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also btw they ask if ur job is permanent when u file each week so make sure u mark YES since u got hired full time even if its not 40 hrs. my friend marked NO cuz she was on probation period and got flagged for review!!
One more important thing - if your hours increase to 40+ per week or your pay increases, make sure you still report that for your weekly claims. Technically, your claim stays open for a year from when you first applied, but once you have those 4 consecutive weeks over your WBA, it goes inactive. You can always reactivate it within that year if your hours get cut or something changes with your job.
For anyone else experiencing this situation, here's what's happening: When ESD approves an overpayment waiver, two things occur: 1. The remaining balance of your overpayment is forgiven (reduced to zero) 2. Any money you already paid toward that overpayment is refunded to you The refund typically processes through ESD's payment system before the determination letter is generated by their notification system. This creates a situation where claimants often receive money before they receive an explanation. If you can't access your online account, it's likely because your claim status has changed, which sometimes triggers a security protocol requiring re-verification. You can request a new access code by mail through the SAW (Secure Access Washington) system. To confirm your waiver status without waiting for the letter, call ESD at 800-318-6022. Current wait times are extremely long (1-3 hours), so call early in the morning right when they open at 8:00 AM.
I forgot to mention - check your spam/junk mail folder! My determination letter got caught in my email spam filter. Also, after I finally got through to ESD, my online account started working again about 48 hours later. Apparently they have to manually reset something after a waiver approval.
The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN for trades and seasonal workers!!! I spent 6 weeks trying to get my benefits approved during my last training period and then they wanted all kinds of additional documentation that wasn't listed anywhere on their website. By the time it was approved, my training was almost over. Make sure you start this process EARLY and document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of every page you submit, record the names of every ESD agent you talk to, and follow up constantly. The system is designed to make you give up!!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to: 1. File my initial claim at the start of Christmas break 2. Complete my waiting week during that time 3. Do the required job searches during the Christmas break period 4. Request the Training Benefits application for my February apprenticeship training 5. Get documentation from my training coordinator about the mandatory nature of the training 6. Keep detailed records of everything I submit I really appreciate all the insights and warnings about potential pitfalls. This community has been super helpful!
That's a solid plan! One last tip: when you file your weekly claims during your approved training period, there's a question asking if you were available for work. If your training has been approved, you should answer "Yes" to this question, even though you're in training. This is because under approved training, you're considered available for work by ESD's definition. Good luck!
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent confirmed this was definitely an error. Apparently there was a glitch in their system where some letters for claims filed in January 2025 had the delivery addresses mixed up. She flagged my account to make sure future communications come directly to me and said they're aware of the issue and working on fixing it systemwide. She also noted that while employers do get notified about claims and some general determination info, they shouldn't be receiving my detailed claim correspondence. She's escalating this as a privacy concern to their IT department. Thanks everyone for your help and confirming I wasn't overreacting about this!
That's great to hear! I'm glad you got it resolved and that they acknowledged it was an error. It's also good they're tracking this as a system issue - hopefully that means they'll fix it for everyone affected. Did they say if they're going to notify you when it's resolved?
wait but did u ever get the actual info that was supposed to be in the letter?? like was it important or just general stuff?
Adriana Cohn
I used Claimyr last week when I was in a similar situation (not disqualified but stuck in adjudication forever) and got through to ESD in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to see that there was a flag on my account that needed to be removed. Much better than spending days trying to call them directly.
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Brandon Parker
•does that thing rly work? sounds 2 good 2 b true tbh. ESD never answers when i call
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Adriana Cohn
•It worked for me! They connect you through their system somehow. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying to get through for two weeks.
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Sophia Carter
UPDATE: I managed to get through to ESD today (after trying Claimyr - totally worth it). The agent confirmed my employer incorrectly reported that I quit. She put notes on my account and advised me to continue with my appeal. She said the appeal should be successful since I have documentation, but it will still take several weeks to process. For anyone facing similar issues - KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS even while disqualified! The agent emphasized this multiple times. Also, check your correspondence tab regularly for any letters requiring action. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I'll update when my appeal is resolved.
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Chloe Zhang
•Great update! Yes, continuing to file weekly claims is absolutely crucial. I'm glad you got some clarity on the situation. Make sure you're prepared for your appeal hearing - have all your documents organized and be ready to clearly explain the layoff situation. Good luck!
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Jace Caspullo
•see told u they always mess up!! good luck with appeal!!
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