Washington Unemployment
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OAH portal shows wrong info in my denial reason - mentions claims from past 4 years I never filed
I'm completely baffled by what I just found in the OAH portal. I appealed my ESD denial (first-time unemployment claim ever!) and finally got access to view the full docket. When I read the last page explaining why I was denied, it makes absolutely no sense. It references unemployment claims from the "past 4 years" which is impossible because I've NEVER filed for unemployment before this claim. It seriously reads like they mixed up my information with someone else's case. I'm freaking out because my hearing is scheduled and I have no idea how to address this bizarre mistake. Has anyone dealt with incorrect information in their denial documents? Should I try calling ESD to get this fixed before the hearing, or just wait and explain at the hearing? I'm worried if I wait, the judge will just uphold the denial based on this incorrect information.
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OAH Appeal hearing scheduled - need advice on defending my 'quit with good cause' claim due to unpaid wages
Just got a packet from OAH with an appeal hearing set for 4/15/25. I'm freaking out a bit and could use some guidance! My situation: I quit my job last month after my employer repeatedly failed to pay me on time (happened 5 times in 3 months). We're talking delays of 7-10 days each time, which caused me to miss rent payments twice and get hit with late fees. When I filed for unemployment, I was initially approved because ESD determined I quit with good cause due to the illegal pay delays (plus my employer didn't respond to ESD's inquiry). Now my ex-employer is appealing, claiming I have "no grounds for claiming UE due to illegal activity" and that they "abide by all city and state laws." They submitted my resignation letter as evidence that I voluntarily quit without good cause. The hearing notice says it will determine whether I: - Voluntarily quit with good cause due to illegal activities at worksite under RCW 50.20.050 - Voluntarily quit without good cause under RCW 50.20.050 - Was discharged for misconduct as defined in RCW 50.04.294 - Became unemployed due to lack of work I've already received about $4,560 in benefits that I might have to repay if I lose. Do I need an attorney for this? What evidence should I bring? I have text messages complaining about late payments and bank statements showing the late deposits. Will that be enough? I'm worried this shady employer will twist things around.
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my hearing was actually kinda quick - about 45 minutes. the judge asked me questions first, then my employer, then gave me a chance to respond to what they said. just be honest and stick to the facts about those late payments!!
IMPORTANT: If you can't make the hearing date for any reason, call OAH immediately to request a continuance. Don't wait until the last minute. If you miss your hearing without getting it rescheduled, you'll automatically lose and have to repay all benefits. Also, you'll probably get a decision within 1-2 weeks after the hearing. It will come by mail, so make sure ESD has your current address. If you win, great! If you lose, you have 30 days to file a petition for review with the Commissioner's Office. That's a whole separate process, but don't worry about that unless it happens. Rooting for you!
Thank you! I'll definitely be there, but that's good to know in case something unexpected comes up. Really appreciate all this advice from everyone.
ESD denied UI claim for waiting too long after 25% hours reduction - time limit rules?
I'm really frustrated right now and hoping someone can help clarify ESD rules. My employer cut my hours by 25% back in January, promising it was temporary until we secured new business. Instead of quitting immediately, I stuck around for about 3 months helping develop proposals for potential clients (worked closely with our BD team on 5 different pitches). None of them panned out, so I eventually resigned to find full-time work elsewhere. When I applied for unemployment, ESD denied my claim stating I "waited too long after the hours reduction to file." This makes no sense to me! I was being a loyal employee trying to help the company recover while working reduced hours. Now I'm being penalized for not quitting immediately? I've searched everywhere on the ESD website but can't find any specific timeframe stating how quickly you must file after a hours reduction. Does anyone know if there's actually a time limit rule? Has anyone successfully appealed a similar situation? I'm considering filing an appeal but want to know if I have any grounds.
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One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you file your appeal, make sure to specifically request to continue receiving benefits during the appeal process if you're otherwise eligible (like actively job searching and doing your weekly claims). Many people don't realize you can potentially get benefits while appealing if you request it specifically. Also, in your appeal statement, focus on these key points: 1. You continued working with the understanding the reduction was temporary 2. You actively participated in efforts to restore business (those proposals) 3. You only resigned when it became clear the reduction would be permanent ESD's guidelines do have some flexibility for "good faith" situations like yours, but you need to be very clear about the timeline and your reasoning.
Thank you for these specific suggestions! I'll definitely emphasize these points in my appeal. Quick question - should I continue filing weekly claims while I wait for my appeal hearing? I wasn't sure if I should bother since the initial claim was denied.
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I've started gathering all my documentation - found emails confirming the hours reduction was presented as temporary and evidence of the proposal work I was doing to try to bring in new business. I've submitted my appeal request and will continue filing weekly claims as suggested. I'll update this thread after my hearing to let you know how it goes!
good luck!! fight the system!! 💪
ESD adjudication date shows today but pending issue still shows September - what's happening?
I'm going crazy with my unemployment claim stuck in adjudication purgatory! When I check my eServices account, the adjudication date says TODAY, but when I click on the pending issues section, it still shows a date from September (over 2 months ago)! Is this system glitch normal or did something actually update? I managed to reach someone through the governor's office number last week but missed their callback (of course when I'm in the bathroom for 5 minutes...) and haven't been able to get another callback scheduled. I've been waiting on this resolution for my benefits since SEPTEMBER and bills are piling up fast. Has anyone experienced this date discrepancy? Does it mean they're finally looking at my claim today or is the system just taunting me?
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That Claimyr service someone mentioned sounds interesting. Has anyone else tried it? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my claim too.
Yes, it worked well for me and several people I know who were stuck in adjudication. Much faster than trying the regular phone lines. The key is to be prepared with all your claim information when you do get through to an agent.
UPDATE: You guys were right! I just got a determination letter in my eServices inbox! Claim APPROVED and they're releasing all my back payments from September! I'm literally crying right now. Thank you all for the support and advice during this nightmare process!
That's fantastic news! I'm so glad it worked out for you. Make sure to keep doing your job search activities until you find work, as they do occasionally audit those.
ESD denied second week for 'excessive earnings' after severance - is this normal?
I got laid off from my marketing position on January 15, 2025 and received a severance package (about $8,500 before taxes). I disclosed this on my unemployment application right away. My ESD claim status is confusing me - my first week is still sitting at 'pending' but my second week was flat-out denied citing 'excessive earnings.' Is this how it's supposed to work in Washington? My former coworkers in Oregon and California who also got severance are receiving benefits without issues. I'm getting worried since my severance will run out soon and rent in Seattle isn't cheap. Did I mess something up on my application? Anyone have experience with how ESD handles severance payments?
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You should be able to see your severance allocation period by logging into your eServices account and checking the "Decisions" tab. There should be a determination letter that explains exactly how many weeks your severance affects your claim. If you can't find it, ask for them to resend the determination letter - this will tell you exactly when you can expect payments to begin. And just to clarify something others have mentioned - it's not about the NUMBER of weeks you worked, but rather your severance amount divided by your weekly benefit amount. So if your severance was $8,500 and your weekly benefit would be $850, that's 10 weeks of ineligibility.
Thank you! I checked the Decisions tab and found the letter. You're right - they calculated exactly 10 weeks from my layoff date before I'll be eligible. At least now I can plan accordingly.
One thing no one mentioned - make sure you're still doing your required job search activities every week even during this waiting period! You need 3 job search activities each week, and if you're not doing them and logging them properly, you could be denied benefits once your severance period ends. Don't make that mistake!
Oh that's a really good point! I've been applying to jobs but wasn't logging them since I figured it didn't matter during this waiting period. I'll start documenting everything right away.
Tate Jensen
Update on the Claimyr suggestion - after the OP mentioned they'll check it out, I wanted to add that when I used it, I just had my claim ID and SSN ready, which is what the ESD agent needed to look up my file. The whole thing took about 25 minutes total from starting the service to talking with an agent. Just sharing in case it helps!
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Ev Luca
Is it worth it tho? I've heard ppl say they just got the same answers they would've gotten anyway after waiting in the regular ESD queue. Were they actually able to fix your file or just make notes?
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Tate Jensen
In my case, they actually fixed the issue and documented it in my file. The big difference was being able to speak to someone BEFORE my hearing instead of waiting 2+ weeks for my hearing date to arrive with the error still in place. The agent I spoke with was really helpful - I think it's just about getting through to someone quickly rather than the service providing different answers.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
UPDATE: I used Claimyr and got through to an ESD rep today! They confirmed there was indeed a mix-up in their system. Someone with a similar name had previous claims, and somehow that info got linked to my case. The agent made detailed notes in my file and is sending corrected info to OAH before my hearing. They said to still bring my employment history docs as backup. Feeling SO much better now - thank you all for the advice!
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Avery Davis
That's excellent news! I'm glad you got it resolved before your hearing. Make sure to mention at the beginning of your hearing that you've already spoken with ESD about the error and that they've made corrections to your file. This shows you've been proactive about resolving the issue. Good luck with your hearing!
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Marcelle Drum
So happy it worked out for you!! 🙌
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