ESD appeal success after 8 months - went from disqualified to PAID!
OMG you guys!! After fighting with ESD for 8 LONG months and going through TWO appeal hearings, my claim finally flipped from disqualified to PAID yesterday! I literally broke down crying when I saw the money hit my account. This whole nightmare started when my employer incorrectly reported that I quit (I was actually laid off when they downsized). ESD immediately disqualified me without even investigating properly. First appeal was a disaster because I didn't know what I was doing. The judge at OAH basically dismissed everything I said because I didn't have the right documentation ready. Second appeal I got smart and reached out to the Unemployment Law Project for help. They assigned me a volunteer attorney who helped me organize my evidence and prepare my testimony. We had the hearing last week, and today I checked my account and BAM! $12,450 in back benefits!! If you're dealing with a disqualification or appeal situation, PLEASE contact the ULP - they're free and they KNOW the system. Don't give up!!
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Sean Matthews
Congrats!! That's seriously amazing news. I'm in month 4 of my appeal process right now and starting to lose hope. Did ULP help you gather evidence from your employer? My situation is similar - I was laid off due to "restructuring" but my employer is claiming I was fired for performance issues (totally false).
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Mikayla Brown
•Yes! The attorney helped me get copies of all internal communications about the layoff. They knew exactly what to ask for. They also helped me get written statements from 2 coworkers who were laid off the same day. Definitely reach out to them ASAP - they have a waitlist sometimes so the earlier you contact them the better!
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Ali Anderson
thats awesome!! i just got disqualified last week and im FREAKING OUT. how long did it take for your first hearing after you filed the appeal?? im so scared ill be waiting forever
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Mikayla Brown
•It took about 6 weeks for my first hearing date to be scheduled. But definitely don't wait to start preparing! That was my big mistake the first time. And make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while disqualified - that's super important for backpay!
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Zadie Patel
This is incredibly helpful information. I've worked with ULP on several cases as a volunteer, and they truly do exceptional work. One thing I'd highlight for anyone in a similar situation: keep detailed records of ALL communications with your employer before/during/after separation. ESD usually sides with employers initially, but the appeals process exists for a reason. Also important - continue filing weekly claims while appealing, as you can only receive backpay for weeks properly claimed. The statute allows for payment of benefits for weeks you've claimed if your disqualification is eventually overturned.
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Mikayla Brown
•YES!! That's exactly what happened to me. And my attorney was super clear that I had to keep filing every single week even though it felt pointless. So glad I listened because I got paid for all those weeks!
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A Man D Mortal
Wow 8 months is crazy!!! I've been waiting 3 weeks just to get my initial claim processed and thought THAT was bad lol. Congrats on finally getting your money! Did you have any luck calling ESD during all this time?
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Mikayla Brown
•Honestly calling ESD was a nightmare. I tried for WEEKS and either couldn't get through or got someone who couldn't help with appeals. They just kept saying "wait for OAH to contact you" which wasn't helpful at all.
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Declan Ramirez
For anyone struggling to get through to ESD on the phone (which is crucial for many claim issues), I finally had success using Claimyr. It's a service that basically navigates the phone system for you and calls you back when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of redial frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was super helpful when I needed to explain my situation to an actual person instead of just sending messages through eServices that never got responses.
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Mikayla Brown
•Wish I'd known about this earlier! I spent literal DAYS trying to get through on the phone. Will definitely remember this if I ever have issues again. Thanks for sharing!
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Emma Morales
My cousin had a similar experience last year, took her 6 months to get her money. The system is SO BROKEN. I think ESD automatically denies complicated claims hoping people will just give up and not appeal. My cousin didn't have help from ULP though and did everything herself. Congrats on the win!!!
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Mikayla Brown
•Thank you! And yes, it definitely feels like they hope people will just give up. I almost did after the first appeal failed. So glad I kept fighting.
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Katherine Hunter
This gives me hope! I just got a disqualification letter yesterday because my employer is saying I violated company policy (I absolutely did NOT). I have documentation proving they're lying but wasn't sure if it would be enough. How did you initially contact ULP? Did you have to qualify financially for their help or do they take everyone?
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Zadie Patel
•Not the OP, but I can help with this question. ULP prioritizes low-income claimants, but they try to assist everyone who needs help. They may provide full representation or just consultation depending on your case and their current capacity. You can contact them through their website or by calling their Seattle or Spokane office. They'll ask about your income during intake, but don't let that discourage you from reaching out. Their services range from brief advice to full representation at hearings. Even a consultation can be extremely valuable for understanding how to present your case effectively.
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Ali Anderson
did u have to pay any of that money back??? I heard they sometimes make u pay tax on it later or something???
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Mikayla Brown
•Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. I opted to have 10% withheld when I filed my weekly claims, but you'll still get a 1099-G form next year for tax filing. No other paybacks though as long as you reported everything correctly!
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Lucas Parker
My situation is completely different but I'm on month 3 of adjudication for a stupid ID verification issue. This system is just ridiculous. So happy for you though! That's a nice chunk of change to finally get!
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Mikayla Brown
•Ugh the ID verification issues are the worst! Have you tried going to a WorkSource center in person? I heard they can sometimes help with those issues faster than waiting for ESD to figure it out. And thanks - yes, the money is literally saving me from eviction right now!
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