i got a nasty letter once cause i didnt do job searches on a week i worked like 45 hours but still filed!! ESD is so stupid sometimes like why would i look for jobs when im already working that week?? definitely skip filing those weeks

This whole unemployment system is RIDICULOUS!! They expect us to job search even when we're working? Make it make sense!!! I went through something similar last month and just decided to skip filing for the week I worked a lot. Didn't have any problems when I started claiming again the following week. The whole system needs an overhaul if you ask me.

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses and suggestions. I'm going to implement many of these ideas - updating my resume further, looking into WorkSource workshops, expanding my search to include contract roles and different sectors, and networking more actively with former colleagues. It's somewhat comforting (though also disheartening) to know I'm not alone in experiencing these challenges. I'll continue with my ESD requirements while broadening my approach to the job search. If I need to speak with ESD directly about my situation, I'll definitely try the Claimyr service mentioned. I appreciate all your support and practical advice!

One final tip: when you're documenting your job search activities for ESD, make sure you're using their official job search log and being very detailed. Include the exact job title, company name, contact method, and follow-up actions. The more thorough your documentation, the less likely you'll have issues if your claim gets selected for review. Best of luck with your search!

my cousin works at a hotel with verible hours and she said you need to put 0.01 hour and 0.01$ instead of 0.00. something about the system not accepting true zero values. tried it?

UPDATE: I tried several of your suggestions and finally got it to work! Here's what worked for me: 1. I cleared my browser cache and used Edge instead of Chrome 2. Selected 'Yes' to still being employed 3. Entered '0.00' (with decimal) for hours 4. Entered '0.00' for earnings 5. Selected 'No' when asked about separation 6. Added a note in the comments explaining I'm still employed but had zero scheduled hours The system finally accepted it! Thank you all so much for your help. I'm definitely keeping screenshots of everything in case there are issues later.

yeah my sister won her appeal but it took 2 months and was super stressful. she had to have a phone hearing and everything. the judge person asked the employer to provide proof she was fired for misconduct and they couldnt show anything so she won. but ya gotta stay on top of it and keep filing claims every week.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I submitted my appeal this morning through eServices and uploaded the suspension email, texts asking about return date, and proof my benefits are still active. I'll keep filing weekly claims and try to stay patient through this process. It helps knowing others have gone through this and won their appeals.

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!