One more tip - if you do get through to someone but they say they can't help with your specific issue, politely ask them to transfer you to a claims specialist instead of hanging up and trying again. Sometimes they can put you in a priority queue if you're already in the system. Also, make sure you're caught up on all your weekly claims while waiting. Even if your initial claim is pending, you need to keep filing each week or you'll lose benefits for those weeks.

I feel your pain - I went through this exact same nightmare last year! What finally worked for me was calling the main number at 7:58am sharp and when the automated system starts, I pressed 1-1-2 instead of following the normal prompts. This sometimes bypasses the "high call volume" message and puts you in a different queue. Also, try calling on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings - Mondays are absolutely brutal because everyone calls then. And if you get the "goodbye" message, call back immediately. Sometimes the system will let you through on the 2nd or 3rd attempt right in a row. One last thing - keep a notepad ready with your claim number, SSN, and specific questions written down. When you finally get someone, they move fast and you don't want to waste time fumbling for information. Good luck!

Update: Thank you all for the helpful advice! I went back and checked my weekly claim filing and realized I did mess up two things - I answered "no" to being able and available for work (I misunderstood the question) AND I didn't report any job searches. I've now started properly documenting my job searches (applied for 4 positions already) and will make sure to answer all questions correctly for this week's claim. I'll keep filing weekly claims while waiting for my determination letter. Is there any way to correct last week's form, or is that just a lost week now?

Great to see you figured out what went wrong! Those weekly claim questions are definitely confusing at first - I made similar mistakes when I started. The "able and available for work" question trips up a lot of people because it sounds like they're asking if you have a job lined up, but they actually mean are you physically/mentally ready to work if offered a position. You're doing the right thing by documenting your job searches now. Pro tip: keep detailed records of each application (company name, position, date applied, method of application) because ESD can audit your job search activities at any point. I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything. Since you're being proactive about fixing these issues going forward, you should be in good shape once your determination letter arrives. Just stay consistent with your weekly filings!

I finally got my pandemic overpayment waiver processed after 29 months of waiting. What ultimately worked was submitting a formal records request for my complete file through the Public Records Act. Within 3 weeks of submitting this request, my waiver was suddenly processed and approved. I think having someone pull my file for the records request put it in front of someone who could actually make a decision. Might be worth trying if you've been waiting years like I was.

I'm in the exact same boat - filed my waiver in January 2022 for a $3,200 overpayment and it's still pending. What really gets me is that they sent me a collections notice last month threatening wage garnishment while my waiver is STILL under review! I called immediately and they said "oh don't worry about that, it's automated while your waiver is pending" - like how is that even legal?? Reading all these responses is both helpful and infuriating. I'm going to try the state representative route and the records request approach. It's absurd that we have to jump through all these hoops when THEY are the ones taking 3+ years to do their job.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about applying now. I'll make sure to be clear about my availability and school schedule when I file my claim.

Just wanted to add that timing matters too - if you're between semesters or on break, that can actually strengthen your case since you're fully available during those periods. I filed during winter break and had no issues getting approved. When the new semester started, I just made sure to update my availability status and continued receiving benefits as long as I could prove I was actively job searching around my class schedule.

The system isn't perfect but it does help when you need it. Just be patient with the process and keep good records of everything.

One more thing - if you do run into problems and need to talk to Washington ESD, definitely look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it when my claim got stuck and it actually worked. Way better than spending hours trying to call.