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off topic but has anyone noticed how the esd website is like 10x worse than it was last year? keeps crashing when im trying to file my weekly claim and i have to start all over. so annoying
Quick update question for OP - it's been a few days since your post. Any progress with your claim? Did ESD end up contacting you after the governor's office intervention?
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.
Something I forgot to mention earlier - if your appeal is successful, make sure to check your payment history once payments resume. Sometimes ESD misses paying certain weeks or calculates the wrong benefit amount for some weeks. I had to call them to fix two weeks they somehow skipped even though I had filed claims for them. Also, interest does NOT accrue on back payments owed to you, in case you were wondering.
Thanks everyone for the helpful info. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims, and I'll plan to contact ESD about 10 business days after the hearing if I don't see any movement. I've been documenting everything carefully, so hopefully that helps if there are any issues. Still worried about making January rent, but at least I have a better idea of the timeline now. I'm going to look into those emergency rental assistance programs just as a backup plan.
That's a good plan. Just make sure to take detailed notes during your hearing - especially about which specific issues the judge is deciding on and what their ruling is for each one. This will help tremendously if you need to call ESD later to check on implementation status. Good luck with your hearing!
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!
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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