EDD took $2800 from new disability claim to cover old overpayment I appealed - how to get refund?
I'm in a weird situation with EDD and don't know how to proceed. Last year I had a disability claim that EDD later decided was an overpayment (about $3200). I immediately filed an appeal because I believed their decision was wrong - I had all the proper medical documentation and followed every rule. While waiting for the appeal decision, I ended up on disability again about 8 months later for a different medical condition. Without warning, EDD took approximately $2800 from my new disability payments saying it was to recover the previous "overpayment." I just received notice that my appeal was successful and I did NOT owe that original overpayment after all! Great news, except now I'm wondering - how do I get back the $2800 they already took from my second claim? Do they automatically refund it? Do I have to file some special form? Call someone specific? The documentation doesn't explain what happens in this situation, and I really need that money for medical bills that piled up during my recovery. Has anyone been through this bizarre situation before? Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Aisha Hussain
This happened to my cousin!! EDD is such a mess I swear they do this ALL THE TIME. Took her like 6 months to get her $ back
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Mateo Martinez
•Six months?! That's ridiculous. Did she have to do anything specific to get the refund or did it just eventually show up?
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Ethan Clark
You need to contact EDD directly about this. Based on my experience with overpayment refunds, they won't automatically process this. You'll need to submit a written request referencing both your appeal decision number and your claim ID numbers for both claims. Include copies of the appeal decision letter and any documentation showing the withholding of funds from your second claim. The fastest way is usually to fax this to the Appeals Board at the number on your decision letter. Include a cover letter clearly explaining your situation and requesting immediate refund of the incorrectly collected $2800.
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Mateo Martinez
•Thank you! This is super helpful. I wasn't sure if there was a specific process for this situation. I'll draft a letter today and include all the documentation you suggested. Really appreciate the clear guidance!
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StarStrider
cAN'T YOU JUST CALL THEM AND ASK??? seems like that would be the easiest way instad of all this paperwork nonsense
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Ethan Clark
•Calling is certainly an option, but in my experience with the EDD, getting this type of refund typically requires a paper trail. The phone representatives often don't have the authority to process refunds exceeding a certain amount. Having documentation also helps if there are delays or issues with the refund process.
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Yuki Sato
I spent TWO WEEKS trying to call EDD about something similar! Their phone system is absolutely BROKEN. Either busy signals or it hangs up on you after the automated messages. Total waste of time!!! I'm still fighting to get my money back from an incorrect overpayment decision from SEVEN months ago. The whole system is designed to make us give up.
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Carmen Ruiz
•I had the same frustrating experience trying to get through to EDD about my disability claim status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual human at EDD in about 20 minutes instead of spending days getting hung up on. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd I was able to actually talk to someone who helped process my refund request after my successful appeal. Saved me so much stress after weeks of trying.
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Andre Lefebvre
Random question - but did anyone else notice that EDD seems to be processing disability claims way faster in 2025 than they did last year? My claim took FOREVER in 2024 but when I had to file again in January it only took like 10 days to get approved. Did they hire more people or something?
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Aisha Hussain
•off topic much? lol but yeah my dr said they updated their system or something
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Zoe Alexopoulos
I went through this exact situation in August! The refund won't come automatically - you have to request it specifically. Here's what worked for me: 1. Get a copy of your appeal decision (sounds like you have this) 2. Write a letter requesting refund of improperly collected overpayment recovery 3. Include your ID number, both claim numbers, and the appeal number 4. Provide bank information for direct deposit if possible 5. Send it certified mail to the Overpayment Unit (not the regular EDD address) It took about 3 weeks for me to get my refund after sending in all the documentation. Make sure you keep copies of everything you send them!
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Mateo Martinez
•This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I didn't realize I needed to send it specifically to the Overpayment Unit rather than the regular EDD address. Do you happen to remember the specific address you used? And did you need to include any additional forms besides your letter?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•The address should be on your original overpayment notice - that's what I used. I didn't need any special forms, just a detailed letter explaining the situation and copies of my appeal decision and the notice showing they took money from my second claim. Just be really clear about what happened and what you're requesting. Good luck!
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Jamal Anderson
i wouldnt count on getting that money anytime soon EDD is so backed up right now just had a relative wait 4 MONTHS for their refund check and they had to call like every week to remind them
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Mateo Martinez
•Ugh, that's frustrating to hear. I really need this money sooner rather than later. I wonder if requesting direct deposit instead of a check might make it faster? Did your relative get a check or direct deposit?
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Ethan Clark
Quick update for those following this thread - I've helped several clients with this exact situation in my work. The most efficient approach is to send your request to BOTH the Appeals Board and the Overpayment Unit simultaneously. The current refund processing time is running about 4-6 weeks if you submit all documentation correctly. Also important: if your household income is below certain thresholds, you can request expedited processing due to financial hardship. Include a brief statement explaining your hardship situation and why you need the funds returned quickly. This can sometimes reduce the wait time to 2-3 weeks.
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Mateo Martinez
•This is really good to know about the hardship option. My medical bills have put me in a tough financial situation, so I'll definitely include that information. I appreciate the expert advice!
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