I got my overpayment notice like a year and a half after my last payment! It was for $4,800 and I thought I was gonna have a heart attack. I called ESD like 20 times and couldn't get through. Then I went to WorkSource in person and they helped me figure out that it was because my employer reported that I quit instead of being laid off. I had documentation proving I was laid off, filed an appeal, and eventually won. The whole process took almost 5 months though. Definitely appeal within the 30 days - that's super important!

After trying to use Claimyr as someone suggested above, I got through to ESD in about 45 minutes instead of the days I was spending redialing. The agent explained they can set up payment plans for as little as $25 a month if needed! But definitely appeal first if you think there's an error.

I had a similar issue and I found out it was because my identity verification had expired and needed to be redone, but there was no notification about it. When I finally got through to ESD using Claimyr, they fixed it in minutes. Definitely worth checking if there's something specific holding up your claim rather than just waiting.

Just wanted to update - my claim that was stuck in processing finally went to paid status this morning around 4am! Looks like they're just running behind this week. Check your account, maybe yours went through too?

Update: I called the tax form number and was told that because my payment was so recent, my 1099-G won't be generated until next month. The agent said I should file for an extension if I can't wait that long. So frustrating that it takes 4 months to get paid and then I have to wait even longer for the tax form! At least I know what's going on now. Thanks everyone for your help.

my nieghbor works at h&r block and she says u can estimate ur ui income on taxes and then amend later when u get the real 1099g. might be easier than extension

I'm a former ESD employee. The "disqualified" status is misleading and we complained about it internally for years. It should say "pending" but the system was coded in the 1990s and updating it has been a nightmare. Here's what's actually happening: when adjudication is reviewing your claim, they're probably verifying the business closure and making sure there weren't any other separation issues. Business closures are actually one of the most straightforward approvals but still go through the same process. Keep filing weekly claims and eventually you'll get backdated payments for all weeks once approved.

Yes! Upload that closure notice through your eServices account under "Upload a Document" - label it "Proof of Business Closure." That can definitely speed things up. Also, when you do reach someone by phone, specifically mention you have documentation of the closure ready. That way they can note your account.

My brother works for another WA state agency and told me that ESD's phone systems are actually completely overwhelmed most days. It's not just a recording - they literally cannot handle the call volume with their current staffing. He said the best strategy is to try calling on the half-hour rather than on the hour (like 8:30, 9:30, etc) because most people call right when they open or at the top of each hour. Also, their systems do maintenance overnight and sometimes there are fewer agents in the first 30 minutes they're open because everyone's logging in and getting situated. I got through last month using this approach, calling at 8:45am on a Wednesday.

i tried the half hour trick today and it worked!!! got through after only 3 attempts calling at 10:30. waited on hold for 25 min but finally spoke to someone who actaully helped fix my claim!!!! tell your brother THANK YOU

When this happened to me with my unemployment claim (different from PFMLA I know but same department), I ended up having to go to the WorkSource office in person to get help. Sometimes the in-person option is the only way to cut through all the phone system nonsense. Not sure if that helps with PFMLA specifically though.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone dealing with this same issue in the future - I tried the email method through the secure portal AND called the main number this morning at 8:05am. Only had to wait about 30 minutes! Turns out they were trying to reach me because they needed clarification on the dates of my medical leave. The agent was able to see notes from the previous person who called me. All sorted now and my claim should be processed within 10 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

my frind got in HUGE trouble because she went to mexico for 3 days and didnt tell esd. they found out somehow (i think passport control shares info with them?) and she had to pay back 3 weeks of benefits plus some kind of penalty. not worth it IMO just be honest!!!

For clarity, here's the official position: You must report any day you are not able and available for work. For a day trip to Canada, you would: 1. Answer "No" to the question asking if you were able and available for work every day of the week 2. On the calendar that appears, select the specific day you were in Canada 3. Your benefit for that week will be reduced by 1/7th of your weekly benefit amount for that one day This is much better than risking an overpayment notice later if they discover you weren't available. And as others mentioned, crossing international borders does create records that ESD can access during eligibility reviews.

UPDATE: I finally got through today! I tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned in the comments and was connected to an ESD agent within about 90 minutes. The agent was actually super helpful - turns out my former employer did contest the claim saying I quit (I didn't), but the adjudicator hadn't processed all the documentation I uploaded at the beginning. The agent escalated my case and said I should have a decision within 3-5 business days. She also put a hardship flag on my account because of my potential eviction situation. Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll update when I hear about the decision.

i had something similar happen with my former job. they tried saying i was fired for misconduct when actually they eliminated my whole department!! make sure u have any emails or paperwork showing it was a layoff. the adjudicator might call u for a phone interview to explain ur side.

Not to piggyback but somewhat related question - do processing times vary depending on what day of the week you file your claim? I always file Sunday morning and mine usually processes by Monday night, but last time I waited until Tuesday to file and it took until Friday!

UPDATE: My payment just went through this morning! Looks like it was just a system delay after all. Thanks everyone for the reassurance and advice. I'm going to keep documenting all my job search activities carefully just in case I get selected for one of those random reviews mentioned above.

To follow up on my earlier comment, since your appeal was specifically about a 2020 claim, the judge's decision should make ESD process your claim under the rules that were in effect at that time. This includes: 1. Job search requirements were waived for much of 2020, so you likely won't need to provide that documentation 2. The additional pandemic benefits (FPUC $600/week, later $300/week) should apply to eligible weeks 3. Extended benefits like PEUC would apply if you exhausted regular UI However, be prepared for this to take time. ESD's systems weren't designed to retroactively process claims from years ago, especially for programs that no longer exist. Document everything and be persistent with your follow-ups.

ESD typically has 30 days to implement an OAH judge's decision. However, complex cases involving backdating to pandemic programs may take longer due to the technical challenges. If you haven't seen any action after 30 days, you should contact the Office of Administrative Hearings to inquire about enforcement of the decision. Remember to keep copies of the judge's decision letter and all correspondence with ESD about this matter.