Former ESD employee here. The system is unfortunately designed to manage call volume by disconnecting when all agents are busy, rather than creating long hold queues. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call EXACTLY at 8:00:00 AM when the phone lines open 2. If disconnected, wait 2-3 minutes before trying again (consecutive immediate redials get flagged as spam) 3. Use a landline if possible (more stable connection) 4. Have all your information ready (claim ID, dates, specific questions) 5. Be extremely specific about your issue when you do reach an agent For your job search log issue: if you're getting an error when entering activities, try using different activity types. Some claimants have success with "job application" rather than "job search" activities as the system validates them differently.

I was finally able to get through to ESD last month about a similar issue! I noticed that calling on Wednesday around 3:15pm worked for me. The agent told me that's when their call volume typically dips a bit. Also, make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue. The general claims line (800-318-6022) is different from the weekly claims line (800-318-6020). Good luck!

Also my hearing was done by phone, not in person. Make sure ur phone number is updated in the system and that you answer ALL calls during your scheduled hearing time even if the number looks weird. I almost missed mine cuz it came from a weird area code I didn't recognize!

While you're waiting for your hearing date, use this time to thoroughly prepare. Review the ESD Claimant Handbook section on appeals (pages 39-42), gather all documentation about your separation from employment, and consider if you need witnesses. OAH hearings are formal proceedings where both you and ESD will present your case to an Administrative Law Judge, so preparation makes a significant difference in outcomes. When you do receive your hearing notice, it will include important information about your rights, how to submit evidence, and deadlines for doing so. Read every page carefully.

Just to clarify one technical point about reopening claims: when you reopen, you're required to register for job search services through WorkSource again and resume your job search activities (3 per week). Even if you were exempt before (like on standby status), you need to check if that exemption still applies when reopening. This is a common issue people miss when reopening claims. The job search requirements are strictly enforced now compared to earlier years.

Let us know how it goes! I'm curious if there are any delays with reopening claims in 2025. When I did mine last year it was pretty quick, but I've heard ESD's systems have been updated since then.

Update: I spoke with an ESD agent yesterday who confirmed I should include ALL hours I was required to be at the workplace, including the unpaid time between clients. I've submitted my application with the corrected hours (adding all those 30-min breaks) and it puts me well above the 680 hour threshold! The agent said they might contact my former employer to verify, but as long as I can prove it was mandatory time (I found our employee handbook that states we must remain on premises between appointments), I should be good. Thanks everyone for your help!

One more thing to keep in mind - if your employer disputes the hours, don't panic. ESD will schedule a fact-finding interview where both sides can present their evidence. Just make sure to attend the interview and clearly explain the workplace policy. Having that employee handbook is perfect evidence. Also, if you have any emails or text messages about staying on premises between clients, save those too. Documentation is your best friend in these situations.

my friend did the WorkSource thing and said they helped him with resume writing and interview practice which was actually useful. maybe try that part even if their training isn't AI specific

To update on your question about online certifications: Online training CAN qualify for CAT if it's from an approved provider and is part of a structured program with defined start/end dates and course hours. Self-paced learning generally doesn't qualify. I'd recommend these steps: 1. Set up an appointment with a WorkSource career counselor (they're familiar with what ESD typically approves) 2. Bring a list of specific AI programs you're interested in 3. Ask them to help you determine which would likely qualify for CAT 4. Have them help you with the application paperwork In my experience, having a WorkSource counselor advocate for your application increases approval chances substantially. They know exactly what documentation ESD is looking for.

The problem with ESD is they're so INCONSISTENT!! My friend and I had almost identical overpayment situations but she got a payment plan of $60/month and they wanted me to pay $225/month!! When I asked why, they just gave me some generic explanation about "financial assessment" but wouldn't explain the actual formula. Its just whoever you get on the phone that day and what mood theyre in!!! The whole system is broken.

To add to my earlier comment about winning appeals - preparation is everything. The Administrative Law Judges who hear these cases have very specific procedures. A few more tips: 1. The burden of proof is on ESD, not you. They must prove you weren't eligible. 2. You can request a postponement if you need more time to gather evidence. 3. You can call witnesses (like former employers) to testify on your behalf. 4. Keep your testimony focused on the specific issue in the determination letter. Regarding repayment: if you're experiencing financial hardship, you can request a reduction or waiver of the overpayment. You'll need to complete ESD's financial statement form and provide documentation of your income and expenses. In extreme cases of hardship, I've seen ESD waive overpayments entirely.

i had this happen to me and it was nothing just wait a day or 2. esd system is old and weird lol. their computers probly run on windows 95 🤣

DONT TRUST THE WEBSITE!! call them!!! same thing happened to me and then they said i had an issue they needed to fix. but the website never showed any issues or warnings!!! they kept saying everything was fine on the website but it wasnt and i almost missed out on 2 weeks of payments because of it!!!!!

Just a quick update based on other comments - the quarterly wage review is a very likely culprit since we just finished Q1 2025. This happens automatically in their system and often creates a 1-2 week delay while they verify no unreported wages. If that's the case, it should resolve automatically, but calling to confirm is still your best option.

UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning! You guys were right - it was a quarterly review thing. The agent said it should be resolved within 48 hours and my payment should come through by the end of the week. She also mentioned they're supposed to be implementing a new notification system later this year that will actually tell claimants WHY their payment is pending instead of leaving us in the dark. That would be a huge improvement!

Another approach could be to call ESD and ask about a "standby" status for your husband's situation. Sometimes with seasonal or periodic work interruptions, standby status can be more appropriate than regular unemployment. However, I'm not sure if apprenticeship training weeks qualify under the standby rules - that's something an ESD agent would need to confirm.

I'm confused - if he's in class during that week, isn't that considered "available for work"? I thought you had to be able and available to get unemployment? Or is there a special rule for apprenticeship classes?

To address your question about job searches - yes, you'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week as long as you're claiming benefits, even if it's just for two weeks. These can be job applications, attending WorkSource workshops, creating accounts on job boards, etc. Document everything carefully in your job search log. Since you're moving to Spokane, you could focus your search there if you want.

One more thing - when they process your claim, ESD will automatically contact your employer for their side of the story. Be prepared for the possibility of needing to provide additional information or even having a phone interview with an adjudicator if your employer disputes the circumstances. Make sure to keep checking your eServices account and respond to any requests promptly. Your clear documentation showing you gave notice and they terminated you should help your case.