Great point about the wait time. ESD's current processing time for overpayment waivers is 10-12 weeks according to their website, but in reality it can take longer. It's important to follow up regularly if it goes beyond that timeframe.

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this process about 6 months ago. One thing that really helped me was organizing all my documents before even starting the form. I made a spreadsheet with all my monthly expenses and gathered 3 months of bank statements, pay stubs, and bills. The form itself is about 8 pages long and asks for really detailed breakdowns of your finances. A few specific tips: 1) They ask for your household size and income of everyone in your household, not just you. 2) For expenses, they want exact amounts - don't estimate. 3) There's a section where you write a personal statement explaining your situation - this is super important! Be detailed about why the mistake happened and how paying back would affect your ability to meet basic needs like housing and food. Also, make copies of EVERYTHING before you submit. I had to resubmit some documents when they claimed they didn't receive part of my application. The whole process was stressful but getting that $4,200 waived was such a relief. Hang in there!

Good luck OP. The system isn't perfect but there are protections for people in bad situations. Just make sure you understand the process before you make your move.

I just wanted to add that if you do end up quitting and applying for benefits, make sure you keep copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD. I've heard of cases where paperwork gets lost in their system and you have to resubmit documentation. Also, if you're dealing with mental health impacts from your work situation, consider getting documentation from a healthcare provider - that can sometimes strengthen your case for good cause. The whole process can be stressful but don't give up if you truly believe you have valid reasons for leaving.

One last tip - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication for some reason, don't panic. It happens sometimes but usually gets resolved. That Claimyr service people mentioned can help if you need to talk to someone about the status.

This is exactly the kind of situation where documenting everything pays off! Since your employer terminated you before your notice period ended, you're definitely looking at involuntary separation. The fact that you have text messages from your boss telling you not to come back is perfect evidence. Washington ESD will see this as them ending the employment relationship, not you quitting. Just be thorough when filling out your application - mention when you gave notice, when they terminated you, and that you have a job starting in a few weeks. The timing actually works out well since there's usually a waiting week anyway. You should be able to get benefits for those gap weeks without any issues.

I need a extension on my unemployment

@Bruce Jones - Unfortunately, Washington state doesn't have automatic extensions like some other states do. Your regular unemployment benefits are limited to 26 weeks maximum. However, there are sometimes federal extension programs during economic downturns or emergencies. I'd recommend calling Washington ESD directly to ask about any current extension programs, or check their website at esd.wa.gov for updates. You might also want to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or local food banks while you continue your job search.

That's smart advice about continuing to submit job search logs. I have been applying to everything I can find in this area, so I might as well document it. And I'll definitely check with WorkSource - at this point any financial help would be a lifesaver. Thank you.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, Darren. Your situation really highlights how broken the system is when it comes to housing displacement. As someone who's navigated ESD appeals before, I wanted to add a few thoughts to what others have shared. The medical documentation route that Elliott mentioned could be your strongest angle. Anxiety and stress-related conditions caused by housing instability are legitimate medical issues, and if your doctor can document that your mental health was affected to the point where remaining in an impossible housing situation would have worsened your condition, that might qualify under the medical exception. Also, while ULP attorneys are usually right about appeal odds, sometimes getting a second opinion from a different legal aid organization can be helpful. Northwest Justice Project also handles unemployment cases and might have a different perspective on your documentation. One practical tip: if you do decide to appeal, request all your case files from ESD first. Sometimes there are procedural errors in how they processed your initial claim that can provide grounds for reversal even when the underlying reason for quitting seems weak. Hang in there - having to choose between housing stability for your child and employment benefits is an impossible situation that no parent should face.