ESD ALWAYS does this!!! Their system is designed to prevent people from filing! I had the exact same problem in January and guess what? My claim lapsed because I couldn't file on time and they denied my backdate request! Keep records of EVERYTHING - screenshots of errors, dates/times you tried to log in, and all your call attempts. You'll need this evidence when they inevitably try to blame you for their system failures.

Final update: SOLVED! I tried the Claimyr service someone suggested above and got through to ESD in about 15 minutes (after days of trying on my own). Turns out there WAS a security flag on my account because I had accessed the site from different IP addresses (home network and phone hotspot) which triggered their fraud detection system. The agent cleared the flag and had me reset my password, and now everything works! Thanks everyone for your help.

Here's what's happening: ESD is conducting a systematic review of all 2020-2021 overpayment determinations following the USDOL directive 22-21. Many overpayments that were previously collected are now being retroactively waived if they meet certain criteria (non-fraud overpayments, agency error, etc.) By law (RCW 50.20.190), if your overpayment is waived after you've already repaid it, you are entitled to a refund with interest. However, ESD's system isn't automatically processing these refunds - you need to specifically request it. Call the Collections Unit at 866-697-4831 and specifically request a "refund of waived overpayment previously collected." Be prepared to verify your identity, provide your claim ID, and reference the determination letter number. They should be able to verify your payment history in their system. Documentation that may help: - Original overpayment notice from 2020 - Proof of your payments (bank statements) - The new waiver determination letter - Your claim ID and SSN for verification The refund typically takes 4-6 weeks to process once approved.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! I used that Claimyr service that someone recommended and it actually worked - got me through to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of endless hold. The agent confirmed that I'm eligible for a full refund of the $4,700 I paid back in 2020, plus interest! She said they've been reviewing thousands of pandemic-era overpayments and many are being waived retroactively. The refund will take 3-5 weeks to process and will come either as a direct deposit (if they still have my bank info) or a paper check. For anyone else in this situation - you MUST call them to request the refund. They don't process these automatically even after sending the waiver letter. Make sure you have your claim ID number and the waiver determination letter reference number when you call. Thanks everyone for your help!

To answer your follow-up question about WorkSource - most locations offer both walk-in services and scheduled appointments. For your first visit, I'd recommend calling ahead or checking their website to schedule an appointment so you can get a full orientation to their services. They can be really busy sometimes. As for job search logs - once your UI benefits end, you're no longer required to maintain the official job search log for ESD. However, it's still a good practice to continue tracking your applications and contacts since it helps with your job search organization and you'll have that information ready if you need to file for benefits again in the future.

The thing about exhausting benefits that nobody mentions is how abruptly everything ends. I've gone through this twice now, and even though you're doing everything right - filing claims, looking for work, following all their rules - it just suddenly stops. It's frustrating because I feel like ESD could at least provide some kind of transition guidance rather than just cutting people off. One thing that actually helped me was connecting with my local community action agency. They sometimes have emergency assistance programs for people who've exhausted unemployment benefits, including help with utilities, rent, etc. Might be worth looking into while you're still job searching.

this whole system is BROKEN!!!! i had to wait 3 WEEKS for them to process my able and available docs and meanwhile they paused all my payments. had to borrow money for rent and almost got evicted. ESD doesn't care about real ppl with real problems they just hide behind their broken website and never pick up phones!!!

Let me share my experience that might help you. When I had this issue, I discovered there are actually THREE important things to know: 1. Document processing takes 7-10 business days typically 2. You need to use the EXACT document category "Able and Available Verification" in the dropdown 3. Your statement needs specific language about being "ready, willing, and able to accept suitable work immediately" What finally worked for me was calling and having them note in my file that I had submitted documentation. The system still showed I needed to submit documents for almost two weeks, but my payments continued without interruption. This is a very common issue with the 2025 version of the ESD system.

I HATE how ESD makes this so confusing! My sister got hit with a $2,100 overpayment because she reported when she got PAID instead of when she WORKED. The system should be more clear about this! Make sure you're super accurate with your hours. I even took screenshots of my timesheets and saved them in case ESD questioned me later. For your final claim, there's a question that asks if you've returned to work full-time - make sure to say YES to that one.

Congrats on the new job! One thing to add - when you say you "started a job on 2/3" - if that was Feb 3, 2025, that was a Monday, not a Saturday. ESD weeks run Sunday-Saturday, so keep that in mind when dividing up your hours worked if you're submitting claims for multiple weeks.