ESD claiming I worked during weeks I didn't - just payment timing? Plus only 18 weeks of benefits?

You need to file an appeal right away on the work issue. This sounds like a misunderstanding about when you performed the work versus when you were paid. I had something similar happen last year. ESD sometimes confuses payment dates with work dates, especially for contractors or gig workers. You need to gather any documentation showing when you actually performed the work (contracts, emails, time tracking) versus when you received payment. For your second question - the 18 weeks instead of 26 weeks could be because of your work history. If you didn't work enough hours in your base year or had gaps in employment, they might reduce your eligible weeks. Check your monetary determination letter carefully.

OMG same thing happened to me!! They said I worked when I didn't and it was just when my direct deposit hit my account. The whole system is rigged I swear. I waited on hold for FIVE HOURS once and then they hung up on me.

For the 18 vs 26 weeks question - this is based on your base year earnings. If you didn't have consistent work throughout all four quarters of your base year, you might get fewer than 26 weeks. Check your monetary determination letter - it should explain how they calculated your eligible weeks based on your earnings history. If you think there's an error, you can request a redetermination of your benefits. Regarding the work issue - you need to be very specific when filing weekly claims. There's a difference between when you perform work and when you get paid. You should always report work during the week you PERFORMED the work, not when you got paid. If you already reported correctly but ESD is still showing those weeks as worked, you need to appeal and provide documentation.

I recommend using Claimyr to reach an ESD agent directly. After weeks of failed attempts to call ESD myself, I used their service and got through to an agent in about 30 minutes. They can help resolve issues like work date discrepancies much faster than waiting for an appeal to process. Their video demo shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Saved me so much frustration!

I had EXACTLY this problem last month! ESD claimed I worked on 3 weeks when I actually didnt. It was just when my irregular paychecks came in from my previous job. I finally got it sorted but it was a NIGHTMARE. What worked for me: 1. I submitted an appeal through eServices (under the "Decisions" section) 2. I uploaded copies of my invoices/contracts showing WHEN I actually did the work 3. I wrote a clear explanation of contractor pay schedules vs. work performed dates It took about 3 weeks to get resolved but they did fix it and paid me for those weeks. DONT GIVE UP!!!!

@profile6 Yes, it's completely legitimate. They don't make the call for you - they basically hold your place in line and call you when they get through to an agent. Then you talk directly with ESD yourself. I was skeptical too but it saved me weeks of frustration trying to get through.

To directly address your issues: 1. Work date vs. payment date - This is a common misunderstanding. ESD tracks work based on when you performed the work, not when you were paid. For contractors and freelancers, this often causes confusion. You need to file an appeal and provide documentation showing when you actually performed the work versus when you received payment. The appeal deadline is usually 30 days from the determination date, so don't delay. 2. 18 weeks vs. 26 weeks - The number of benefit weeks is calculated based on your work history during your base year (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before your claim). If you didn't have earnings in all four quarters or if your earnings were inconsistent, you may receive fewer than 26 weeks. This is standard procedure and not an error. For the work date issue, I suggest calling the ESD appeals line directly at 360-570-5240 rather than the main line. They can often help with these specific issues more efficiently.

@profile5 They scheduled a phone interview with me about a week after I submitted all my documents. The interview only lasted about 15 minutes - they just verified a few details about when I worked vs when I was paid. Have all your documentation ready when they call!

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD today! The agent confirmed I was right - they were looking at my payment dates instead of when I actually performed the work. They're going to correct those weeks and release the payments. For anyone with similar issues - definitely keep detailed records of when you actually do the work vs when you get paid, especially if you're a contractor or have irregular payment schedules!