


Ask the community...
I just want to say the entire ESD system is GARBAGE! Every single time they do an "upgrade" something breaks. This happened to me twice last year - once I missed my filing deadline because of THEIR technical issues and then they had the nerve to delay my payment and make me fill out extra paperwork explaining why I filed late! This state agency needs a complete overhaul, it's absolutely ridiculous how poorly it functions in 2025. We deserve better!
While I understand your frustration, it's worth noting that ESD did implement a policy that technical issues on their end are considered good cause for late filing. If you document the issue (screenshots help) and explain it when you're able to file, they typically waive any penalties. Still frustrating though!
UPDATE: I finally got in! For anyone else having this issue, what worked for me was clearing ALL browsing data (like everything - history, cookies, cached images, etc.), restarting my computer, and then waiting about 45 minutes before trying again. Also used a direct link from the ESD website rather than a bookmark. Thanks everyone for your help!
thx for updating! trying this now 🤞
Good to hear! This particular issue tends to resolve itself within 24 hours typically, but your solution of clearing everything and waiting usually speeds up the process. For anyone else reading this later - if you're experiencing a similar issue, try the steps mentioned and remember to document the problem (screenshots, notes with times/dates) in case you need to explain a late filing.
Always continue filing your weekly claims, even while appeals are pending! This is the #1 mistake people make. If you win your appeal but haven't been filing, you can't go back and claim those weeks later. Also, check your determination letters carefully. They should specify exactly which weeks were affected by which issue. If the disqualification letter only mentions the travel week, you have an even stronger case for getting the other weeks reconsidered.
Just checked my letters, and you're right! The disqualification letter specifically mentions only the week of March 12-18, 2025 as being affected by the travel issue. The approval letter for the separation issue covers my entire claim period. This seems like clear evidence that the other weeks should be paid!
Based on everything you've shared, you're absolutely entitled to backpay for 6 of those 7 weeks. This is a fairly common ESD system error that requires manual intervention to fix. Your determination letters are the smoking gun here - save those carefully! I would suggest two parallel approaches: 1. File the appeal as others have suggested (you have 30 days from determination date) 2. Try persistently to reach an agent who can fix this more quickly than waiting for an appeal The appeal is your safety net, but getting through to ESD directly could resolve this faster. Good luck and please update us on what happens!
Thank you all so much for the advice and support! I've started my appeal letter and I'm going to try reaching an agent tomorrow morning. I'll definitely update once I have any news. This community has been incredibly helpful when ESD's own information is so confusing.
A tip for your appeal that worked for me: call the PFMLA department (not regular ESD) and ask them for a formal letter confirming your medical leave dates and that it was properly approved. Having official documentation from another state department really helped my case. Also, when you write your appeal, keep it SUPER factual and timeline-based. My first appeal was denied because I focused too much on explaining my situation emotionally rather than just stating the facts in chronological order.
That's brilliant advice about contacting the PFMLA department directly! I wouldn't have thought of that. And thank you for the tip about keeping it factual - I tend to get emotional when explaining my situation, especially since this money is so critical for me right now.
One more thing to add: make sure you meet the 30-day deadline for filing your appeal. If you're close to the deadline, file a basic appeal immediately (even just stating "I disagree with the determination") and then submit your supporting documentation afterward. You can always supplement an appeal with additional documents later, but you cannot file late. Also, under Washington law, you have the right to continue filing weekly claims during the appeal process. If you win your appeal, you'll receive all benefits for weeks you properly claimed during this time. If you don't continue claiming, you won't receive those payments even if you win the appeal.
Omg THIS!!! my cousin didn't know she had to keep filing claims during her appeal and lost out on like 8 weeks of payments even though she WON her appeal!!! The system is designed to trick people i swear
Thank you for this critical information! The notice came last week so I still have time, but not much. I'll file the basic appeal today and then gather all my documentation. I had no idea I needed to keep filing weekly claims - that's not mentioned anywhere on the overpayment notice!
My cousin works for ESD (not supposed to say that probably lol) and she says the restart process is taking longer than usual right now because they upgraded their computer system last month. Some claims are taking up to a week to restart. Just FYI!
Ugh that explains a lot! Their tech is always causing problems. That's why I ended up using Claimyr to reach someone - the online system was completely stuck for me.
One more important thing to note: when you backfill those weekly certifications, make sure you answer everything accurately, especially regarding your freelance work. If you report income inconsistently compared to previous patterns, it might trigger an adjudication review, which could further delay your benefits. Be precise about dates worked and amounts earned for each specific week you're certifying retroactively.
Marilyn Dixon
Back in 2020 during COVID I never got my 1099-G and filed without it. BIG MISTAKE. IRS came after me 6 months later saying I underreported income. Had to pay penalties on top of the taxes I owed. Don't mess around with this form!
0 coins
Sadie Benitez
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I was able to find the 1099-G form right where you all said - in the main menu of eServices under "1099-G Tax Forms." I feel silly for missing it before. For anyone else looking, you can also request a copy by phone if needed. This community is amazing!
0 coins