I finally got my pandemic overpayment waiver processed after 29 months of waiting. What ultimately worked was submitting a formal records request for my complete file through the Public Records Act. Within 3 weeks of submitting this request, my waiver was suddenly processed and approved. I think having someone pull my file for the records request put it in front of someone who could actually make a decision. Might be worth trying if you've been waiting years like I was.

I'm in the exact same boat - filed my waiver in January 2022 for a $3,200 overpayment and it's still pending. What really gets me is that they sent me a collections notice last month threatening wage garnishment while my waiver is STILL under review! I called immediately and they said "oh don't worry about that, it's automated while your waiver is pending" - like how is that even legal?? Reading all these responses is both helpful and infuriating. I'm going to try the state representative route and the records request approach. It's absurd that we have to jump through all these hoops when THEY are the ones taking 3+ years to do their job.

The system isn't perfect but it does help when you need it. Just be patient with the process and keep good records of everything.

One more thing - if you do run into problems and need to talk to Washington ESD, definitely look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it when my claim got stuck and it actually worked. Way better than spending hours trying to call.

Last thing - make sure you print or screenshot your WorkSourceWA registration confirmation page. Keep it with your other unemployment paperwork just in case you need to prove you registered.

Just wanted to add that if you run into technical issues during WorkSourceWA registration (like the site timing out or forms not saving), don't panic! Clear your browser cache and try again in a different browser. I had to switch from Chrome to Firefox to get mine to work properly. Also, make sure you're using a strong internet connection - I learned that the hard way when my registration got stuck halfway through on slow wifi.

Since your case involves training issues, I'd recommend having the following ready for your hearing: 1. A timeline of your employment showing when training was promised vs. delivered 2. Any emails or communications requesting additional training 3. Job description documents showing required skills 4. Performance metrics showing any improvement trends over time 5. Names and titles of who provided (or failed to provide) training The judge will be looking for specific evidence rather than general statements. Instead of saying "I never received proper training," be prepared to say "On March 15, 2025, I requested training on the new CRM system as shown in exhibit A, but was told by supervisor Jane Smith that there was no time for training and I should figure it out myself." Also, if you haven't already, submit all your evidence to OAH in advance according to their instructions. Typically this needs to be done at least 7 days before the hearing.

I went through this exact same situation last year! My MS Teams hearing was set up for both audio and video, but I was so nervous about the technical side that I called the OAH office the day before to confirm everything. The staff member told me that while video is available, audio-only participation is completely acceptable and won't hurt your case at all. What really helped me was doing a test call with a friend using MS Teams beforehand - we discovered my microphone wasn't working properly and I had to switch to my phone's headset. Also, make sure you have the phone number backup option ready just in case there are internet issues. For your training situation, document everything with dates and names. I had a similar issue with lack of training and the judge really focused on specific instances rather than general statements. Having emails or even notes about conversations with supervisors about training requests made a huge difference in my case. The whole process is stressful but the judges are generally fair and understand that technical issues happen. You've got this!

I'm in a similar situation - filed about 3 weeks ago and been in adjudication for 2 weeks now. The waiting is awful when you're worried about bills! One thing I learned from calling ESD (took me 47 tries to get through) is that you can check if there are any outstanding issues by logging into your eServices account and looking under "Issues and Determinations." Sometimes there are action items you need to complete that aren't obvious from the main dashboard. Also, make sure your contact info is current because they sometimes try to reach you and if they can't, it delays everything even more. Hang in there - from what I'm reading here it sounds like most people do eventually get approved, it's just the waiting that's brutal.

Just wanted to add that if you're really struggling financially while waiting, you might also want to look into your local food banks and see if your utility companies have hardship programs. Most major utilities in Washington will work with you on payment plans if you explain you're waiting on unemployment benefits. I had to do this when my claim took 5 weeks - called Puget Sound Energy and they gave me a 60-day extension on my bill with no fees. Also, if you have any credit cards, call them too - many will defer payments if you're temporarily unemployed. It's not ideal but can help bridge the gap until ESD gets their act together. The stress of waiting is bad enough without worrying about getting your power shut off!