One other tip - if your claim is still not resolved after 6 weeks, you can request an "escalation" by sending a secure message through your ESD account. Go to the dashboard, click on "Send a message", then select "Claims Questions" from the dropdown. Explain that it's been X weeks since you filed a combined wage claim and there's still no update regarding your Oregon wages. Ask specifically for the claim to be escalated to a claims specialist. In the meantime, if you're facing financial hardship while waiting, be sure to indicate that as well. Sometimes they can expedite truly urgent cases.

Update: I checked the ESD handbook and found this official statement about combined wage claims: "Combined wage claims may take 30 business days or longer to process as we must wait for other states to transfer your wages." So unfortunately, your 3-week wait is still within the normal timeframe. I know it's frustrating, but at least according to their official guidance, you're not yet at the point where something has definitely gone wrong. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add my experience - I had my overpayment waived last year and got back the money I'd paid, but completely forgot about two weeks that never got paid during the investigation. When I realized it months later and called about it, they told me it was too late to claim those weeks. Apparently there's some time limit (I think 30 days?) after your eligibility is confirmed to request those unpaid weeks. So definitely don't wait to contact them!

One more suggestion - when you do get through to ESD, ask for a claims specialist who is familiar with overpayment waivers and redeterminations. Not all agents are equally knowledgeable about this specific situation. If the first person you speak with seems unsure, politely ask to be transferred to someone who specializes in post-waiver claims processing. Also, if you run into resistance, mention RCW 50.20.190, which is the Washington state law governing unemployment overpayments and waivers. The fact that your waiver was approved establishes that you were eligible for benefits during that period, which should apply to all weeks during your eligible period.

my claim took 9 weeks last year before getting approved. ESD is the worst. i heard they expedite things if you claim hardship like eviction notice or utility shutoff. maybe try that angle?

Update: I uploaded my contract end documentation and then tried calling ESD again today. Still couldn't get through after 14 attempts. This is so frustrating! I'm starting to wonder if I should just give up and try finding another job ASAP even though I've been applying everywhere for weeks with no luck. The stress is making me physically ill at this point.

i dont understand why ESD is doing this to so many people years later!!! its like they gave us the money when we needed it then changed the rules after the fact. my cousin had to set up a payment plan for $15,000 even though she did everything right. the system is broken!!!!!

One important detail to add about your waiver request: make sure you explain that you relied on the benefits in good faith and have already spent the money on necessary living expenses. The financial equity waiver is particularly strong when you can demonstrate that: 1. You had no reason to believe you were receiving benefits incorrectly 2. You used the money for basic needs, not luxury items 3. Repayment would cause significant financial hardship now 4. You've made efforts to resolve the situation Be very specific about your current financial situation - include your monthly income and expenses, any savings you have, and any debts or other financial obligations. The more concrete your hardship description, the stronger your case. Also, don't be discouraged if your initial waiver is denied. Many people succeed on appeal or reconsideration.

I had a very similar issue last month. After trying unsuccessfully to reach someone by phone for days, I went to my local WorkSource office in person. They couldn't directly fix my claim issues, but the staff member was able to submit an internal message to ESD on my behalf flagging my account for urgent review. Within 3 days, I received a call from an ESD adjudicator who explained the issue and helped resolve it. Might be worth trying if you live near a WorkSource office.

One last thing to try: check if there's a new "Questionnaire" or "Fact-finding" item in his eServices account. Sometimes these don't trigger notifications but have deadlines. If you find one, complete it ASAP and call to let them know it's done. Also, even if your benefits are currently disqualified, KEEP FILING the weekly claims without interruption. If the disqualification is reversed (which happens often when it's a system error or misunderstanding), you can only get back-payments for weeks you properly filed claims for.