Unexpected $8 ESD payment appeared in my account - haven't claimed since pre-2025?
I just noticed a random $8 deposit in my bank account from WA Employment Security Department yesterday. I haven't filed for unemployment since the COVID period (almost 3 years ago) and haven't been in contact with ESD at all. No explanation, no letter, nothing in my eServices account that I can find. Has anyone else received a small random payment like this recently? Should I be worried about identity theft or is this some kind of adjustment to an old claim? I'm completely confused about where this came from and if I need to do anything about it.
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Rajiv Kumar
same!! i got $12.43 two days ago from esd. no clue why??? havent filed since 2023. checked my eservices and theres literally nothing there explaining it
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Isabella Russo
•Glad I'm not the only one! Did you call them about it yet? I'm wondering if I need to report it or something.
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Aria Washington
This sounds like what's called a "benefit adjustment payment." ESD periodically audits old claims and if they find they underpaid you (even by a small amount), they're required by law to issue the difference. It could be from a wage correction your former employer reported, a recalculation of your benefit year, or an adjustment based on interest. You should get a letter explaining it in the next week or so. Nothing to worry about - it's your money!
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Isabella Russo
•That makes sense! I'll keep an eye out for the letter. Thank you for explaining.
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Liam O'Reilly
•Are you SURE about this??? I've heard ESD sometimes sends small test payments when someone has hacked your account and is trying to route payments somewhere else. Been seeing posts about this on Facebook. I'd call immediately to make sure your account is secure!!!!
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Chloe Delgado
DONT SPEND IT!!!! This happened to my brother last year (was like $15) and then 3 weeks later ESD sent him a letter saying it was an error and he had to pay it back plus a $25 processing fee! Complete scam. Call them right away before they try to charge you fees.
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Ava Harris
•That's not accurate information. ESD doesn't charge processing fees for their own errors, and they wouldn't request repayment of an amount this small. They typically only pursue overpayments of significant amounts or cases of fraud. This sounds like a standard adjustment payment which happens quite regularly with old claims. No need to panic about a small deposit.
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Jacob Lee
I've been trying to get through to ESD for 2 weeks about a similar issue (mine was $23). Their phone lines are CONSTANTLY busy and I keep getting disconnected. After 15+ calls I STILL haven't spoken to anyone. I actually tried using this service called Claimyr that a friend recommended - claimyr.com - and they got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. The agent explained it was a retroactive adjustment from my 2023 claim due to a wage recalculation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me days of frustration.
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Isabella Russo
•Thanks for the tip! I might try that if I don't get a letter soon explaining what this is about. The ESD phone system is definitely frustrating.
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Emily Thompson
When i worked at a call center for unemployment during covid, we would sometimes process these small adjustments in batches. Theyre usually from wage corrections when employers report updated information or from system audits. Just make sure its actually from ESD (check the ACH details) and not some random deposit. But yor probably fine
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Isabella Russo
•That's really helpful insider perspective, thanks! The deposit definitely says WA ESD in my bank statement so it seems legitimate.
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Liam O'Reilly
im dealing with a MUCH BIGGER problem with esd right now!!! they say i owe $7,500 from an overpayment from 2022 but i reported everything correctly!!! the system is completely broken. im fighting it and have a hearing scheduled next month. so frustrating!!!! at least your random $8 is money coming TO you not FROM you lol
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Aria Washington
•You should definitely appeal that overpayment notice if you believe it's incorrect. Make sure to gather all your income documentation and weekly claim certifications. The OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings) process is separate from ESD and they take a fresh look at your case.
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Ava Harris
This is definitely a retroactive adjustment payment. ESD is required by law to make these payments when they discover an underpayment, no matter how small. You'll receive a determination letter in the mail that explains the specific reason for the adjustment. It typically takes 5-10 business days after the payment for the letter to arrive. The most common reasons are: 1. Wage recalculation after an employer submitted corrected information 2. Interest applied to delayed payments from your original claim 3. Correction of a technical calculation error in your original benefit amount You don't need to do anything - the money is rightfully yours. This happens quite frequently and is a normal part of the unemployment insurance system.
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Isabella Russo
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I'll wait for the letter before doing anything else. This makes me feel much better about the situation.
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