Washington Unemployment
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ESD demanding $5,700 overpayment after 8 months - can't afford to pay it back!
Just got a letter from ESD saying I was overpaid by $5,700 during my unemployment last year and now I have 30 days to pay it all back. I'm absolutely devastated. They took 8 MONTHS to decide this but expect me to come up with thousands in 30 days?! The letter claims I 'failed to report earnings' but I reported EVERY SINGLE CENT from my part-time gig correctly each week. I even double-checked my numbers each time because I was paranoid about making mistakes. The money is long gone - used for rent, utilities, food, and my kid's medical bills while I was searching for full-time work. I finally found a decent job 2 months ago but I'm still playing catch-up on bills from being unemployed. There's no way I can pay this back. Has anyone successfully fought an overpayment notice? I'm panicking and don't know what to do.
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Changed my ESD payment method - how long until it takes effect?
I switched my unemployment payment method from direct deposit to the ESD debit card yesterday through eServices. Anyone know how long it typically takes before the change goes into effect? I'm supposed to get paid this week (already filed my weekly claim) and I'm worried about where the money will end up. The ESD website doesn't give any clear timeframe. Really need this payment to come through without issues!
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The WORST thing about ESD is that they never CLEARLY explain these timeframes ANYWHERE on their website!!! I changed my payment method THREE TIMES last year because I thought it wasn't working, only to discover later that I just hadn't waited long enough between changes! So annoying!
So true. I wish they'd update their site with actual helpful information instead of vague instructions. I had to learn everything through trial and error too.
To clarify for everyone: Payment method changes in the ESD system typically take 1-3 business days to fully process. However, if a payment is already in process when you make the change, that payment will still go to your previous method. For the original poster, since you changed it Tuesday evening, your payment this week will most likely still go to direct deposit, and next week's will go to the debit card. You can verify this by checking your payment status in eServices - it will show which payment method is being used for each specific payment.
Thanks for the clear explanation! I just checked eServices and you're right - it shows this week's payment is still going to direct deposit. At least now I know where to look for my money.
ESD claim still processing after waiting week - normal delay or problem?
Filed for my partner's unemployment on February 18th after he was let go from his construction job on the 16th. His first week says 'waiting week' which I understand doesn't get paid. But we just submitted his second weekly claim Sunday at midnight and it still shows 'processing' with no payment. No notifications or messages saying we need to provide additional info. His previous pandemic overpayment was already waived last year, so there shouldn't be any flags on his account. How long does processing normally take after the waiting week? Should we be worried or is this typical ESD timeline? Anyone been through this recently?
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when i got laid off in january my claim got stuck in processing too but it was because i accidentally put the wrong social security number (transposed two digits lol). double check all the info you entered is 100% correct. sometimes the smallest error can hold things up for weeks!
Oh gosh, I never thought of that! I'll have him review all his personal info tonight just to make sure. We were pretty tired when we filed it, so it's possible we made a small mistake. Thank you!
Any updates? Did your partner's claim move from processing to paid yet? I'm in a similar situation now and wondering how long I'll be waiting...
Yes! It finally changed from processing to paid yesterday - took 8 days total. We never did figure out what the holdup was, it just suddenly moved forward. My guess is his employer was slow to respond. Hope yours moves quickly too!
ESD claims stuck in pending limbo since December - entire workplace affected
My unemployment claim has been stuck in pending status since December 8, 2022 and I'm at my wits' end! I've literally tried EVERYTHING - sent multiple letters to ESD, uploaded every document they could possibly want, sent messages through eServices, and I've been calling daily (sometimes 15+ times) for weeks. Nothing but silence or generic responses. What's really weird is that 6 other people from my manufacturing job are having the exact same issue. We were all temporarily laid off due to facility upgrades, and none of us are getting paid for the time. My supervisor said we'd be back by February 15th, but I'm drowning in bills right now. Has anyone else experienced this kind of lengthy pending status? Is there some kind of manufacturing sector issue happening? I don't understand why an entire group from the same workplace would all have problems. Any advice on how to actually get someone to review our claims?
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QUICK UPDATE: I talked to our HR rep and you all were right! They received requests from ESD back in December for all of us but the new HR manager didn't know what to do with them and they've been sitting in her email. She's submitting everything today and apologized for the delay. I also submitted a formal complaint through the ESD website and contacted my state rep. Hoping something breaks loose soon. Thanks everyone for the advice!!
That's great! Let us know if it fixes the issue for everyone. I'm still trying to figure out what's going on with mine 😫
One more thing to consider - now that your HR is submitting the information, you might need to call ESD to have them expedite processing the employer's response. Otherwise, it can still sit in their queue for weeks. When you call, specifically mention that the employer has now provided the requested information and you'd like the claim to be reactivated. Use the phrase "economic hardship" when explaining your situation - that can sometimes flag your case for expedited handling.
Good advice - also be prepared that you might need to submit documentation showing you've been job searching for all these weeks if you weren't officially on standby status. I had to upload proof of job search activities retroactively when I was in a similar situation. Better to start gathering that info now just in case.
Need help appealing ESD denial - can't get through on phones for WEEKS!
I'm at my wits end trying to file an appeal for my denied unemployment claim! For the past 3 weeks, I've been calling ESD literally every day from 8am until they close, and I NEVER get through - just constant busy signals or that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume. Meanwhile, I got this denial letter about 25 days ago, and I know there's a deadline to appeal. I'm still doing all my required job search activities and filing my weekly claims even though I'm not getting paid. How do I actually talk to a human being at ESD to file my appeal? The online system isn't helping - there's no clear option for appealing a denial. Is there a special number or email I should be using? I'm seriously worried about missing the appeal deadline!
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I had something similar happen to me last year...tried calling for weeks and couldn't get through. My neighbor told me to try calling exactly at 7:59am right before they open, and then keep redialing continuously for the first 10 minutes. I finally got through that way after trying for 3 days. Sometimes their system lets a few calls through right when they open before it gets overwhelmed.
i tried that too but it didnt work for me. just got the same busy signal
Yeah it doesn't always work...took me 3 mornings of trying. Just another option if the appeal doesn't work out.
One more important tip: prepare for your hearing in advance! If your appeal gets accepted, you'll receive a hearing date with an Administrative Law Judge. You should: 1. Gather ALL documents related to your case 2. Write down a clear timeline of events 3. Be prepared to explain exactly why you meet the eligibility requirements 4. If your availability for work is the issue, bring examples of job postings that fit your availability The hearing is your chance to present your case, so be organized and factual. The judge won't know anything except what's in your file, so you need to clearly explain your situation.
This is super helpful! I've started a folder with all my documentation. I've also started taking screenshots of job postings that match my availability to prove there are plenty of jobs I could work with my schedule limitations. I'll make sure to have everything organized before the hearing.
Katherine Harris
whatever u do DONT agree to any payment plan until after ur appeal!!!! my friend did that and they used it against her saying she 'acknowledged the debt' or something stupid like that. fight it all the way!!!
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Ezra Collins
This isn't entirely accurate. Requesting a payment plan doesn't waive your right to appeal the underlying overpayment determination. The appeal and the payment arrangement are separate processes. However, I'd recommend clearly stating in your payment plan request that you're "making payments while contesting the validity of the overpayment" to avoid any confusion.
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Justin Evans
u should call ur state representative too! my boyfriend did that when esd was being impossible and suddenly they fixed everything real quick lol. politicians hate bad press so they usually help
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Sophia Clark
AuthorThat's a great idea I wouldn't have thought of! Just looked up my district representatives - I'm going to email all three of them today. At this point I need all the help I can get.
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