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Thank you all for the suggestions! I tried calling this morning at 8:00 am sharp using the menu options suggested, but still ended up in the automated system with a "high call volume" message. I've gone ahead and sent a message through eServices AND emailed my state rep as suggested. I may try the Claimyr service tomorrow if I don't hear anything by then. This is so frustrating - I've been working for 7 years and this is the first time I've ever needed unemployment. I had no idea it would be this difficult just to talk to someone about why my claim was denied.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ESD yet? Did any of the methods work for you?
YES! I finally got through using Claimyr this morning after trying for 3 more days with no luck on the regular line. The agent confirmed it was a system error related to my identity verification. Apparently my driver's license expiration date was entered incorrectly. They fixed it on the spot and said my payments should resume next week. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
One more important note: When filing your appeal, specifically request what's called a "de novo review" of your entire claim. This means the judge will look at your case from scratch, not just the availability issue. Since you already have a favorable ruling on the voluntary quit issue, this could be advantageous. Also, contact the Administrative Hearings Coordinator and request that your previous favorable decision be included in the record for your new appeal. This creates a stronger paper trail showing that part of your eligibility has already been established.
To answer your earlier question - yes, absolutely continue filing your weekly claims while appealing. If you win your appeal, they can only pay you for weeks you properly filed claims. And file your appeal online through eServices so you have immediate confirmation it was received. The clock is ticking on that 30-day deadline!
The REAL question is why does ESD still have a phone system from the stone age when everything else in the world has moved online?? They've had YEARS to fix this!! And don't even get me started on their "new and improved" website that's down for maintenance every other weekend. I swear they do this on purpose to make people give up on claiming benefits.
I understand the frustration, but the phone system actually serves an important purpose for people with limited internet access, disabilities, or language barriers. The integration issues are definitely a problem though. ESD has been allocated funds to upgrade their systems, but these large government IT projects take time to implement properly.
is there a time limit on filing weekly claims? i missed last week and wondering if i can still file or if im out of luck
@user123 - That's a completely different question from what OP was asking, but yes, you have until the end of the following week to file a weekly claim. So if you missed last week, file it ASAP before this week ends. You'll need to provide a good reason for filing late, and it might delay your payment.
One other important thing to remember is that you still need to do your 3 job search activities each week, even while the overpayment is being sorted out. I've seen people get denied because they thought they could skip this requirement while dealing with other ESD issues. Keep detailed records of all your job search activities!
Just to follow up on your question - yes, virtual job fairs still count as a job search activity as of 2025. Also, I want to clarify about the offset process: while 50% is standard, ESD does have an official financial hardship application that can reduce the offset percentage if you can demonstrate that the 50% offset would cause significant financial hardship. You'll need to provide documentation of your expenses versus income. The form is available in your eServices account under the "Upload a Document" section.
Anastasia Popova
Last year I was in adjudication for 8 weeks, and what finally worked was sending a direct email to the ESD Commissioner's office explaining my hardship situation. I'm not saying it will work for everyone, but within 3 days of sending that email, my claim was suddenly processed. Sometimes going straight to the top can shake things loose when the normal channels are backed up. I included details about facing eviction and having medical needs that couldn't wait. If you're in a genuinely dire situation, it might be worth trying.
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Freya Andersen
•Do you still have the email address you used? I'm definitely in a hardship situation at this point - about to miss rent and car payment, and I have medication I need to refill next week.
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Anastasia Popova
•I believe I sent it to commissioner@esd.wa.gov but that was last year so maybe double-check their website to make sure it's still current. Keep your email concise but include specific details about your hardship situation and all the steps you've already taken (governor's office, legislator, etc). Good luck!
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Omar Farouk
Just checking back - any updates? Did any of the suggestions help move your claim forward?
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Freya Andersen
•Small progress! I finally got through to someone at ESD using Claimyr (definitely worth it after weeks of trying on my own). The agent confirmed there's an employer verification issue that's not showing on my portal. My former employer apparently hasn't responded to ESD's requests for information. I've contacted my ex-employer and they're going to submit the required info today. The agent also noted the hardship on my account and said it should expedite things once the employer responds. Fingers crossed, but at least now I know what the holdup is!
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