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Just wanted to add - make sure you're on time for the hearing (actually, be early and ready 10-15 minutes before). If you miss it, it's very difficult to get a new hearing scheduled and the judge will likely rule against you by default. Also, if you've found new evidence that supports your case, you can sometimes submit it up to 5 business days before the hearing. Check your notice for the exact deadline.
Update: I tried that Claimyr service and actually got through to ESD! The agent looked at my file and said there was confusion about some income from a side gig I did last year. They're still making me do the hearing, but at least now I know exactly what weeks they're questioning and what documentation I need. I've got everything organized and ready for Tuesday. Will update after the hearing to let everyone know how it went!
just wondering - how much was the retro pay if u dont mind sharing? our union is negotiating something similar right now
Based on everyone's feedback and my own experience with ESD, I'd suggest the following steps: 1. Report the retro pay as earnings for week ending 2/23 2. Enter the gross amount (before deductions) 3. Keep copies of both checks and any explanation letter from your employer 4. If your weekly claim gets flagged for review, be prepared to explain it's retro pay from a union settlement 5. Remember this only affects the one week - your claim continues normally after Glad you got this figured out! ESD's system doesn't handle special situations like this very clearly.
Update: Finally got through to ESD this morning after 3 days of trying! The agent confirmed it was a system error - apparently someone with a similar name (not even the same last name, just similar) had applied for L&I in my county. She cleared the flag while I was on the phone and said my payments should resume with next week's claim. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.
@user6 I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Honestly didn't think it would work, but I was desperate and it actually connected me to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. Worth it to get this resolved so quickly!
my freind had the same thing but her out of state wages were from oregon. she had to wait like 5 weeks even after getting the approval letter. sumthing about the other state has to verify the esd request and then send it back and then esd has to process it again. its stupid but she eventually got all her back pay at once. hang in there!
Update on my earlier comment: I forgot to mention that for out-of-state wage claims specifically, ESD often uses a separate processing team. If you can get through on the phone, make sure to specifically request to speak with someone from the "Combined Wage Claims" or "Interstate Benefits" team. Normal claims agents sometimes don't have the authorization to resolve these specific types of holds. Also, make sure you've completed your MyCareers registration and uploaded your work search activities - sometimes systems flag claims when these aren't fully set up, even if you're technically approved.
CosmicCowboy
i know this sounds weird but try calling right when they open in the morning like 2-3 minutes before 8am. thats how i finally got through after weeks of trying. also my friend had good luck calling the special olympia number instead of the main one, its 360-486-5817 i think
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Zainab Omar
•That's actually the employer services line, not for claimants. The correct Olympia direct number is 360-902-9500, but it often routes to the same queue as the main number nowadays.
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CosmicCowboy
•oh shoot sorry about that! was just trying to help
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Zainab Omar
One more important thing - make sure you're clearly requesting backpay (retroactive benefits) in all your communications. Once your denial is reversed, you're entitled to all weeks you correctly filed claims for, but sometimes you need to specifically request this. Also, for your immediate financial crisis, please consider: 1. Calling 211 for emergency assistance resources 2. Contacting your mortgage company to request hardship forbearance 3. Applying for emergency food assistance (takes about 24-48 hrs for approval) 4. Reaching out to local community action agencies Don't give up on the ESD fight, but also put some effort into stopgap measures to keep things together while you wait. This is a temporary situation, and there are resources designed specifically to help during this type of crisis.
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Ava Martinez
•Thank you for this. I called 211 yesterday afternoon and they connected me with an emergency assistance program that might help with my utilities at least. Also applied for food benefits online. Didn't know about hardship forbearance - will call the mortgage company tomorrow. Really appreciate the practical advice while I keep fighting with ESD.
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