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I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! My identity verification has been "under review" for 4 weeks despite submitting everything they asked for. What's really frustrating is that I can see in my portal that all my documents were "received" but there's zero communication about what's actually happening. I've been trying the phone lines every single day with no luck. Reading through these responses, I'm definitely going to try the WorkSource office visit first thing Monday morning, and if that doesn't work, I'll look into contacting my state representative. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic communication about our own claims. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not alone in this mess!
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too! It's honestly maddening how broken this system is. Four weeks is way too long for something that should be straightforward. Definitely try the WorkSource visit - from what @Finnegan Gunn said, it sounds like they might actually be able to see what s'really going on with your file. I m'also thinking about trying that Claimyr service @Taylor To mentioned since I m desperate'at this point. Keep us updated on how the WorkSource visit goes - I might need to do the same thing if my other attempts don t work'out. We shouldn t have'to become detectives just to figure out why our legitimate claims are being held up!
I went through this exact same identity verification nightmare about 6 months ago and it took almost 8 weeks to resolve! What finally worked for me was a combination of approaches. First, I re-uploaded all my documents but this time I made sure they were extremely high quality scans (not photos) and that every corner was visible with no shadows or glare. Second, I kept detailed records of every attempt to contact them - dates, times, what happened. Finally, I sent a formal complaint through the ESD website's "Contact Us" form specifically mentioning the exact number of days my claim had been blocked and requesting escalation. Within a week of that formal complaint, I got a callback from a supervisor who was able to see that my documents were actually fine but had been sitting in a queue waiting for manual review. The supervisor cleared it immediately. I know it's incredibly frustrating but document everything and don't give up! Also try multiple approaches at once - WorkSource visit, formal complaint, and keep trying the phones.
This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I never thought about the quality difference between scans vs photos - I definitely just used my phone to take pictures of my documents. That could totally be the issue. I'm going to try re-uploading everything as proper scans like you suggested. The formal complaint idea is also brilliant - I've only been using the regular eServices messaging which clearly isn't getting any attention. How exactly did you word the formal complaint to get it escalated? Did you mention anything specific that seemed to trigger the supervisor callback? I'm definitely going to start documenting everything going forward too. It's ridiculous that we have to become so strategic just to get our legitimate claims processed, but if that's what it takes, I'll do it!
DONT GET YOUR HOPES UP!!! I went thru this whole process and they DENIED my waiver even though it was THEIR MISTAKE not mine!!1! I spent 14 weeks waiting just to get denied. Now they're garnishing my tax returns. The whole system is designed to screw over regular people. The appeals process is a joke too.
Just an update on processing times - I checked with a colleague who works with ESD cases, and she mentioned that they've been prioritizing pandemic-era overpayment waivers recently. Some are being processed in as little as 4-5 weeks now. The key factors that help get approval are: 1. Clear documentation that the overpayment wasn't due to fraud 2. Evidence that repaying would cause financial hardship 3. Proof that you reported information as accurately as you understood at the time For those waiting, it's also good to know that collections activities are supposed to be paused while your waiver request is under review.
That's really helpful information, thank you! That gives me some hope. I definitely reported everything as accurately as I understood it - the whole pandemic UI system was confusing, especially with the changing rules around part-time work.
@Zara Rashid This is super helpful info! Do you know if there s'a specific way we should document the financial hardship piece? I m'working part-time now but still struggling to make ends meet, and that $4,900 would definitely cause hardship if I had to pay it back. Should I include bank statements or something like that?
same here. between the advice in this thread and getting through to washington esd via that claimyr service, everything is working smoothly now
This is such a comprehensive thread! I'm new to unemployment benefits and was completely overwhelmed by all the requirements. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps clarify what I need to do. I had no idea about the WorkSource registration deadline or how detailed the job search documentation needs to be. Going to start keeping better records right away and make sure my WorkSource profile is properly set up. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this saved me from making a lot of mistakes!
Welcome to the community! You're definitely in the right place to get help with Washington ESD requirements. It really is overwhelming at first, but once you get the system down it becomes much more manageable. Make sure to start that detailed job search log immediately - even if you've already been applying for jobs, go back and document what you can remember. The WorkSource registration is crucial too, so definitely prioritize getting that set up properly. Don't hesitate to ask if you have specific questions as you work through the process!
Thanks everyone for all the information. This thread has been more helpful than anything I found on the Washington ESD website. At least now I know what my options are and aren't.
I'm in a really similar situation - my graphic design business completely dried up after losing my biggest client. Reading through all these comments has been eye-opening. I had no idea about the voluntary unemployment insurance program either, and like most of you, I'm definitely not eligible since I never paid into it. It's frustrating that as self-employed people we're kind of left out in the cold when things go wrong. I'm going to look into some of the other resources mentioned here like WorkSource and DSHS programs. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - at least now I know I'm not alone in this situation and there might be some other options out there.
Omar Fawaz
just wanted to add that if you ever need to call washington esd about claim issues, that claimyr thing actually works. saved me from spending all day trying to get through on the phone
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Dylan Cooper
•Good to know there's a backup option if I run into problems later!
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Chloe Martin
•yeah the regular phone number is basically useless with how busy they are
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Diego Rojas
Processed means you're all set for that week! Congrats on getting through your second weekly claim. It gets easier once you get into the routine.
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Dylan Cooper
•Thanks! I'm already feeling more confident about the process.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Definitely! I was so stressed about my first few claims but now it's just part of my weekly routine. The key is keeping good records of your job search activities so you don't have to scramble when filing each week.
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