my frend works at esd and says they r super backed up right now cuz they just did a system update. so evrything is taking longer then usual.

UPDATE: My claim just switched from pending to paid this morning! Only took 3 days in the end. Thanks everyone for the advice and helping me not panic (too much). For anyone else who has this happen - the one-day job I reported definitely seems to have triggered the review, but it resolved itself without me having to call.

Based on what others have shared about the "blanket overpayment forgiveness initiative," this makes perfect sense now. The Washington legislature did approve a measure last year to review certain types of separation disputes where employer testimony was the primary deciding factor. If yours fell into that category, you're legitimately entitled to this refund. As for what to do: I recommend keeping the money in a separate savings account for 6 months. If ESD doesn't contact you by then requesting it back, it's almost certainly yours to keep. By that time, you should also have received a 1099-G for tax purposes if the refund is considered taxable income (which it likely is). The most important thing is that you've already tried to verify this with ESD, which shows you're acting in good faith if there ever was an issue down the road.

Just a final thought - while waiting for verification, check if you can access any adjudication notes in your online ESD account. Sometimes the decision documentation contains important details about why they reversed their decision. Look specifically for terms like "administrative review," "legislative relief," or "class action settlement" - all of these would indicate a systematic reversal rather than an error. Also, starting in 2025, ESD is required to provide clearer documentation when they reverse previous decisions, but since your refund is happening under the old system, you might need to dig a bit for the full explanation.

my sister works at worksource and she says this happens ALL THE TIME with appeals. she said sometimes u need to contact ur state representative to speed things up. they can do an "legislative inquiry" that gets ESD moving way faster. google ur district and email ur rep explaining the situation!

Just checking in - have you had any luck getting this resolved? Did any of the suggestions here work for you?

Just a quick update on what I mentioned earlier - I forgot to address your interest question. In my case, they did NOT stop the interest from accruing once I set up payments. However, if you can prove financial hardship, there's a separate form you can submit to request an interest waiver. It's not guaranteed, but worth trying if the 1% monthly interest is making it impossible to make progress on the principal amount.

One more important tip I forgot to mention: make sure you keep documentation of EVERYTHING. Every payment, every phone call, every email. I had an issue where their system didn't properly record two of my payments, and I had to provide bank statements to prove I'd paid. Also, if you do get your payment plan established, check your account regularly to make sure the payments are being applied correctly to your balance.

i had something kinda similar happen last month... forgot about a temp job i did for like 3 weeks... what worked for me was sending a message through the eservices portal thing using the 'contact us' option... took like 4 days but someone actually responded and told me what to do

Just wondering - was the Texas job W-2 employment or contract/1099 work? Makes a difference in how ESD processes it.

ESD is so inconsistent! my friend got approved for training ben. for her CDL training but i got denied for almost the same thing. it depends entirely on which worker reviews ur case and what mood their in that day. some of them don't know their own rules!!!! keep calling back til u get someone who will actually help u instead of just saying no.

UPDATE on Training Benefits rules for 2025: ESD has slightly broadened their interpretation of what qualifies as "substantially different occupation" for Commissioner Approved Training. The key factors now include: 1. Wage difference (10%+ potential increase helps your case) 2. Different skill set requirements (documented by DOT codes) 3. Different working conditions or environment 4. Industry demand (higher demand occupations get priority) For union apprenticeships specifically, you need to emphasize that this is a completely different career path requiring specialized training that wasn't part of your previous work. Don't frame it as advancement or career development - frame it as necessary retraining for employment. Also, be aware that even if you're denied Training Benefits (the extension), you can still get Commissioner Approved Training status which waives job search requirements while you train.

Update us after your hearing! I have mine next month and I'm TERRIFIED. No idea what to expect or how formal it is. Will the judge interrupt a lot? Can I bring notes? Is it like a real court?? So many questions and ESD gives zero helpful info as usual.

i just had my hearing yesterday and it wasn't as bad as i thought! the judge was actually pretty nice and let me explain everything. the weird part was my old boss seemed totally confused about why i was fired and gave different reasons than what was in my denial letter from ESD lol. hoping that helps my case!

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.

wait a minute, i just remembered! my friend had this happen and what fixed it wasnt even an appeal. she called esd and asked for a "redetermination" first which is faster than a appeal. might be worth trying that route?

Update: I was able to reach an ESD agent today! They said my situation is actually pretty common, and they see it often with severance packages. They suggested I submit a detailed letter explaining that the company initiated the separation through a formal workforce reduction program, along with the severance documentation. She also mentioned requesting a redetermination first before going through the whole appeal process. Feeling much more hopeful now. Thanks everyone for your help!

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.

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