What happens after unemployment appeal hearing - Washington ESD next steps?

Thank you! That's a relief about the backpay. Do I need to keep filing my weekly claims while waiting for the decision?

Yes, absolutely keep filing your weekly claims. Even though you're not getting paid right now, you need to maintain your claim to be eligible for backpay if you win the appeal.

Wow that's a huge backpay amount! Were there any issues with getting it deposited or did it go smoothly?

It went pretty smooth actually. They direct deposited it just like regular weekly benefits. The only thing was I had to pay taxes on the whole lump sum that year which was annoying but worth it.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the only time I can get through but even then it's hit or miss.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. You put in your info and they call you back when they have an agent on the line. Worked great for me when I needed to check on my adjudication status. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but honestly I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. The Washington ESD phone system is just broken.

If you lose at the ALJ level, you can appeal to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals within 30 days. That's your final level of appeal within the state system. Make sure you have all your documentation organized for your hearing.

Good luck with your hearing! I was nervous too but having all my emails and texts from my supervisor really helped show the pattern of harassment.

Six weeks is definitely longer than usual. You should call the Office of Administrative Hearings directly to check on your case status. They have a different phone number than regular Washington ESD.

do you have that number? I can't find it anywhere on their website

That sounds like a mistake on their part. Did you contest the overpayment notice?

Yeah I'm fighting it but it's another whole appeal process. This system is completely broken.

That happened to my friend too. Turned out to be a computer error where they didn't update his account properly after the appeal decision. Took 3 months to fix but they eventually waived the overpayment.

Good point. I'll make sure to read every word when I get mine. Did your friend have to appeal the partial decision or just accept it?

She accepted it because appealing further would have taken months and she needed the money. But she always wondered if she could have gotten more.

Yes, you still need to meet all the regular UI requirements including job search activities. Even though you're not getting paid, you need to maintain eligibility for when/if benefits are restored.

That seems unfair to make you do job search when you're fighting a disqualification but I guess it makes sense legally.

That's a good sign that they didn't show up! Sounds like you have a strong case.

When my employer didn't show up to my hearing, the judge basically said they forfeited their chance to dispute my testimony. Easy win for me.

Each unemployment claim is evaluated independently, but having a successful appeal on record could potentially help establish your credibility in future determinations. It shows you were willing to fight an incorrect decision.

I'm doing the same thing! Checking my account obsessively even though I know the decision isn't ready yet.

I know it's hard but try to be patient. The ALJ has to review all the testimony and evidence carefully. A thorough review is better for your case than a rushed decision.

For tax purposes, unemployment benefits are typically reported as income for the year you actually receive them, not the year they were originally due. But you should consult a tax professional to be sure.

Thanks, that's what I was hoping. Getting a big lump sum in 2025 for 2024 benefits would really mess up my tax situation.

What kind of documentation helped you the most in your successful appeals?

Email chains with supervisors, witness statements from coworkers, company policy documents, anything that backs up your version of events. Screenshots of text messages helped in one case too.

I used Claimyr to reach someone at Washington ESD about my appeal timeline and they were able to see basic status info. Nothing detailed but they confirmed my case was still being reviewed. Much easier than trying to call myself.

Good to know it's worth trying. I've wasted so many hours on hold with their regular number.

I got mine on a Thursday actually, but I think it's just whenever the judge finishes writing it up. Probably varies by ALJ and their schedule.

Mine came on a Monday. I don't think there's any pattern to it.

Easier said than done when you're broke and waiting to see if you'll get thousands in backpay! But you're right, the stress doesn't help anything.

I totally get it. I was in the same boat. Just trying to pass along the perspective I wish someone had given me during my wait.

How long should I expect between getting the decision and actually seeing the backpay deposited?

In my case it was about a week, but I've heard anywhere from 3-10 business days depending on how backed up their payment processing is.

Winning an appeal restores your benefits exactly as they would have been if you hadn't been disqualified in the first place. Same weekly amount, same benefit year duration, everything.

Perfect, that's what I was hoping. Thanks for clarifying!

Good advice. I tried to stick to the facts during my hearing and not get too emotional about how unfairly I felt I was treated.

Exactly. Keep it factual and let your documentation do the talking. Getting emotional can hurt your credibility even if you're 100% right.

Thank you Zainab! It's so helpful to connect with someone going through the exact same thing. The hostile work environment cases seem really tough because you have to prove so much, but it sounds like you came prepared with good documentation too. I keep telling myself that if the judge was asking detailed questions and seemed engaged, that's probably a good sign. The waiting really is the hardest part - I never thought 2-4 weeks could feel so long! Keeping my fingers crossed for both of us. Please update us when you hear back!

Thanks for sharing your experience Zainab! It really does help to know others are going through the same nerve-wracking wait. Your case sounds very similar to mine - I also had to document a hostile work environment situation. The fact that the judge was asking detailed questions about your documentation is definitely encouraging. I've been trying to stay positive by reminding myself that a thorough review means they're taking our cases seriously. Hope we both get good news soon and can celebrate with some much-needed backpay!

Zainab, I'm so glad you shared your experience! It's incredibly reassuring to hear from someone in almost the exact same situation. The hostile work environment cases really are challenging because there's so much you have to prove, but it sounds like you did your homework with the documentation. I've been second-guessing every detail from my hearing, but you're right that when the judge is asking thoughtful questions and really digging into the evidence, that's usually a positive sign. The 10-day mark means you're getting close to that typical 2-3 week window. I'll definitely keep you posted when I hear back, and please do the same! This community has been such a lifeline during this stressful wait.