Regarding collections during appeals: ESD can begin collection activities while your appeal is pending, but they typically don't move to wage garnishment immediately. Setting up even a minimal payment plan (like $25/month) can prevent more aggressive collection actions. For your situation with PEUC and job search requirements, I'd recommend: 1. File your appeal immediately through eServices (under the Unemployment Claims section, not just from the notice) 2. Explicitly state in your appeal that you understood job search requirements were modified during the period in question, and that you complied with the requirements as they were communicated at that time 3. Request a waiver based on both administrative error (changing/unclear requirements) AND financial hardship 4. Include any emails or screenshots showing the job search information you submitted at the time In your hearing, focus on the unclear guidance during COVID transitions and how you attempted to comply with requirements as you understood them. Success rates for appeals on COVID-era overpayments have been higher than standard overpayments.

I'm going through something very similar right now! Got hit with a $3,100 overpayment notice last week for PEUC benefits from 2021. Like you, I'm completely confused because I thought I was following all the rules at the time. One thing that's helped me is keeping a detailed log of every attempt to contact ESD - date, time, what happened (busy signal, disconnected, etc.). I've heard this documentation can be useful if you end up in a hearing to show you made good faith efforts to resolve things. Also, I found out there's a difference between the "Petition for Review" (which is the formal appeal) and the overpayment waiver request. You apparently need to do both if you want the full waiver option. The waiver form is called "Request for Overpayment Waiver" but it's buried pretty deep in the eServices system. Has anyone had luck with contacting their state representative's office for help? I'm considering that route since the regular phone lines are impossible. Good luck with everything - this whole situation is so stressful!

Glad we could help! Temp workers definitely have the same unemployment rights as everyone else in Washington.

Just wanted to add that when you file, make sure to report any severance pay or final paychecks you received from the temp agency. Washington ESD needs to know about all compensation to properly calculate your benefits timing. Also, keep records of when each assignment ended in case they ask for details later.

Just wanted to follow up: did you manage to file your weekly claim? If you're still having issues, make sure you're calling during the correct timeframe (Sunday-Friday, 8am-4pm) and that you haven't missed your filing deadline. Each week has a specific window when you can file.

So glad you got it sorted out! For anyone else reading this thread - I work at a local workforce center and we've been getting a lot of calls about this exact issue. The ESD phone system changes seem to be causing confusion for a lot of people. If you're still having trouble after trying all the suggestions here, you can also visit your local WorkSource office and they can help you file your weekly claim in person. Most offices are open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Just bring your SSN and any documents related to your claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about taking this contract work now. I'll report everything properly and keep good records. Sounds like as long as I'm honest about it, I should be fine.

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been doing occasional freelance web development while on unemployment for the past few months. The key thing I learned is to be super precise about the dates when you actually performed the work vs when you got paid. I had one project where I worked 3 days in one week and 2 days the following week, but got paid in a lump sum later. I reported the earnings proportionally across those specific days I worked ($300 for week 1, $200 for week 2) and it went smoothly. Also keep detailed time logs if possible - Washington ESD appreciates when you can show exactly how you calculated your weekly earnings breakdown.

my roomate says if you file on saturday instead of sunday the payment sometimes comes through before the holiday. might be worth trying next time there's a holiday coming up

UPDATE: Payment just hit my account this morning! Only one day late because of the holiday. Thanks everyone for your help and advice - I'll definitely be marking all the holidays on my calendar for the rest of the year so I'm not caught off guard again!