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Update us on how this goes! I'm sure other people reading this thread will want to know how overpayment situations typically get resolved.
I went through a similar overpayment situation last year and want to share what worked for me. First, gather all your documentation - weekly claim forms, pay stubs, and any correspondence with Washington ESD. Then log into your online account and review the "determination" section carefully - it should show exactly what weeks they think you were overpaid and why. In my case, there was a discrepancy between what I reported for part-time work and what my employer reported to them. The key is to act quickly within that 30-day appeal window if you disagree with their finding. Don't let the $2,800 amount scare you - focus on understanding whether their calculation is actually correct first. If you do end up owing something, they're usually reasonable about payment plans as long as you communicate proactively with them.
This is really helpful advice! I'm definitely going to focus on understanding the calculation first before panicking about the amount. The tip about checking the determination section online is great - I hadn't thought to look there for more detailed information. Did you end up finding an actual error in their calculation, or was it more about clarifying what should have been reported?
In my case, it turned out to be a combination of both - there was an error in how Washington ESD interpreted my work schedule, but I also realized I had been slightly inconsistent in how I reported my hours on a couple of weekly claims. The employer had reported my wages correctly, but the timing didn't match up with what I had claimed. Once I could show the actual work dates with pay stubs and explain the discrepancy, they adjusted the overpayment amount down significantly. The whole process took about 6 weeks from appeal to resolution, but it was worth it because the final amount I owed was less than half of the original $3,200 they claimed.
Just want to add that if you're close to the 680 hour requirement, you might want to wait a bit before filing if you're still working. Sometimes waiting another month or two can put you over the threshold if your base period shifts.
This has been such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - working part-time and worried about my eligibility. One thing I wanted to add is that I found it really helpful to create a simple spreadsheet to track my hours and wages by quarter. It made it much easier to see if I was meeting the requirements rather than trying to do all the math in my head. For anyone who's still unsure about their eligibility, I'd definitely recommend using that calculator on the Washington ESD website that was mentioned earlier, and don't be afraid to call them if you need clarification on your specific situation.
This is such great advice! I'm relatively new to Washington and just started my first job here a few months ago, so I had no idea about any of these requirements. The spreadsheet idea is perfect - I've always been pretty organized with my finances, but I never thought to track employment info this systematically. It makes total sense to organize by quarters since that's how they calculate everything. I'm going to set one up right away and include all the details you mentioned - dates, hours, wages, and employers. It'll definitely give me peace of mind to know exactly where I stand rather than just hoping I'm on track. Thanks for sharing such a practical solution to what seems like a really stressful situation!
This thread has been so helpful! I'm actually in a very similar boat - been working part-time at a small retail store for about 7 months and was completely clueless about these requirements until I stumbled across this discussion. The spreadsheet idea is absolutely brilliant and I'm kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. I've just been throwing my pay stubs in a drawer and hoping for the best. Setting up a quarterly tracking system would definitely help me see if I'm on track for the 680 hours and would save me so much stress if I ever need to file. I'm also going to bookmark that Washington ESD calculator everyone mentioned. It's really reassuring to see how many people have successfully navigated this system, even with part-time work. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and making this whole process seem much less intimidating!
Update us on how this turns out! I'm sure there are other people who will face similar situations and your experience could help them.
I went through something similar last year and it was really stressful, but it ended up being resolved. A few things that helped me: 1) Don't panic - these notices look scarier than they actually are, 2) Gather ALL your documentation (pay stubs, termination letter, any correspondence with your employer), 3) Write down a timeline of events from when you became unemployed to now, and 4) Be prepared to explain every detail clearly when you call. In my case, it was an error in how my employer coded my separation reason. Once we got that straightened out, the nullification was reversed and I even got back pay for the benefits that were stopped. The key is responding quickly and being thorough with your documentation. You've got this!
UPDATE: I got my link for tomorrow's workshop!! Just came in about 30 minutes ago. Thanks everyone for the help and calming my nerves. Will let you know how it goes!
Wait, I'm confused - @Gabrielle posted the update about getting the link, but the original post was from Klaus. Are you two the same person or did Gabrielle accidentally post an update for someone else's situation? Just want to make sure I'm following the thread correctly!
Good catch @Ravi! I think Gabrielle might have mixed up the threads or was trying to share her own experience with getting a workshop link. The original poster Klaus (@Klaus) hasn't updated us yet about whether he received his link for tomorrow's 10AM workshop. Klaus, did you end up getting your Zoom link?
Mateo Martinez
Glad you were able to get through and get your issue resolved! That's a really helpful tip about keeping the job separation details brief - I bet that will help a lot of people who are having the same freezing problem. It's frustrating that the system is so finicky about text length, but at least now we know. Hope your claim gets processed quickly from here!
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Ravi Choudhury
•Yes, this is such valuable information! I've been helping my neighbor with her unemployment application and she was having the exact same freezing issue. We kept trying to put in all the details about her layoff in that section. Now I know to tell her to keep it short and sweet. Thanks for following up with the solution @e48375666769 - it really helps the whole community when people share what actually worked!
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Ellie Perry
This is super helpful! I'm actually going through the same thing right now - got laid off two weeks ago and the online system keeps giving me problems. I tried calling that 800 number a few times but could never get through. Going to try the early morning approach and also keep my job separation details short like you mentioned. It's so frustrating that the system is this difficult when people really need help, but at least this community is sharing solutions that actually work. Thanks for taking the time to update us with what fixed your issue!
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Diego Flores
•@32a1b7165b12 I feel your frustration! I went through something similar a few months ago when I was laid off from my retail job. The online system can be really temperamental. Besides calling early like Mateo suggested, I'd also recommend having all your employment information written down beforehand - dates, addresses, supervisor names, etc. That way if you do get through to someone or if the online form works, you can fill it out quickly without having to hunt for information. Also, don't give up on the online system completely - sometimes it works better on weekends when fewer people are trying to use it. Hang in there!
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