Just to update everyone on this thread: The comment about the Benton v. ESD settlement is correct. ESD is processing refunds to approximately 32,000 claimants who had overpayments during the 2020-2023 period. The total settlement amount is around $84 million. The refunds include the original overpayment amount plus 12% interest, which is why the amount may be higher than expected. The three letters are actually standard for this process: one is the initial notification, one is the payment confirmation, and one is the interest calculation statement (though they may appear identical at first glance). You can find details about the settlement on the ESD website under Legal Settlements. The money is legitimately yours to keep.

Congrats on getting this resolved! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation right now - got a random deposit last week from ESD for about $900 and was totally confused. After reading this thread I checked the ESD website and sure enough, found the settlement info. It's such a relief to know it's legitimate! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the detailed explanations about the Benton settlement. Really helped put my mind at ease. For anyone else getting unexpected refunds, definitely check that Legal Settlements section on the ESD site - it has all the details about who's eligible and what to expect.

Good luck with everything. The job market is tough right now but unemployment benefits, even if they're low, can help bridge the gap while you find something good.

I feel your frustration - went through the same thing when I got laid off last year. The weekly benefit calculation is based on your highest earning quarter during the base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed), but even with decent earnings the cap really hurts in Seattle. One thing that helped me stretch the benefits was looking into local food banks and utility assistance programs - many don't have strict income requirements when you're on unemployment. Also check if your former employer offered any severance or if you have unused PTO that might be paid out, as that can sometimes help fill the gap while you job search.

I HATE how they leave you hanging like this!!! My appeal took 9 DAYS to show up despite the judge saying "a few days" and by then I'd already had to borrow money from family just to keep my lights on. The whole system is designed to make people give up!!!!

UPDATE: My decision just came through! It was under the Documents tab like you all said. The judge reversed ESD's determination! Now I'm wondering how long until I actually see the money...should I call ESD to make sure they process it quickly?

One more thought - if you decide to appeal, consider asking the court for a fee waiver if you're low income. The $400+ filing fee can be waived if you qualify. The form is available on most Superior Court websites.

Based on everything you've shared, especially about the "updated policy" they sprung on you during the hearing, I think you should at least consult with the Unemployment Law Project before deciding. If they think you have a decent case, it might be worth pursuing. The fact that you texted your supervisor each day and they're claiming you violated a policy you never received could be exactly the kind of factual dispute that might get traction in court. To prepare for a consultation, gather: 1. Your original ESD determination letter 2. The OAH decision 3. Any evidence you submitted (like the text messages) 4. The employer's handbook with the "as soon as practicable" language 5. Any documentation showing you weren't notified of policy changes Good luck with whatever you decide!

also make sure ur still doing all ur job search activities every week even while this overpayment thing is happening. my cousin forgot to do his job searches for two weeks while dealing with an overpayment issue and they disqualified him completely, had to appeal and everything it was a huge mess

Just want to add that if you're struggling financially while dealing with this overpayment, make sure you also look into other resources in your area. Many counties have emergency rental assistance programs, food banks, and utility assistance that can help bridge the gap while you're getting reduced unemployment payments. I had to use a few of these programs when I was in a similar situation and it really helped me stay afloat. Also, if you have any documentation from the family emergency (like medical records, death certificate, travel receipts), keep those handy - sometimes they can help explain the circumstances to ESD even after the fact.