How long does an unemployment audit take Washington ESD
Got a letter from Washington ESD saying they're doing an audit on my unemployment claim from 6 months ago. They want documentation of my job search activities and work history. The letter doesn't say how long this process takes and I'm worried about my current benefits getting stopped. Has anyone been through an audit before? Should I be concerned about this affecting my weekly claims?
48 comments


Max Knight
Audits can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on complexity. Make sure you respond within the timeframe they gave you (usually 10 business days). Your current benefits shouldn't be affected unless they find issues with your previous claims.
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Madeline Blaze
•Thanks, that's somewhat reassuring. They gave me 14 days to submit everything.
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Emma Swift
•14 days is pretty standard for document requests
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Isabella Tucker
went through this last year and it was a nightmare trying to get someone on the phone to explain what they needed exactly. the letter was vague and i kept getting different answers
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Jayden Hill
•I had the same problem! Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual person who explained everything clearly. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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LordCommander
The audit process typically involves reviewing your job search log, work separation details, and eligibility during your benefit period. Washington ESD usually completes audits within 4-6 weeks from when you submit your documentation. Key things they look for: proper job search activities (3 per week), accurate reporting of any work or income, and that you were able and available for work.
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Madeline Blaze
•I kept detailed records but I'm worried about a few weeks where I might not have done exactly 3 job searches. Will that disqualify me?
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LordCommander
•Not necessarily disqualifying, but they may require you to pay back benefits for those weeks. Document any job search activities you did, even informal ones like networking or updating your resume.
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Lucy Lam
WASHINGTON ESD AUDITS ARE JUST FISHING EXPEDITIONS! They're looking for any excuse to claw back money. I got audited and they found one week where I forgot to log a job application and demanded $800 back. The whole system is designed to screw over workers.
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Aidan Hudson
•That's terrible but not surprising. Did you appeal their decision?
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Lucy Lam
•Yeah I appealed and won but it took 3 months and tons of stress. Have all your documentation ready.
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Emma Swift
just got through mine last month - took exactly 5 weeks from when i submitted docs to when they closed it. no issues found thankfully
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Madeline Blaze
•What kind of documentation did they ask for? I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
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Emma Swift
•job search log, separation notice from employer, bank statements for the audit period, and proof of any training or school attendance
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Jayden Hill
Pro tip: organize everything chronologically and include a cover letter explaining each document. Makes the process smoother. Also, if you need to speak with someone urgently about specific requirements, I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they've been really helpful for getting through Washington ESD's phone system when you actually need answers.
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Zoe Wang
•Second this advice about organization. Made copies of everything too in case something got lost in the mail.
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Madeline Blaze
•Going to check out that Claimyr thing. I really need to talk to someone about a specific week where I was sick and couldn't do job searches.
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Aidan Hudson
The waiting is the worst part. They don't give you updates during the process so you're just sitting there wondering if everything is okay.
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Max Knight
•You can check your account online for any updates or additional requests, but yeah, communication during audits is pretty minimal.
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Isabella Tucker
update: tried that claimyr service and actually got through to someone at washington esd in like 20 minutes. the rep explained exactly what they needed for my audit and even told me which documents were most important. wish i'd known about this months ago
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Madeline Blaze
•That's awesome! I'm definitely going to try it. Did it cost a lot?
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Isabella Tucker
•honestly don't even remember the cost because getting that clarity was worth it. way cheaper than potentially losing benefits
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Zoe Wang
Been through 2 audits in the past 3 years (bad luck I guess). First one took 6 weeks, second one only 3 weeks. The key is responding quickly and completely. Don't leave anything out even if you think it's not relevant.
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Madeline Blaze
•Two audits?? That seems like a lot. Did they find issues the first time?
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Zoe Wang
•No issues either time, just random selection apparently. Though I suspect having a gap in employment history triggers their system.
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Connor Richards
my cousin went through this and it took 7 weeks but that was during covid when everything was backed up. probably faster now
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LordCommander
•Current processing times are much better than during the pandemic. Most audits are resolved within 4-6 weeks now.
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Max Knight
One thing to remember: if they do find an overpayment, you'll get notice and appeal rights. Don't panic if you get an overpayment notice - many can be successfully appealed with proper documentation.
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Madeline Blaze
•Good to know. I'm trying to stay positive but this whole process is stressful.
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Aidan Hudson
•The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part. Hang in there.
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Grace Durand
does anyone know if they audit people randomly or is there some trigger? trying to figure out why i got selected
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LordCommander
•It's usually a combination of random selection and certain flags in the system - things like employment gaps, high benefit amounts, or certain separation reasons.
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Grace Durand
•that makes sense, i had a weird separation situation with my last employer
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Steven Adams
Just want to echo what others said about getting help when you need it. I struggled for weeks trying to understand what Washington ESD wanted until I used Claimyr to actually talk to someone. Sometimes you just need that human explanation of the requirements.
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Madeline Blaze
•Yeah I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and try to get through to someone. The letter really isn't clear about some of the documentation.
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Alice Fleming
hope everything works out for you OP! the audit process is nerve-wracking but most people get through it fine if they kept decent records
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Madeline Blaze
•Thanks for the encouragement! I think I have most of what they need, just need to get it organized.
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Hassan Khoury
Question - do they notify your employer during an audit? I don't want my current job to know I was on unemployment before I got hired.
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LordCommander
•They might contact previous employers to verify information, but they wouldn't contact your current employer unless there's a specific reason related to your claim period.
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Hassan Khoury
•ok good, that was my main worry
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Victoria Stark
submitted my audit paperwork 3 weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. should i be worried or is no news good news?
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Max Knight
•No news is usually good news at the 3 week mark. They typically only contact you if they need additional information or find issues.
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Benjamin Kim
The whole audit system seems designed to intimidate people into not claiming benefits they're entitled to. Stay strong and provide what they ask for - most audits find no issues.
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Madeline Blaze
•That's what I'm hoping for. I was legitimately unemployed and followed all the rules as far as I know.
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Samantha Howard
quick tip: if you need to submit documents, send them certified mail so you have proof they received everything
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Madeline Blaze
•Good idea! I was just going to use regular mail but certified is probably worth the extra cost.
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Megan D'Acosta
good luck with your audit! just remember that washington esd has to follow their own rules and procedures. if you documented everything properly you should be fine
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Madeline Blaze
•Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. Feeling more confident about handling this now.
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