ESD claiming I owe $55,000 from old claims after my message inbox was wiped clean

You need to file an appeal IMMEDIATELY. You only have 30 days from the date on the overpayment notice. This happened to a friend of mine last year. If they're claiming fraud, they can go back 3+ years on all your claims. The deleted messages issue is concerning - I've seen a few people mention that happening after system updates. Do you have any other proof you submitted your ID? Check your email for confirmations, or even screenshots you might have taken.

omg this is terrifying!! the same thing almost happened to me but i caught the verification email by chance. their system is so glitchy, its like they WANT us to miss deadlines so they can claim fraud. did u try calling the main number?? sometimes if u call right when they open you can get thru

This is unfortunately becoming a common issue. ESD's system purges messages after a certain time period (usually 12-18 months), but they don't clearly inform claimants about this. For future reference, always download or screenshot EVERYTHING. When you appeal, include the following: 1. Explain that you did submit verification for all claims you received benefits for 2. Note that their system deleted your message history, preventing you from proving submission 3. Provide any tax records showing the benefits you received were reported properly 4. Request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge You should also reach out to your state representative's office. They often have ESD liaisons who can help navigate these situations. Don't panic - fraudulent overpayment accusations require ESD to prove intent, which is difficult if you can show you were responsive to their requests for the claims you received benefits on.

I had EXACT same thing happen!!!! They deleted all my messages too and then claimed I never sent my docs!!!! Its like they're trying to scam us!! I got a notice for $36,000 and almost had a heart attack. The whole system is corrupt!!!

If you're struggling to get through to ESD (which is likely with these complex issues), I found a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual ESD agent when I was dealing with a similar situation. It helped me skip the hold queue and actually talk to someone who could help. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 In my case, it was worth it because I was able to get my issue escalated to a claims specialist who found notes in their system even though my messages were gone. Definitely file that appeal first though!

I work as an employment attorney, and I've seen several similar cases recently. Here's what you need to know: 1. ESD's verification process has been problematic since they updated their system in late 2023. Many claimants have reported missing notifications or deleted message histories. 2. The burden of proof for FRAUD (vs. simple overpayment) is on ESD - they must prove you intentionally misrepresented information. Missing a notification on a denied claim doesn't constitute fraud. 3. When you appeal, request all records ESD has regarding your communication history. Under Washington public records laws, they should have server logs of document uploads even if the actual messages are gone. 4. There's a significant difference between a standard overpayment and a fraud determination. If they're claiming fraud, your appeal needs to specifically address this distinction. 5. If you received benefits and reported them on your taxes, include those tax documents in your appeal as evidence you weren't hiding anything. Don't wait - file that appeal immediately and request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) tends to be more fair-minded than ESD's internal review process.

I experienced something similar last year, though my alleged overpayment was much smaller (about $12,000). Here's what worked for me: 1. I filed the appeal immediately using the online appeal form, explaining exactly what happened. 2. I contacted my state representative's office, who assigned a caseworker to help me navigate the process. This was INCREDIBLY helpful. 3. I gathered every piece of evidence I could find - bank statements showing deposits, tax returns showing I reported the income, screenshots of any ESD correspondence I had saved, etc. 4. When I got to my OAH hearing, I discovered the ESD representative didn't have solid evidence of fraud - just that I had missed responding to one verification request. 5. The judge ruled in my favor and reduced it from a fraud overpayment to a regular overpayment, which cut the amount significantly and removed penalties. The system isn't perfect, but there are protections in place. Don't give up! The fact that you responded to verification requests for claims you received benefits for works in your favor. The deleted messages issue is frustrating but not uncommon - their system purges older messages, which creates exactly these types of problems.

the esd system is DESIGNED to screw us over!!!! they DELIBERATELY delete evidence and then claim we committed fraud. its a SCAM to get more money back from people who are already struggling. the whole system needs to be investigated!!!

One more piece of advice - keep detailed notes of EVERY interaction you have with ESD from now on. Date, time, name of representative, what was discussed, confirmation numbers, everything. These notes can be admitted as evidence in your hearing. Also, be aware that there are two levels of appeal - if you lose at the OAH level, you can appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office, and then to Superior Court if necessary (though that's rare). The most important thing right now is getting that appeal filed within your deadline. You can always supplement with additional evidence later.