Based on current ESD processing timelines, here's what you should expect with overpayment waivers: * Acknowledgment letter: 1-2 weeks after submission * Initial review: 10-12 weeks after submission * Final determination: 16-20 weeks after submission The best strategy while waiting is to: 1. Request a hold on collections actions while your waiver is pending 2. Check your online correspondence folder at least weekly 3. If you approach the 20-week mark, that's when you should escalate by contacting your state representative In most cases, reaching out earlier won't expedite the process as they review applications in the order received. However, if you're facing imminent wage garnishment or tax intercept, that's considered a hardship case that can be prioritized.

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I submitted my overpayment waiver back in August for $4,100 and I'm still waiting. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that I should hear something soon since I'm approaching the 16-week mark. I did get an acknowledgment letter, so at least I know it's in the system. Has anyone had success with requesting that collections hold while the waiver is pending? I'm worried about them starting garnishment before my waiver gets processed. Also planning to try that direct collections number tomorrow - thanks for sharing that resource!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Sounds like I need to register for unemployment taxes since I'll be a regular business with employees. Going to get that process started this week and make sure I'm compliant from day one.

Just wanted to add something I learned recently - even if you think you might qualify for an exemption, Washington ESD requires you to apply for that exemption formally. You can't just assume you're exempt and not register. I made this mistake with a nonprofit I helped start, thinking we were automatically exempt, but we still had to file paperwork to get the exemption approved. The application process takes time too, so it's better to start early if you think you might qualify.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Sounds like I should expect payment on Tuesday in most cases, but I'll plan for Wednesday just to be safe. I'm with a credit union, so hopefully that speeds things up a bit. I'll update here with my experience once I get my first payment in case it helps someone else.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's been on UI for about 6 months now. The Tuesday payment after Sunday filing is pretty reliable, but here are a few things that can mess with the timing: 1. If you have any earnings to report (even $1 from odd jobs), it can delay processing by a day 2. Holiday weekends will push everything back - Memorial Day weekend had my payment come Thursday instead of Tuesday 3. If you're doing seasonal work or have any "stop/start" periods on your claim, the first payment back can take 3-4 days instead of 2 Also, pro tip: set up text alerts with your bank for deposits. That way you'll know the second it hits instead of constantly checking your account balance. The anxiety of waiting for that payment is real!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm definitely going to fill out the form and send it in before the deadline. I'll also make a copy for my records just in case. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge - this was stressing me out!

Just wanted to add my experience - I received this same letter a few weeks ago and called ESD directly to ask about it. The representative confirmed that these are being sent to everyone who received pandemic-era benefits as a precautionary measure. She explained that the federal government is requiring states to do a comprehensive review of all PUA, PEUC, and FPUC payments from 2020-2021, and rather than wait for potential overpayments to be identified, they're giving people the chance to request waivers upfront. Even if you think everything was correct with your claim, it's worth submitting the form because the review process might identify issues that weren't caught initially (like documentation requirements that changed during the pandemic). The agent stressed that having a waiver request on file protects you if they do find something later. Takes maybe 15 minutes to fill out and could save you thousands if they determine there was an overpayment.

Thanks for the tip! I definitely mentioned potential eviction when I called yesterday, so hopefully that helps. I'll keep an eye out for separate deposits too - good to know they might not come all at once.

I went through this exact situation last year - expedited after 6 weeks in adjudication for a job separation issue. In my case, it took 9 business days from expedite to payment, but I had to call on day 8 because they needed clarification on my termination circumstances. The good news is once it was resolved, I got ALL my back weeks in one lump sum payment, which was honestly life-saving since I was also behind on rent. One thing that helped me was calling early in the morning (right at 8am) - seemed like the wait times were shorter then. Keep filing those weekly claims and stay positive - you're in the home stretch now!