks from now instead of waiting until summer or fall! The person I spoke with said the documentation I provided was exactly what they needed to approve the expedite. For anyone else in a similar situation - DEFINITELY request a hardship expedite if you're facing financial crisis while waiting. The form is on the OAH website and you upload your supporting documents there. I'm still super nervous about the hearing but at least I'll get a resolution soon. Going 12+ weeks without income has completely drained my savings and I've had to borrow from family just to keep the lights on. I'll update after my hearing - wish me luck!
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Update us after your hearing! I have mine next month and I'm TERRIFIED. No idea what to expect or how formal it is. Will the judge interrupt a lot? Can I bring notes? Is it like a real court?? So many questions and ESD gives zero helpful info as usual.
I've been through several unemployment appeal hearings (both as a claimant and later helping others). It's much less formal than regular court. Here's what to expect: - It's typically conducted by phone or Zoom now - The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will begin by explaining the process and swearing everyone in - You'll be able to use notes (definitely prepare these in advance) - The judge will ask specific questions rather than having you present a case - Your employer will have a chance to give their side and you'll have a chance to respond - The whole thing usually takes 30-60 minutes Best advice: answer questions directly without going off-topic, be honest but highlight facts that support your eligibility, and don't interrupt the judge or employer when they're speaking. Stay calm and stick to factual information rather than emotional arguments.
i just had my hearing yesterday and it wasn't as bad as i thought! the judge was actually pretty nice and let me explain everything. the weird part was my old boss seemed totally confused about why i was fired and gave different reasons than what was in my denial letter from ESD lol. hoping that helps my case!
That's really reassuring! Did you have any documentation with you or just explained your situation? And how long did they say it would take to get a decision? I'm trying to prepare for every possibility.
i had screenshots of texts with my manager and a copy of the company handbook to show i didn't violate any policies. judge said i'll get the decision in 2-3 weeks by mail. the waiting is killing me but at least the hearing part is over!
ESD sending out mysterious letters - can't access ESD eServices after years of inactivity
OMG I just got a notification about a letter in my ESD eServices inbox today and I'm freaking out!!! I haven't filed for unemployment since early 2020 during the first Covid shutdown. When I try to log in to see what it is, my account seems totally deactivated or something? The system doesn't recognize my password and when I try to reset it, I don't get the email. Has this happened to anyone else? Why would ESD be contacting me after like 5 years of nothing?? I'm worried they think I owe money or something. Should I just ignore it or actually try to call them (ugh)? Really don't need this stress right now!
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this happened to me to. the letter was about some job search audit from 2020!! they claiming I didnt do enough job searches even tho the requirement was waived during covid??? make it make sense lol. such a joke.
That's definitely incorrect. Job search requirements were officially waived from March 8, 2020 through July 4, 2021. If they're auditing job searches from that period, it's an error you can appeal. Make sure to reference the official emergency rules (WAC 192-140-005) in your response.
UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning after trying when they first opened! The letter was actually about potential identity theft - someone tried to file a new claim using my information, which triggered their security system. The rep helped me secure my account and file a fraud report. So glad I didn't ignore this! They said there's been a wave of fraud attempts targeting old Covid-era accounts. Everyone should check their accounts and make sure their contact info is up to date.
Thanks for updating us! That's actually the third case I've heard about identity theft attempts triggering these notices. Glad you got it resolved and there wasn't an overpayment issue. For anyone else seeing this - definitely worth checking your account security and updating passwords if you haven't logged in since 2020.
No problem! Yeah, the rep said they've seen hundreds of these cases in the last month alone. Apparently fraudsters are trying to use old account info that might have been exposed in data breaches. So scary!
ESD disqualified me after taking severance - need appeal advice!
I'm in a tough spot with my ESD claim and could really use some advice from anyone who's been there. I worked at my company for almost 3 years when they offered a 'prompt exit package' (basically severance) equal to 2 months pay. I accepted it thinking this would be considered a layoff situation, but when I filed for unemployment, the online application didn't have many options. I couldn't find anything that matched my situation - I had to select 'quit' because that was closest to what happened. Now ESD has disqualified my claim saying I voluntarily quit without good cause! I need to file an appeal ASAP but have no idea what to include or how to explain this wasn't a typical 'quit' situation. Has anyone successfully appealed something similar? What should I emphasize in my appeal letter to get this overturned?
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wait a minute, i just remembered! my friend had this happen and what fixed it wasnt even an appeal. she called esd and asked for a "redetermination" first which is faster than a appeal. might be worth trying that route?
This is actually good advice. A redetermination request can sometimes be processed faster than a formal appeal, especially if it's clearly a misunderstanding about the nature of your separation. You can request both simultaneously - the redetermination and also file the appeal as a backup in case the redetermination doesn't work out. Just be mindful of deadlines for both processes.
Update: I was able to reach an ESD agent today! They said my situation is actually pretty common, and they see it often with severance packages. They suggested I submit a detailed letter explaining that the company initiated the separation through a formal workforce reduction program, along with the severance documentation. She also mentioned requesting a redetermination first before going through the whole appeal process. Feeling much more hopeful now. Thanks everyone for your help!
That's great news! Glad you got through to someone. Did they give you any timeline for how long the redetermination might take?
They said redetermination usually takes 7-10 business days once they receive all documentation. Fingers crossed it works and I don't need the formal appeal process!
CosmicCowboy
i had something kinda similar happen last month... forgot about a temp job i did for like 3 weeks... what worked for me was sending a message through the eservices portal thing using the 'contact us' option... took like 4 days but someone actually responded and told me what to do
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Miguel Ramos
AuthorI didn't realize you could send messages through eServices! I'll try that right now. Did they just have you upload documents or did you have to do something else?
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CosmicCowboy
they had me fill out some form about missing employment (cant remember what its called) and upload my paystubs. then they put my claim on hold for like 2 weeks while they checked everything. kinda sucked waiting but at least it got fixed
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QuantumQuasar
Just wondering - was the Texas job W-2 employment or contract/1099 work? Makes a difference in how ESD processes it.
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Miguel Ramos
AuthorIt was regular W-2 employment at a warehouse. I have my W-2 from them and about 5 paystubs. I just completely blanked when filling out the application because it was such a short job between two longer Washington jobs.
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