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For future reference for anyone reading this: If you ever receive an overpayment notice but believe you're still eligible for benefits, you should CONTINUE to file your weekly claims while simultaneously addressing the overpayment issue (either through appeal or waiver request). This preserves your rights to those benefits if the overpayment is resolved in your favor. If you stop filing weekly claims, you essentially forfeit those weeks regardless of how the overpayment situation is ultimately resolved. Always file on time, every week, until explicitly told you're ineligible by ESD.
I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help. I went through a similar situation last year where I had an overpayment issue and got scared to keep filing claims. My case worker at the local WorkSource office told me that even if you have pending issues with ESD, you should always keep filing your weekly claims to preserve your right to benefits. She said the worst that happens is they hold the payments until the issue is resolved, but if you don't file at all, you lose those weeks forever. I know it's probably too late for your situation, but for anyone else reading this - don't stop filing weekly claims just because of an overpayment notice! The filing deadlines and overpayment issues are handled separately. I learned this the hard way too, though thankfully I only missed a few weeks before getting this advice.
If anyone else is reading this and still can't find their PIN, that claimyr service really does work. Used it twice now when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about different issues. Beats sitting on hold forever.
good to know there's options besides just calling directly. the regular phone line is basically unusable most days
This whole thread is super helpful! I'm in a similar situation where I filed my claim a few weeks ago and have been getting all sorts of mail from Washington ESD. It's honestly overwhelming trying to figure out which document is which. The tip about looking for "UI PIN" on the envelope is great - I'm going to go through my mail pile again tonight. It's reassuring to know that if I can't find it, there are options like calling (even if it takes forever) or using that claimyr service people mentioned. The whole system really could be more user-friendly though!
Bottom line: you need wage credits in at least 2 quarters of your base period, with minimum earnings thresholds. Length of employment at one job doesn't matter as much as total wages earned across the base period quarters.
One thing I'd add is that Washington also has a "waiting week" requirement - even if you qualify for benefits, there's typically a one-week waiting period before payments begin. So factor that into your planning if you're worried about potential job loss. Also, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your wages during the base period, so higher earnings during those quarters mean higher weekly benefits (up to the state maximum).
Just a technical tip that might help speed things up: Check if your former employer correctly reported your wages to ESD. Log into your eServices account, go to "More Services" and then "Wage Verification." If there's a discrepancy between what you reported and what your employer reported, that often triggers automatic adjudication delays. Also, make sure you upload a complete work search log each week with all required details. Having incomplete work search information can add additional delays. The standard is 3 job search activities per week, and each one needs employer name, position, contact method, and follow-up details. I know it's frustrating, but the system is designed to eventually work - it just has far too many unnecessary bottlenecks.
I just checked the wage verification and there IS a discrepancy! My employer reported about $2,900 less in wages than I actually earned over the base year. That has to be what's causing the problem. Should I upload my W-2 or paystubs as proof? And where exactly would I upload that documentation?
That's likely a big part of the delay! Go to your eServices account, select "Upload a Document" from the menu, and choose "Wage Verification" as the document type. Upload PDF copies of all your paystubs or W-2 that show the correct amounts. Then, importantly, send a message through the eServices messaging system specifically referencing the wage discrepancy and stating that you've uploaded documentation. This creates a paper trail and can trigger a review.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - having gone through something similar, I know how terrifying it is when you're running out of money and can't get through to anyone. Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you've got multiple issues creating the perfect storm: the wage discrepancy you just discovered, plus the voluntary quit from your previous job. Both of these require manual review, which is why you're stuck in adjudication limbo. Here's what I'd prioritize doing immediately: 1. Upload those wage documents like Mohammad suggested - this is probably your biggest blocker right now 2. File that ESD hardship request form Fiona mentioned - with kids and mortgage payments, you definitely qualify 3. Contact your state rep's office - they can often get responses from ESD within days, not months Also, when you do get through to someone (whether by phone or in person), make sure to mention you've been waiting since December with two missed adjudication dates. Sometimes emphasizing the timeline helps them prioritize your case. Hang in there - I know it doesn't feel like it, but you will get through this. The system is broken, but people do eventually get their benefits. Just keep pushing through every avenue you can find.
Thank you so much for this roadmap - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm going to tackle all three of those steps first thing tomorrow morning. It's reassuring to know that other people have made it through this nightmare. I'll start with uploading the wage documents since that seems like the most concrete issue, then get that hardship form submitted. Do you remember roughly how long it took after you got your state rep involved before things started moving?
Madison King
my neighbor said something about a "claim extension" when you use up your regular UI? is that still a thing in 2025?
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Ella Knight
•Your neighbor is likely referring to Extended Benefits (EB) or other extension programs that have existed in the past. As of 2025, there are no automatic extensions to regular UI. Extensions typically only become available during periods of high unemployment, like during the recession or pandemic, and require specific authorization from Congress or state governments. Currently, only the standard 26 weeks are available in Washington state.
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William Rivera
Just wanted to add my experience here - I had a similar situation last year where I had 6 weeks denied due to earnings from a contract job. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of all my weekly certifications and the reasons for any denials. When I eventually got through to ESD, the representative was able to walk me through exactly how many benefit weeks I had remaining and when my benefit year would end. One tip: you can actually see this information in your eServices account under "Payment History" - it shows your total benefit amount, how much you've used, and your benefit year end date. Saves you from having to call if you just need to check your remaining balance. The math gets confusing but the online account breaks it down pretty clearly once you know where to look.
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