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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.
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.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I've scheduled an appointment with WorkSource to discuss Training Benefits, and I'm going to try Claimyr to get through to ESD to ask about my specific situation. It sounds like regular extensions aren't available anymore, but at least there might be some options with the training route if I decide to go that way. I'll update this thread once I learn more in case it helps someone else.
Wait a second - am I the only one who didn't know you could file by phone? I've been using the website for months! How do you even set this up?
I felt the same way when I first found out! You need to call the main ESD number (during regular business hours) and request a phone PIN. Once that's set up, you can call the weekly claims line at 800-318-6022. The automated system walks you through everything. Definitely worth setting up before the holiday!
i did the phone thing last week and it still took 3 days to get paid so maybe its just random luck when we get our money lol. nothing about ESD makes any sense to me anyway
Quick update for anyone following or who might be in a similar situation. I called the Governor's Constituent Services number this morning, and they took all my info. They said they'd submit an urgent inquiry to ESD on my behalf and I should hear something within 3-5 business days. I also called my local WorkSource office and they're submitting an escalation request too. Hoping between these two approaches, something will get my claim moving again. Will update when I hear anything!
That's great! Using multiple channels is smart. In my experience, when your claim gets flagged from both the Governor's office AND WorkSource, it typically gets prioritized pretty quickly. The key thing will be making sure your explanation about the childcare situation is clear and documented. ESD needs to understand that one declined interview due to temporary childcare issues doesn't mean you're not available for work in general.
FINAL UPDATE: Success! Less than 48 hours after contacting the Governor's office, I got a call from an ESD supervisor. She reviewed my case on the phone with me, I explained the childcare situation (it was a one-time emergency when my sister couldn't watch my kids), and she immediately cleared the adjudication flag! My status is now active again and I should receive back payments within 48 hours. THANK YOU to everyone who offered advice, especially about the Governor's Constituent Services number. That was the key to getting this resolved quickly!
Jabari-Jo
I've helped several clients through the ESD appeals process, and while it's frustrating, there are some steps you can take: 1. File a hardship request with OAH specifically mentioning the eviction risk and having a minor child. Call 1-800-583-8271 and follow up with an email to oah@oah.wa.gov including your appeal number. 2. For immediate housing assistance, contact the Washington Homeowner Assistance Fund if you own your home, or the Department of Commerce's Eviction Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) if you rent. They have emergency funding specifically for people awaiting unemployment benefits. 3. Prepare for your appeal by organizing documentation that shows: - Your previous wage rate ($32/hr you mentioned) - The offered job's wage ($23/hr) - The distance to the new job (map printout showing 50 miles) - Calculation of gas/transportation costs - Any childcare complications the new schedule would create 4. Consider asking for a continuance if you get a hearing date but don't feel prepared. The good news is that refusing work due to substantial pay reduction AND excessive commute distance is commonly successful on appeal. The bad news is that the timeline is indeed 6-8 weeks currently before hearings are scheduled.
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Niko Ramsey
•This is excellent advice. I'd add that when contacting OAH for a hardship request, use the exact phrase "financial hardship expedite request" as this triggers a specific protocol. Also worth noting that if you get an unfavorable decision at the OAH level, you have 30 days to appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office, which can overturn OAH decisions.
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Seraphina Delan
i know this isnt a solution but if u have family anywhere else maybe send ur daughter to stay with them until this is over? that way even if worst happens and u need to go to shelter she doesnt have to. just thinking what id do in ur shoes
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Derek Olson
•I wish that was an option but my parents passed away and my sister is overseas with the military. My daughter's dad isn't in the picture at all. We're kind of on our own here. But I appreciate the suggestion.
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