my cousin works at worksource and she said that most people never get audited so dont stress too much about it. but yea def keep track of everything just in case

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I've downloaded the official form from the link provided and will use that. Also planning to save screenshots of all my applications and maybe try a WorkSource workshop. Really appreciate all the tips!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at ESD after using Claimyr (thanks for that suggestion). The agent confirmed my garnishment flag was STILL ACTIVE despite my appeal being decided in my favor 6 weeks ago! She said she's submitting an urgent request to have it removed, and I should receive written confirmation in 7-10 business days. So relieved I checked on this before filing taxes! Will update again when I get the confirmation letter.

Glad you got through! Make sure to follow up if you don't receive that confirmation letter within 10 business days. And definitely contact the Department of Revenue directly to verify the hold has been released on their end before you file your taxes. The two systems don't always update simultaneously.

my cousin works at esd (not saying which office lol) and she always tells me they are SUPER backed up right now. apparently they switched computer systems in april and its causing all kinds of glitches with payments. she said if you were approved you'll definitely get paid eventually, but "eventually" might be weeks away unless you can actually get someone on the phone who can manually fix it. good luck!!!

Just wanted to follow up since I've helped a few people with this exact situation. The most common reason for "approved but can't pay" status is that the system needs a manual review of those specific weeks before releasing payment. After a disqualification is reversed, each week doesn't automatically switch to paid status. When you do call (and I agree with others that you should call if it's not resolved in 10 days), ask specifically for a "payment review" of the weeks in question. Use those exact words. Also, have ready: 1. The exact dates of the disqualified weeks 2. The date on your approval letter 3. Your claim ID number This gives the agent everything they need to quickly review and potentially release your payment while you're on the phone.

Back to your original question - I just checked the ESD website and there's no announcement about delays to Training Benefits processing or any impact from federal funding changes. That's a good sign! Your application timing is actually fortunate because we're past the pandemic emergency period when things were chaotic. Processing times are much more predictable now.

One final tip: If your TB application has been pending for more than 3 weeks, there might be an issue that needs addressing. While you wait, make sure you're completing your 3 job search activities each week and documenting them properly. Even though you're planning to start training, you need to maintain UI eligibility until your TB is officially approved. Once approved, the job search requirement is typically waived while you're in training.

Appeals don't affect current benefits but they take FOREVER! Mine took 12 weeks last year and I lost anyway. Just warning you to be prepared for a long wait.

One thing to note - if you DO lose the appeal, you can request a waiver of the overpayment if repaying it would cause financial hardship. There's a special form for this on the ESD website. They don't advertise this option much but it's definitely available if you truly can't afford to repay.

Just an FYI for everyone dealing with this issue - I spoke with an ESD supervisor yesterday about an unrelated matter, and they mentioned they're aware of the phone system problems. Apparently, the recent update created a glitch in how the system routes calls based on claim status. They're working on a fix, but no ETA yet. In the meantime, the workaround @helpful_guidance suggested is the official recommendation from ESD staff. They also said you can use the eServices message center for many issues, though response times are currently around 7-10 business days.

UPDATE: I finally got through using the bypass method! Waited about 50 minutes, but spoke to a very helpful agent who fixed my issue. For anyone else struggling with this problem, definitely try the method @helpful_guidance suggested - it works! Thank you everyone for your suggestions and commiseration. This community is so helpful when dealing with ESD frustrations.

Update: I finally got through to ESD after trying for days! They told me this situation is considered a "constructive layoff" since the employer has essentially eliminated my position by not offering work for such an extended period. The agent said I should formally resign but explicitly state in my resignation letter that I'm leaving due to "lack of work for over 24 months." I need to upload a copy of this letter to my ESD account after sending it to my employer. Apparently, this is fairly common in the hospitality industry with on-call or as-needed positions.

Did you use Claimyr to get through to ESD? Their service saved me hours of frustration when I was dealing with my claim issues.

wait but dont u have to do job searches if ur on regular unemployment? with shared work u dont have to do that right? so maybe thats why they want u to stay on shared work even for 0 hours? just thinking out loud here lol

I just wanted to update everyone. I finally managed to reach someone at ESD after trying for 3 days straight. They confirmed that for our company's Shared Work plan, I should continue filing through my existing Shared Work claim even during the full shutdown week. I won't need to file a new claim or serve another waiting week! Apparently different Shared Work agreements have different terms, which explains why there's so much conflicting information out there. Such a relief to know I won't miss that week of pay. Thanks everyone for your help!

I got through yesterday after 3 weeks of trying! Here's what worked: called at 8:01am (not 8 exactly when everyone calls), pressed 3-1-2-4 in the menu system (might be different depending on your claim type), and when it asked for my SSN I entered it very slowly. For some reason that seemed to route me to a different queue and I only waited about 20 minutes. Worth a try!

When I was trying to reach them last month I couldn't get thru on phones ever so I went to WorkSource in person and they helped me. They have an ESD person there certain days of the week, at least at my local office. U might wanna check ur nearest WorkSource to see if they can help too

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US SUFFER!! I got the 'paid' status and then had to wait A FULL WEEK before the money showed up. ESD claimed they sent it, my bank said they never received it, and neither would help. I had to file a claim with the state ombudsman to get anyone to investigate. Turns out ESD had mistyped ONE DIGIT in my account number. Double-check EVERYTHING in your ESD profile. They make 'mistakes' all the time and then blame you for it!

Just wanted to check in - did your payment arrive? It's been a couple days since your post. Hope everything worked out!