Strange NY unemployment overpayment waiver reminder email but no letter - already completed form in 2021
I just received an email from NY unemployment telling me I need to waive my overpayment according to a 'recent letter' they sent me. Here's the weird part - I haven't received any letter about this, and I already completed an overpayment waiver form back in May 2021. I haven't collected any unemployment benefits since then either. Is anyone else suddenly getting these notices? I'm really confused about why I'd need to complete this again in 2025 when I haven't even been on unemployment for years. Should I ignore it or is this something I need to deal with?
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AstroAce
This is likely part of NYSDOL's new automated review system for old cases. They're going through backlogged overpayment cases from 2020-2022 and sending out mass notifications. The important thing: Don't ignore it! Even if you filed before, they may need updated documentation under the new guidelines they implemented in January 2025. Log into your NY.gov account and check your message inbox - the letter should be there even if you didn't get a physical copy.
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Andre Laurent
•Thank you! I'll check my NY.gov inbox right away. Do you know if there's a deadline for responding to these notices? The email didn't specify.
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Zoe Kyriakidou
got the same thing yesterday!! didnt get any letter either and havent been on UI since 2022. checked my account and nothing there. whole system is a mess
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Andre Laurent
•That makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one. Have you tried calling them yet?
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Jamal Brown
I'm in a similar situation and tried calling but kept getting disconnected. I'm terrified they're going to make me repay everything from years ago! What happens if we don't respond to these emails? Will they garnish wages or something?? I already filed the waiver back in 2021 too and thought everything was resolved!
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Mei Zhang
•They typically won't take collection actions without sending multiple notices first. However, you should try to resolve this proactively. The deadline for responding is usually 30 days from the date of the letter (not the email). The system is flagging old overpayment cases that weren't fully processed due to the backlog. If you submitted in 2021, you might need to resubmit under new guidelines or provide additional documentation they now require.
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Liam McConnell
I had this EXACT same issue last month! No letter, random email, already filed waiver years ago. I tried calling the regular unemployment number 50+ times and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They have this service where they keep calling for you until they get through, then connect you with the agent. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - Ended up finding out they had an old address on file even though I'd updated it online. The agent told me a bunch of these old overpayment cases are being reviewed again under some new federal guidance. She resent my letter and helped me submit a new waiver online.
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Andre Laurent
•That sounds really helpful! I've been trying to call all morning and can't get through. Did they explain why they're reviewing cases from years ago all of a sudden?
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Liam McConnell
•They said something about a new federal review mandate for all old pandemic-era overpayments. The agent mentioned they're reconsidering waivers for people who qualified under the old rules but whose paperwork got stuck in the system. Definitely worth getting an agent on the phone to check your specific situation.
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Amara Oluwaseyi
my cousin works for unemployment and she said they completely revised their overpayment review system in december. theyre basically starting from scratch on alot of old cases becuz they lost data during some big system update. so annoying!!!!
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AstroAce
•This is accurate. The NYSDOL database migration in December 2024 caused some issues with historical case data, particularly with overpayment waivers filed before 2023. They're now requesting people to resubmit documentation under the new system requirements.
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CosmicCaptain
same thing happened to me!! i ignored it cause i thought it was a scam and then got a REAL letter 2 weeks later saying i might have to pay back $4,300!! definitely check your account and call them asap
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Andre Laurent
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about. Were you able to resolve it?
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CosmicCaptain
•yea finally got it fixed yesterday. had to resubmit my old docs with a new form. they said the old waiver was in the system but not 'properly processed' whatever that means
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Mei Zhang
This is part of NYSDOL's 2025 Overpayment Resolution Initiative. They're reviewing all pending overpayment cases from 2020-2023 that weren't fully resolved. Here's what you should do: 1. Log into your NY.gov account and check Messages AND Documents sections 2. Download Form OVP-25 (the new overpayment waiver form) 3. Complete it even if you did one previously 4. Upload any supporting documentation you used before 5. Submit within 30 days of the email date The new system requires different documentation than the old one, so even if you submitted before, you'll need to do it again under the new guidelines. Don't worry - if your previous waiver met the requirements, the new one will likely be approved too.
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Andre Laurent
•Thank you for the detailed steps! I just checked my NY.gov account and found the form. Going to fill it out tonight and submit it with my old documentation. Really appreciate your help!
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Zoe Kyriakidou
the UI system is total garbage. sending emails about letters they never sent. classic nys unemployment!!
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Jamal Brown
I finally got through to someone on the phone after trying all week! They confirmed they're reviewing old cases from 2020-2022 and many people need to resubmit their waiver forms. The agent said it's because they're using new federal guidelines to evaluate old cases and some people might actually qualify for waivers now who didn't before. So I guess it could be good news for some people? Anyway, they're giving everyone until March 31st to respond, even though the letters say different deadlines.
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Andre Laurent
•That's really helpful information, thank you! How did you finally get through to someone? I've been trying all day with no luck.
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Jamal Brown
•Honestly I just kept calling over and over for DAYS. Must have tried 100+ times. I started calling right when they open at 8am and finally got through yesterday. It's ridiculous how hard it is to reach them!
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