


Ask the community...
The overpayment waiver process has specific timelines that ESD is supposed to follow. According to WAC 192-220-030, they should make a determination within a reasonable time. Ten months is definitely excessive and indicates your claim may have fallen through the cracks. I'd recommend three things: 1. Call ESD directly and request a status update. Ask for your case to be escalated due to the extended wait time. 2. If calling doesn't work, submit a formal written inquiry through your eServices message center. This creates a paper trail. 3. If all else fails, contact your state representative's office. They often have constituent services that can help with ESD issues. Also, make sure to continue filing your current unemployment claims properly while this older issue is being resolved. The two matters are technically separate in ESD's systems.
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning after trying since 8am! The agent found my file and said there's actually a SYSTEM GLITCH that's been affecting some waiver requests where they get stuck in the system without being assigned to a claims specialist for review. She's escalated my case and said I should hear something within 5-7 business days. She also added a note that it's been pending an excessive amount of time. For anyone else dealing with this - CALL THEM! Don't just wait like I was doing!
Great update! That system glitch has been an ongoing issue with their case management software. Glad you got through and had your case escalated. Make sure to follow up if you don't hear anything in 7 business days.
Just to follow up - did your online account update to show the claim was filed? Usually it should reflect the correct status by the next business day. If not, you might want to call ESD to verify everything is in order.
I went through something eerily similar in January-April this year. Construction industry as well, but I was in commercial electrical. One thing that really helped me was documenting EVERYTHING. Every call, every person I spoke with, every message in the portal. When I finally got through to someone helpful, I was able to give them a complete timeline which seemed to make them take my case more seriously. Also, I know this sounds obvious, but double-check that you don't have any alerts or questionnaires in your eServices account that might be hiding somewhere. I discovered I had missed responding to something that was buried in a weird part of the portal, and that was part of what caused my delay. The mortgage situation is really tough - while you're waiting, you might want to contact your mortgage company and ask about forbearance options. Many still have COVID-related programs that can give you a little breathing room while you get this sorted out. Hang in there - the system is ridiculous but persistence eventually pays off.
Thank you for the suggestion about keeping documentation. I've started a log of all interactions now. I also took your advice and called my mortgage company - they said they can give me a 30-day extension without affecting my credit if I can provide documentation about my unemployment situation. That gives me a little breathing room at least.
Just wanted to follow up - any news on your claim yet? Did the hardship review help speed things up?
Yes! I got approved yesterday! The payments should be in my account by Friday according to the portal. The combination of the hardship review and my state rep's office contacting them seemed to do the trick. They backdated everything to February when I first applied. I can't express how relieved I am. Thank you all for the advice - it literally saved my home.
NightOwl42
UPDATE: I got through the line! Turns out I had an old claim from 2022 that was marked Ineligible because they never verified my ID back then. I've now submitted my ID verification and once that gets cleared, they said they'll re-evaluate the disqualified weekly claims. The agent was actually super helpful once I finally reached someone. Fingers crossed this doesn't take too long to resolve. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
0 coins
Miguel Herrera
•Great news! This is exactly the kind of hidden issue I suspected. Once the ID verification is processed, they should be able to clear those disqualifications quickly. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims in the meantime so you don't miss any potential benefits.
0 coins
Zainab Ali
•thats awesome!! how did u finally get through? i might have another issue coming up soon and wanna know the secret lol
0 coins
NightOwl42
To answer those asking how I got through: I tried that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above. Honestly, after weeks of frustration, it was worth it to finally talk to someone who could help. The ESD agent told me it could take 5-7 business days for the ID verification to process, then another few days for them to review my disqualified weeks. At least now I know what's going on!
0 coins
Ava Thompson
•Thanks for updating us! It's always helpful to hear how these situations get resolved. Hope the rest of the process goes smoothly for you.
0 coins