This whole thread has been really helpful. I had no idea there were so many options for dealing with overpayments. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. Washington ESD sent me an overpayment notice for $3,200 because I miscalculated my part-time earnings during several weeks. The notice was pretty scary at first, but I called them right away and was able to set up a $200/month payment plan. The key things I learned: 1) Don't ignore the notice - you have 30 days to respond, 2) Be honest about your financial situation when you call, 3) Keep all documentation from your conversations with them. It took about 3 months to get through on the phone (their system is terrible), but once I talked to someone they were actually reasonable to work with. The monthly payments are manageable and I should have it paid off by next year. The stress was way worse than the actual process.

Last tip - screenshot everything during your application process and keep records of all your communications with Washington ESD. If there are any issues later, you'll want that documentation for appeals or clarifications.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - got fired from my retail job for what they called "customer service issues" but I knew they were just cutting hours across the board. Filed my claim the very next day and I'm so glad I did. The whole process took about 5 weeks from filing to getting my first payment, but they backdated everything to my filing date so I didn't lose any money by applying immediately. My employer did contest it initially, but after the fact-finding interview where I explained my side of the story, Washington ESD ruled in my favor. Don't let being "fired" scare you - they really do look at whether it was actual misconduct or just performance/business reasons. The worst case is they deny you, but if you don't apply at all you're guaranteed to get nothing. Go file tonight!

Update: I cleared my cache, waited overnight, and tried the account recovery through SAW again this morning. I was able to set up new security questions and finally got in! Turns out I DID have an important letter - they needed additional information about my job separation. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with the same login issues right now and it's so reassuring to see that others have figured it out. I'm going to try the SAW account recovery route first since that seems to have worked for a few people here. Quick question though - when you go through the account recovery process, does it immediately unlock your account or do you have to wait? I'm hoping to get this sorted today if possible since I'm also worried about missing something time-sensitive.

To answer your earlier question - yes, when I got through to ESD using Claimyr, the agent was super helpful about exactly what documentation I needed. They sent me a form called "Medical Statement" that my doctor filled out specifying what work I could still do despite my limitations. That form was way more helpful than just a doctor's note because it asked all the right questions ESD needed answers to. Definitely worth getting through to ask for that specific form!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and ESD initially denied me because they said I wasn't "able and available" for work. But like you, I can still do certain types of work - just not the physically demanding retail job I had to leave. I'm in the middle of my appeal process now and here's what I've learned so far: 1) Make sure your doctor's letter is VERY specific about what you CAN do, not just what you can't. Mine initially just said "cannot stand for long periods" but ESD needed more detail like "can work seated positions, can lift up to 10 pounds, can work full-time with accommodation" etc. 2) Start applying for desk jobs RIGHT NOW and keep records of your applications. You need to show ESD you're actively seeking work within your limitations. 3) Consider looking into vocational rehabilitation services too - they can help document that you're genuinely seeking work you can physically perform. The whole process is really stressful but don't give up! From what I've read in this thread, it sounds like appeals can be successful if you have the right documentation. Hang in there!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel like I have a much better understanding of how pensions affect unemployment benefits. I'll definitely report my pension but I'm optimistic it won't reduce my benefits since it's from an old employer.

I went through this exact same situation when I got laid off from Microsoft last year. Since your pension is from 5 years ago, it's almost certainly outside your base period and won't reduce your unemployment benefits. Washington ESD uses the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters to determine your base period, so a pension from 5 years ago definitely wouldn't fall within that timeframe. You'll still need to report it every week on your claims (I report mine as "other income"), but it shouldn't affect your benefit amount at all. The key is just being honest and reporting everything - Washington ESD will verify your income sources anyway, so transparency is always the best approach.