One more thing to try: check if you can see your weekly claim status under the "Weekly Claims" tab in eServices. Sometimes there's more information there about why a claim is being held. Also, while waiting to get this resolved, make sure you continue completing your job search activities (3 per week) and documenting them. Even though you can't file right now, you'll need to report these activities when you file retroactively after the pending issue is cleared.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ESD and resolve this? What was the pending issue in your case?

Update: I called ESD this morning about this issue (was on hold for 2.5 hours). The agent confirmed exactly what's happening - when your claim switches from an old one to a recalculated one with new wage data, it automatically triggers a review of ALL separations within the base year, even previously approved ones. The agent said this is to prevent fraud where someone might have been fired for misconduct from one job but laid off from another. The good news is that since you already have documentation from your employer stating they won't contest the claim, you should be fine. The agent should be able to expedite the adjudication if you call and explain that you already provided this documentation.

just wonderng did u get paid for the weeks while in adjudication or did they hold all payments until everything was resolved?

Almost forgot to mention - if your waiver gets denied, don't give up! You can still request a payment plan. I know someone who got a 48-month payment plan with really low monthly payments. Not as good as a waiver but WAY better than having to pay it all back at once or getting your wages garnished!

If you need some guidance on filling out the form, the Northwest Justice Project has a really helpful guide specific to ESD pandemic overpayment waivers. Just search "Northwest Justice Project ESD overpayment waiver guide" and it should come up. They walk through exactly what to include in each section and what documentation is most important. Also - be sure to check if you qualify for a "blanket waiver" which is different from the individual waiver process. In some specific situations, ESD is automatically waiving certain types of overpayments from the pandemic period. This includes cases where you were eligible under one program but should have been paid under a different program.

btw the whole system is rigged. ESD always sides with employers first cuz they dont wanna pay out benefits. its all about saving money for them. but the appeal judges are seperate from ESD and actually listen to evidence. thats why so many denials get overturned on appeal. the system is designed to hope people give up without appealing.

Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful responses! I've started gathering all my evidence - emails showing approved absences, doctor's notes, and I'm reaching out to a couple sympathetic coworkers for statements. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims during the appeal process too. I'm going to try that Claimyr service tomorrow to hopefully speak with an ESD agent about exactly what they need from me. Then I'll draft a clear timeline and practice my testimony like several of you suggested. This whole situation is so stressful, but hearing your success stories has given me hope. I'll update this thread after my hearing to let everyone know how it went!

my cousin quit bcuz of harassment and got denied twice!!! the system is so unfair sometimes just warning u it might be an uphill battle

Update: I filed my initial claim yesterday and selected "quit" with "hostile work environment" as the reason. I got a notice that my claim needs adjudication (which I expected from your helpful comments). The message says it could take 5-8 weeks for adjudication! That's longer than the gap until my new job starts. Should I still do the weekly claims while waiting? Will they backpay me for these weeks if approved? Really stressing about making rent now...