Good luck with everything! The system can be confusing but once you get started it's not too bad.

One thing I learned when I was laid off last year - make sure you file online rather than trying to call. Washington ESD's website can be slow during peak hours, but it's still way more reliable than their phone system. I spent days trying to get through by phone before someone told me I could do everything online. Also, don't stress too much about the application itself - they walk you through it step by step and you can always correct information later if needed.

Overall, at $1,500/week you're looking at roughly 55% income replacement if you get the maximum benefit. It's not perfect but it's something while you job search.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and bank account info ready when you file. Washington ESD also asks for your employer's federal tax ID number (FEIN) which you can usually find on your W-2 or paystub. Having all this info ready will make the initial application process much smoother.

Bottom line - if you think the overpayment is wrong, appeal within 30 days. If you know you owe it, set up a payment plan immediately. Don't let it go to garnishment if you can avoid it because then you lose control over the payment amount and timing.

If you decide to appeal, make sure you request all the documentation they used to calculate your overpayment. You have the right to see exactly how they determined you owe that money - sometimes there are calculation errors or they applied earnings to the wrong weeks. I had a similar situation where they miscategorized some of my part-time income and I was able to get about $800 of my overpayment reversed just by showing them their mistake. The appeal process can be slow but it's worth it if you genuinely think there's an error.

I'm so sorry about your father's stroke and the difficult position you're in. As someone who works in social services, I want to emphasize that Washington state does recognize family caregiving as potential "good cause" for voluntary separation. The key is documentation and showing that you exhausted other reasonable alternatives. Beyond what others have mentioned, also gather any written communication with your employer about your situation - emails discussing your need for time off, their response about FMLA eligibility, etc. This creates a paper trail showing you tried to work with them first. Also, if possible, get a statement from your father's medical team specifically addressing why he requires family care rather than just professional services - sometimes family members can provide continuity and emotional support that's medically beneficial. The adjudicator will be looking for evidence that a reasonable person in your situation would have made the same choice. Stay strong - you're doing the right thing for your dad.

I went through a very similar situation when my mother had a severe heart attack and needed round-the-clock care. Washington ESD did approve my claim, but it took about 6 weeks and required extensive documentation. Here's what really helped my case: I got a detailed letter from her cardiologist explaining not just her medical needs, but specifically why family supervision was medically necessary for her recovery and mental health. I also documented every attempt I made to find alternative care - I got quotes from three home health agencies and two assisted living facilities to show they were either unavailable immediately or financially impossible on my salary. The adjudicator told me later that showing I had genuinely explored all other options before quitting was crucial. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - start applying for your dad's Medicare/Medicaid benefits now if you haven't already, as some of those services can take months to kick in. Also keep detailed records of his daily care needs and your caregiving activities, as this helps demonstrate the full-time nature of the care required. The financial stress is real, but don't give up on the claim - caregivers deserve support too.

Thanks everyone for all the info. This thread has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official Washington ESD website!

One thing I've noticed is that if you file your claim really early Sunday morning (like midnight to 6 AM), sometimes the payment processes a bit faster than if you file in the evening. I think it might be because those early claims get into the first batch when they start processing Monday morning. Could just be coincidence though - has anyone else noticed timing differences based on when during Sunday you file?