Bizarre ESD appeal situation - employer claims I'm still employed after giving me termination notice

omg thats insane! sounds like someone in their HR dept messed up big time. definitely bring that termination letter to the hearing!!!

I've seen this happen before. It's often a disconnect between departments - HR processes the termination but payroll/finance files the appeal because they're tracking different things. Make sure you bring: 1. Your termination letter (original + copies) 2. Any emails confirming your last day 3. Final pay stub showing termination 4. Any company property return receipts 5. Exit interview documentation if you had one The judge will likely rule in your favor quickly once they see the contradiction. Don't stress too much about hiring a lawyer for this specific issue since you have clear documentation.

Had something similar happen to my cousin. Turned out some manager didn't properly process her termination in their system even though she was definitely let go. Company looked pretty stupid at the hearing lol. Just be super organized with your paperwork and you'll be fine.

This happened to me actually! I had been laid off but was still in their system as 'active' because of some IT glitch. My employer was SO EMBARRASSED at the hearing when the judge pointed out they had submitted my layoff paperwork with their own appeal! The judge ruled in my favor in like 10 minutes. Just be calm, bring all your documentation, and answer questions honestly. The facts are clearly on your side here.

I work in HR (not for ESD) and can tell you this happens more than you'd think. Some common reasons: - The company uses multiple systems that don't talk to each other - Someone in payroll or benefits doesn't know you've been terminated - They have a policy of automatically contesting all UI claims - Your termination was coded incorrectly (like a resignation instead of layoff) Bring every piece of documentation you have. Organize it chronologically. Make a simple timeline of events. Be polite but firm about what happened. The hearing officer will see through this quickly.

I've been trying to reach ESD about an appeal for weeks and can't get through. The phone system just disconnects me after 20+ minutes on hold. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human there?

definitely record the hearing!!! washington is a two-party consent state but the judge will announce that the hearing is being recorded anyway so your good. this saved me when my employer tried to claim i was a contractor not an employee even tho they took taxes out of every check 🙄

Quick update question for you - has your former employer been responding to the weekly claim verifications ESD sends them? If they've been confirming you're not working there each week but then filed this appeal, that's another contradiction in their position that will help your case.

how are u doing on the job search stuff? make sure ur still doing ur 3 activities every week even with this appeal stuff going on. my friend got caught up in an appeal and forgot to do her job search log and ended up with an overpayment later

One more piece of advice - arrive at the hearing at least 15 minutes early. If it's a phone hearing, make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception. Have all your documents organized and in front of you. The hearing officer will appreciate your preparedness, and it helps you stay calm and respond effectively.