just wait it out. my claim fixed itself after like 3 weeks of being stuck lol. esd eventually processes the backlog even if you cant reach anyone

UPDATE: I did not manage to reach a live representative on the number in my post, however based on the advice in the comments I was able to find an option that asked me if I want to restart my claim and I pressed "yes". It asked me to create a PIN, and voila, my claim is now automatically restarted. I no longer have the old weeks blocking my current claims. It did ask me if I was available for work for the first week during which I was travelling and I replied no. That was all. I could swear that option was NOT available previously in the automated system. It somehow appeared the 10th or 15th time I called...

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!

btw when you finally get ur hearing make sure u have ALL ur documents ready. the judge only gave me like 15 min to explain my situation and I almost messed up by not having my work search records printed out. have everything organized by dates and bring extra copies

Just to give you some hope - my overpayment was completely dismissed after my hearing. The ESD representative couldn't prove I had been properly notified about reporting requirements. Make sure you review all notifications they sent you during your claim period. If they failed to properly inform you about any requirements they're using as basis for the overpayment, that's a strong defense. About 70% of the overpayment appeals I've heard about were either reduced or dismissed entirely.

I just tried calling the governor's office and they took all my info! The woman was really nice and said she'd send it to her ESD contact. Fingers crossed it works as well for me as it did for you! Will update if anything changes.

i had a similar situation last yr but i contacted my state representative instead. same result - approved within 2 days after 6 wks of nothing! its crazy that we have to go this route but whatever works i guess

One more thing to try - if you're dealing with a disqualification specifically, you might want to contact the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) directly. Once you've filed an appeal, they handle the hearings process, not ESD. Their number is 800-366-0955 and they tend to be much easier to reach than the main ESD line. If you've already submitted your appeal online, you should receive information about your hearing date within 2-3 weeks. The OAH can tell you exactly what evidence you need to prepare for your specific type of disqualification.

Just a quick update on current ESD procedures - as of January 2025, they've implemented a new queue system where calls are prioritized based on the issue type and how long your claim has been pending. Make sure when you do get through that you clearly explain your disqualification is affecting your ability to pay essential bills (like rent). This can sometimes get your case flagged for expedited review. Also, if you're within 7 days of a deadline for responding to a disqualification, mention that immediately to the agent. Time-sensitive issues are supposed to be prioritized.