EDD Overpayment Refund Check - When will I get my money back?

I went through this exact situation last summer. They told me 4-12 weeks too, but my refund actually took 14 weeks to arrive. The system continued showing a negative balance until literally the day after I received the check in the mail. Unfortunately, EDD's refund processing department operates separately from their claims department, which is why regular representatives can't give you status updates. As long as you have documentation showing you paid in full (bank statements, etc.), you should be fine - just be prepared to wait the full 12 weeks and possibly a bit more.

14 WEEKS? That's ridiculous! Did you have to do anything special to finally get it? I'm so stressed because I need this money for rent next month. Did your UI account balance ever update before you got the check?

my cousin had the same problem!!! he waited for like 5 months before he got his check and had to file a complaint with his assembly person!!! EDD is such a joke they take ur money instantly but take foreverrr to give it back

5 MONTHS??? I can't wait that long! What's the process for filing a complaint with an assembly person? Did that actually help speed things up?

The refund process after an overpayment is frustratingly slow, but there is a system to it. The 4-12 week timeframe they quote is accurate for about 70% of claims, but the remainder can take longer due to various factors:\n\n1. If your overpayment involved any fraud investigation (even if resolved)\n2. If your case had multiple adjustments or partial payments\n3. If there were any appeals involved at any stage\n4. If there are any other ongoing claims or issues with your account\n\nThe UI Online system showing a negative balance doesn't mean anything is wrong - that's normal and will update after processing. I recommend requesting a formal status update at the 10-week mark by submitting a message through your UI Online account specifically requesting a \

Thank you for the detailed information. My case did have an appeal initially (that I lost), but the overpayment itself was straightforward - I just paid the lump sum. I'll try sending that message with the specific subject line you mentioned. Fingers crossed that works!

When I was trying to get my refund after overpayment, I kept hitting dead ends with the regular phone line. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in under 20 minutes. The agent was able to see exactly where my refund was in the process and gave me an accurate timeframe. Much better than getting the runaround for weeks. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nAfter I spoke with the tier 2 agent, they flagged my refund for review and I got my check about 10 days later. Worth trying if you're at wit's end.

does this actually work? sounds too good to be true honestly. has anyone else tried this?

I used Claimyr during the pandemic when I couldn't get through about my ID verification issue. It definitely works to connect you with a real agent, but whether that agent can actually help depends on your specific issue. For refund status questions, you need to make sure you get transferred to a tier 2 specialist, not just the first agent who answers.

THE EDD IS COMPLETELY CORRUPT!!! They DELIBERATELY hold our money as long as possible to earn interest on it. I had an overpayment refund situation in 2024 and waited TWENTY THREE WEEKS before I got my money back. No explanation, no apology, nothing! And guess what?? NO INTEREST paid to me despite them having MY money for 6 months!!! But if you owe THEM, they charge interest immediately! The whole system is designed to PUNISH workers while the bureaucrats collect their fat paychecks!!!

While I understand your frustration, EDD isn't actually earning interest on pending refunds. The delays are primarily due to understaffing and outdated processing systems, not deliberate withholding. However, you're correct that there should be more accountability for lengthy delays, and California does have an Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board that oversees these issues. For refunds specifically, after week 16, claimants can file a formal complaint that requires investigation.

wait im confused. why did u have to pay back benefits? was it cuz u got a job and didnt tell edd? or did they make a mistake?

In my case, I had reported some part-time income but apparently didn't calculate it correctly during a few weeks of certification. So they determined I was paid more than I should have been. I appealed but lost, so I just paid it all back to avoid any penalty weeks. Now I'm just trying to get the refund they owe me since I paid the full amount.

Update on your situation: Overpayment refunds are currently experiencing additional delays due to a system update that began in December 2024. According to the latest EDD press release (which isn't prominently displayed on their website), refunds involving amounts over $3,000 are being manually reviewed as part of a new fraud prevention protocol. This is adding approximately 3-4 weeks to the process.\n\nIf you've reached week 10 with no update, I highly recommend contacting your state assembly member's office. They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can expedite the process. This isn't just about getting help faster - requesting assistance through your representative creates an official record of the delay.

Thank you for this update! Where did you find this information about the system update? I've been checking their website regularly and never saw anything about it. I'll reach out to my assembly member tomorrow morning.

The information was in their quarterly stakeholder bulletin that gets sent to employment advisory groups and state agencies - not something the general public would easily find. If you call your assembly member, make sure to have your EDD Customer Account Number, the overpayment case number (should be on your notices), and documentation of your final payment ready. This will help their EDD liaison look up your case faster.

One thing that helped me track my refund: call the general EDD number and when prompted, select the option for

That's a clever workaround! I'll definitely try this approach. Did they ask you any security questions when you called that way? I want to make sure I have all the info ready.

hey just checking did u ever get ur refund?? im in the same boat now and freaking out!!!

UPDATE: After 11 weeks, I FINALLY got my refund check yesterday! What ended up working was contacting my assembly member's office (thanks for that tip). Their EDD liaison called me back within 48 hours and then 5 days later the check arrived. The online account still shows a negative balance though, lol. Classic EDD. Good luck with yours!