The problem with ESD is they're so INCONSISTENT!! My friend and I had almost identical overpayment situations but she got a payment plan of $60/month and they wanted me to pay $225/month!! When I asked why, they just gave me some generic explanation about "financial assessment" but wouldn't explain the actual formula. Its just whoever you get on the phone that day and what mood theyre in!!! The whole system is broken.

To add to my earlier comment about winning appeals - preparation is everything. The Administrative Law Judges who hear these cases have very specific procedures. A few more tips: 1. The burden of proof is on ESD, not you. They must prove you weren't eligible. 2. You can request a postponement if you need more time to gather evidence. 3. You can call witnesses (like former employers) to testify on your behalf. 4. Keep your testimony focused on the specific issue in the determination letter. Regarding repayment: if you're experiencing financial hardship, you can request a reduction or waiver of the overpayment. You'll need to complete ESD's financial statement form and provide documentation of your income and expenses. In extreme cases of hardship, I've seen ESD waive overpayments entirely.

Just a quick update based on other comments - the quarterly wage review is a very likely culprit since we just finished Q1 2025. This happens automatically in their system and often creates a 1-2 week delay while they verify no unreported wages. If that's the case, it should resolve automatically, but calling to confirm is still your best option.

UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning! You guys were right - it was a quarterly review thing. The agent said it should be resolved within 48 hours and my payment should come through by the end of the week. She also mentioned they're supposed to be implementing a new notification system later this year that will actually tell claimants WHY their payment is pending instead of leaving us in the dark. That would be a huge improvement!

Another approach could be to call ESD and ask about a "standby" status for your husband's situation. Sometimes with seasonal or periodic work interruptions, standby status can be more appropriate than regular unemployment. However, I'm not sure if apprenticeship training weeks qualify under the standby rules - that's something an ESD agent would need to confirm.

I'm confused - if he's in class during that week, isn't that considered "available for work"? I thought you had to be able and available to get unemployment? Or is there a special rule for apprenticeship classes?

Here's what most people don't know: ESD has an internal policy that hardship cases involving eviction, utility disconnection, or medical emergencies should be prioritized. However, this only happens if you specifically request hardship prioritization and provide documentation. When you call the governor's office again (which you should do Monday morning), tell them: 1. You have a formal eviction notice (and can provide it) 2. You need your case marked for "hardship prioritization" 3. You need them to transfer your request to the "ESD Executive Review Team" These specific phrases can help move your case faster. The standard adjudication time is currently running 6-8 weeks unless specifically expedited. I work with a community resource center and we've helped several people navigate this exact situation. The system is frustrating, but there are ways to move through it more efficiently if you know the right terminology and procedures.

One more thing to try - if you have a state representative or senator, their constituent services can sometimes be even more effective than the governor's office. They often have direct contacts with ESD leadership. You can find your representatives here: app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder Send them an email explaining your situation and include your claim ID, contact info, and mention the eviction notice. Sometimes they can get things moving within 24-48 hours. Let us know how it goes!

check ur junk mail folder too! my decision actually came as an email but went to spam and i didnt know for like 2 weeks until paper copy came lol

Former ESD employee here. The legal requirement is that OAH decisions must be mailed within 30 days of the hearing date, but in practice, most judges issue them within 5-10 business days. Complex cases involving multiple parties or extensive documentation can take longer. The decision is NOT posted to your OAH account online. This is for legal reasons - they need to ensure you actually receive the physical decision with appeal rights information. After you receive the decision, if it's favorable, ESD has 5 business days to implement it. If unfavorable, you have 30 days to file a Petition for Review. One tip: If it's been more than 15 business days, you can call OAH directly at 1-855-928-1237 to check on status. They can't tell you the decision but can confirm if it's been mailed.