


Ask the community...
Have you checked with your local WorkSource office? Sometimes they have free legal clinics or can refer you to pro bono attorneys who help with unemployment cases. Also, make sure to request all your claim records through a Privacy Act request before your hearing so you know exactly what your employer said about your separation.
I didn't know WorkSource might have those resources! I'll definitely check with them. And great tip about requesting the records - I had no idea I could do that. Do I just call ESD to request them or is there a form somewhere?
One more thing - when you have your hearing, the judge will ask both you and your former employer questions. Let your employer speak first and take notes on what they say. Often they'll contradict themselves or admit to things that actually help your case. Stay calm and stick to facts even if they say things that aren't true. The judge cares about documentation more than emotional arguments.
my cusin works at the unemployment office and she says lots of people have truble with the website so dont feel bad!! but she says the fax number is (800) 301-1796 if u want to fax ur stuff instead of uploading it. the library can help with faxing if u dont have a fax machine
That fax number looks correct, but just to clarify for everyone - that's for regular unemployment documents. If you're dealing with an overpayment issue or appeal, there are different fax numbers for those departments. Always double-check the letter they sent you for the correct fax number for your specific situation.
I understand your technology concerns! If you do end up trying to upload, here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Log into your eServices account 2. Click on "Upload a Document" under the Quick Links section 3. Select document type from the dropdown menu 4. Click "Browse" to find the file on your computer 5. Click "Upload" A helpful tip: The Tacoma Public Library offers free scanning services if you need to convert paper documents to digital files. They can help walk you through the process too. But the WorkSource center others mentioned is probably your best option for in-person assistance with the whole process.
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.
just curious whats the company they say u worked for? my cousin had this happen with some place called evergreen staffing and it turned out they mixed up ssn's with someone with similar name
Update us on what happens! Your case sounds resolvable but you need to be persistent. Document everything - dates you called, documents you submitted, etc. This will be helpful if you need to escalate the case later. Most importantly, keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication so you'll get backpay once it's resolved.
Zoe Kyriakidou
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?
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•I hope so! I'll make sure to keep my phone nearby early tomorrow just in case.
0 coins
Ethan Wilson
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.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•They actually called this morning at 8:15am! Four days after the scheduled time. The specialist said there was a question about my work search activities but we got it sorted out. She said my claim should be processed within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed!
0 coins