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Weird situation: Denied benefits, then approved twice but still forced into hearing - stuck in limbo

I'm completely baffled by what's happening with my ESD claim. I got laid off in January after our company lost a major contract. I filed for UI benefits and got denied right away - before ESD even contacted my employer! The determination letter just said I 'voluntarily quit without good cause' which is completely false. I immediately filed an appeal online and uploaded my termination paperwork. Here's where it gets weird. About 10 days later, I received an approval letter saying I was eligible for benefits. Then a week after that, I got ANOTHER approval letter basically saying the same thing. But when I called ESD (after like 50 attempts), they told me I still have to attend a hearing with OAH in April! Meanwhile, I'm just stuck in this weird limbo where I'm supposedly approved but can't access any benefits. I'm still filing my weekly claims but nothing is being paid out. Has anyone experienced anything like this? What's the point of sending approval letters if they're still making me go through a hearing?

Raul Neal

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This happens more than you'd think. The left hand doesn't know what the right is doing at ESD. Those approval letters probably came from someone reviewing your documents and agreeing with you, but the appeal process is separate and has to run its course regardless. The hearing is actually good news - it means you'll get a chance to present your case to a judge who can overrule the initial denial. Make sure you have ALL your documentation ready for the hearing - termination letter, performance reviews, anything that proves you didn't quit. Also, keep filing those weekly claims even though nothing is being paid - if you win at the hearing, they'll backpay everything you're entitled to.

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Heather Tyson

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Thanks for the info. It just seems so inefficient to have different departments contradicting each other. If they've already determined I'm eligible (twice!), why waste everyone's time with a hearing? I'm worried about how long this will drag on - I've already been waiting almost 2 months with no income.

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Jenna Sloan

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yep its totally messed up but ive seen this b4. those approval letters dont mean anything until after the hearing. its super confusing i know. my sister got THREE eligibility letters and still had to wait for her hearing. the system is broken but u just gotta play their game

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Heather Tyson

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Three letters? That's even worse than my situation. Did she eventually get approved after the hearing? How long did the whole process take?

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I experienced something similar last fall. The key thing to understand is that there are multiple levels of decision-making at ESD. The initial determination is often automated or made by someone with limited authority. Once you appeal, your case gets escalated to OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings), which is actually separate from ESD. Those approval letters might be from an ESD agent who reviewed your case and tried to fix the error, but they don't have the authority to stop an appeal process once it's started. Only the judge at your hearing can make that final determination. The good news is that those approval letters can be presented as evidence at your hearing. They show that ESD staff actually agree with your position. Print them out and bring them with you!

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Heather Tyson

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That helps explain it, thank you. I'll definitely bring those approval letters to the hearing. The whole system seems so convoluted and inefficient.

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Sasha Reese

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You need to call and talk to someone from the appeals department ASAP!!! This happened to me and I waited for the hearing but then got denied because I didn't have the right evidence!!! Don't just wait for the hearing date to come up - you need to be proactive!!!

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Good luck trying to reach anyone in the appeals department! I've been trying for WEEKS and can't get through. ESD's phone system is a complete joke.

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The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN. I was in almost the exact same situation last year - denied without investigation, appealed, got approval letters, but still had to wait 3+ months for a hearing. It's like the departments don't even talk to each other! I ended up having to take out a loan just to make rent while waiting for benefits I was clearly entitled to. And the worst part is there's absolutely nothing you can do to speed up the process. It's bureaucracy at its finest. 😡

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Heather Tyson

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3+ months?! That's terrifying. I'm already struggling to make ends meet. Did you at least get backpay for all those weeks once you were approved?

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Noland Curtis

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Honestly this is why I always tell people to appeal immediately AND contact their state representative at the same time. My claim was stuck for months until I contacted my rep's office. Suddenly ESD found a way to expedite things. Funny how that works! 🙄 Google "WA state representative finder" and input your address - then send them an email explaining your situation.

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Heather Tyson

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That's a great idea, I hadn't thought of contacting my representative. I'll do that today. Thank you!

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Some practical advice for your upcoming hearing: 1. Be prepared with ALL documentation showing you were laid off (termination letter, emails discussing the layoff, etc.) 2. Create a simple timeline of events to help the judge follow your case 3. If your former employer will be at the hearing, anticipate what they might say and be ready to respond calmly 4. Don't ramble or get emotional during the hearing - stick to facts 5. Specifically mention those two approval letters and have copies ready 6. Emphasize that ESD never contacted your employer before the initial denial The good news is that judges at these hearings tend to be fair and thorough. The fact that ESD already sent approval letters is a very positive sign for your case.

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Heather Tyson

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This is really helpful advice. I'll put together a timeline this weekend. Do you know if these hearings are in person or over the phone? My notice doesn't specify.

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Raul Neal

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Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure you're checking your online ESD account regularly too. Sometimes they'll post documents or requests for information there without actually notifying you. The system is frustratingly opaque.

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Heather Tyson

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Good point, I'll start checking daily. I've been mostly focusing on my email and physical mail.

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Diez Ellis

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i had soemthing similar happen but turned out they were sending approval letters for different WEEKS not for my overall claim if that makes sense. one approval was for week ending 1/15 and the other for week ending 1/22 but my overall eligibiilty was still in question. might want to read the fine print on those letters.

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Heather Tyson

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I just double-checked the letters, and they're definitely about my overall eligibility, not specific weeks. One is titled "Redetermination of Eligibility" and the other is "Notice of Adjusted Determination." Both say I meet the requirements for benefits based on my separation reason.

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Jenna Sloan

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After your hearing (which u will probably win based on those approval letters), make sure u ask about getting interest on ur backpay. Washington state law says they have to pay interest if benefits r delayed more than 30 days after approval. Most people dont know this and ESD never volunteers this info!!!

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Are you serious? I never knew about the interest thing! I waited 5 months last year and never got a penny in interest. Is there somewhere official that explains this rule?

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