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i herd theres a waiting week for new claims so mabye prepare for that??? not sure if thats still a thing in 2025 but i had to wait a week when i filed last year just fyi
Yes, the waiting week is still required for new claims in 2025. When you file a brand new claim (not when reopening), your first eligible week serves as an unpaid waiting week. However, this only applies to new claims - since the OP is currently reopening an existing claim, they shouldn't have a waiting week now. They would face a waiting week only when filing the completely new claim after exhausting the current benefits.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! Just to make sure I understand correctly: 1. I'm currently using my old claim with 23 weeks remaining (which is correct) 2. After I use those weeks OR my benefit year expires, I can file a new claim 3. For the new claim, I'll need 680+ hours from my 7 months at Company B (which I should have) 4. I should start the new application 1-2 weeks before my current benefits run out 5. There will be a waiting week for the new claim This is all super helpful for planning purposes. One last question - will my benefit amount on the current claim always be based on my income from Company A, or does it get recalculated with my Company B income too?
Your current claim's weekly benefit amount is fixed based on your earnings from the base year used when you first filed that claim (primarily from Company A). It won't be recalculated to include Company B earnings until you file a completely new claim. This is why some people find themselves receiving lower benefits when reopening an old claim despite having earned more at their recent job - the benefit calculation was based on their earlier, potentially lower-paying employment. Unfortunately, there's no way around this - you must exhaust the existing claim before filing a new one with updated earnings information.
i had a similar thing happen but they actually called me the NEXT day at like 7:30am! nearly missed it cause i wasnt expecting a call that early. maybe they'll surprise you tomorrow morning?
Just a quick update check - did ESD ever call you back? If not, I would definitely recommend calling them again. When claims are in adjudication for 5+ weeks, it sometimes means there's a documentation issue they need from you that might not be clearly marked in your online portal. Make sure to specifically ask if there are any documents or information they're waiting for from you. Sometimes the system doesn't properly notify claimants about pending document requests.
I had a similar thing happen but with my WAGES being wrong not the dates. What worked for me was going to WorkSource in person. The lady there couldn't fix it herself but she had a direct line to ESD and got me connected to someone who could help within 20 minutes. Way better than trying to call yourself. Just bring ID and all your documentation about the last day worked.
I work for a different state agency but interact with ESD sometimes. They launched a new claims system in January that's been having all kinds of data migration issues. Your problem is happening to a lot of people right now. I know it's frustrating but they are working on fixing these types of issues. If you can't get through on the phone, definitely try WorkSource. I've heard good things about their ability to help with claim issues.
For anyone dealing with overpayment issues, here are some important steps to follow: 1. Always appeal within the 30-day deadline if you disagree with an overpayment determination 2. Request a hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) if your reconsideration is denied 3. Document everything - save screenshots of all submissions and communications 4. Submit any evidence of your eligibility through eServices and by fax (yes, they still use fax) 5. If your appeal is denied, you can request a payment plan or hardship waiver I've helped dozens of people through this process, and persistence is key. Even after a denial, ESD periodically reviews cases, especially when policies change. In 2025, they've been more generous with forgiving older overpayments, particularly those related to work search requirements or employer-reported earnings discrepancies.
do you know if theres a specific form for the hardship waiver? i looked everywhere on the website and cant find it
Yes, it's called the "Overpayment Waiver Application" and you can request it by messaging through eServices or by calling. It's not available for download on the website for some reason. You'll need to document your finances thoroughly - income, expenses, assets, etc. They typically only approve these in cases of significant financial hardship.
I recommend checking your mail carefully for the next few weeks. In my experience, ESD often sends the official forgiveness letter several days (or even weeks) after they've already zeroed out the balance in their system. The letter should explain their reasoning and confirm that the matter is closed. This is an important document to keep for your records.
Noah Ali
One more thing - make sure your boyfriend continues to attend all scheduled hearing proceedings even if you secure representation. I've seen cases where the claimant thought their lawyer would handle everything and didn't show up themselves, which can result in an automatic ruling against them. The OAH judges expect both parties to participate.\n\nAlso, if you're unable to secure representation before the hearing date, you can request a continuance (postponement) by contacting the OAH directly. You'll need a good reason, but \
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Ethan Anderson
That's great advice - thank you! I'll make sure he understands he needs to be present regardless of whether we find an attorney. We'll also look into the continuance option if needed. The hearing notice says it will be conducted by phone - is that standard procedure or should we request an in-person hearing instead?
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