One more tip - if they do put your claim in adjudication and you need to talk to someone about the status, that Claimyr thing people mentioned actually works. I was skeptical at first but when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks, it was worth trying. Got answers about my case that I never would have gotten otherwise.

Just want to add that you should also keep records of any communications you had with your manager about the hour reduction - texts, emails, schedule changes, etc. Washington ESD will want to see a clear timeline of what happened. Also, when you file, be prepared for them to contact your former employer to verify your story, so make sure everything you report is accurate. The fact that you stuck it out for 2 months trying to make it work actually helps show you didn't just quit impulsively. Good luck with your application!

Good luck with everything! The system can be confusing but once you get started it's not too bad.

One thing I learned when I was laid off last year - make sure you file online rather than trying to call. Washington ESD's website can be slow during peak hours, but it's still way more reliable than their phone system. I spent days trying to get through by phone before someone told me I could do everything online. Also, don't stress too much about the application itself - they walk you through it step by step and you can always correct information later if needed.

Overall, at $1,500/week you're looking at roughly 55% income replacement if you get the maximum benefit. It's not perfect but it's something while you job search.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and bank account info ready when you file. Washington ESD also asks for your employer's federal tax ID number (FEIN) which you can usually find on your W-2 or paystub. Having all this info ready will make the initial application process much smoother.

Bottom line - if you think the overpayment is wrong, appeal within 30 days. If you know you owe it, set up a payment plan immediately. Don't let it go to garnishment if you can avoid it because then you lose control over the payment amount and timing.

If you decide to appeal, make sure you request all the documentation they used to calculate your overpayment. You have the right to see exactly how they determined you owe that money - sometimes there are calculation errors or they applied earnings to the wrong weeks. I had a similar situation where they miscategorized some of my part-time income and I was able to get about $800 of my overpayment reversed just by showing them their mistake. The appeal process can be slow but it's worth it if you genuinely think there's an error.

Thanks everyone for all the info. This thread has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official Washington ESD website!

One thing I've noticed is that if you file your claim really early Sunday morning (like midnight to 6 AM), sometimes the payment processes a bit faster than if you file in the evening. I think it might be because those early claims get into the first batch when they start processing Monday morning. Could just be coincidence though - has anyone else noticed timing differences based on when during Sunday you file?