Got PA UC overpayment notice for PUA from 2 years ago - what are my options?
I just opened my mail and found a notice from PA unemployment saying I was overpaid on my PUA claim from 2 YEARS AGO! They're demanding I pay back over $4,700! I'm completely shocked because I thought everything was settled and done with. I haven't been on unemployment for almost 2 years now and have a full-time job, but there's no way I can afford to pay this back all at once. The notice doesn't really explain why they think I was overpaid either, just says something about "eligibility redetermination." Has anyone dealt with this kind of delayed overpayment notice? What are my options here? Can I appeal this? Or set up some kind of payment plan? I'm really stressed about this coming out of nowhere.
15 comments
Join the conversation
Zoe Kyriakidou
You have 15 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal if you believe the overpayment is incorrect. Don't miss this deadline! Even if you end up having to pay, filing an appeal gives you more time to figure things out. You should also request a breakdown of exactly why they determined you were overpaid - sometimes they make calculation errors or don't have all your documentation.
0 coins
AstroAce
•Thanks so much. The letter is dated 10 days ago so I've only got 5 days left! Do I need to submit any documentation with the appeal or just file it first and then send evidence later?
0 coins
Jamal Brown
omg same thing happening to me!!! got a notice saying i owe $3200 from 2023 PUA!! this is BS they approved me then and now coming back saying i wasnt eligible?? how can they do this??
0 coins
Mei Zhang
•They're doing this to a lot of people. PA UC has been reviewing old pandemic claims for the past 6 months and sending out massive batches of overpayment notices. It's because their systems were overwhelmed during COVID and they're just now catching up with verification. Filing an appeal is your best first step - both of you should do that ASAP.
0 coins
Liam McConnell
Ask for a waiver of the overpayment! PA UC has something called a "financial hardship waiver" you can apply for. You'll need to show that paying it back would cause severe financial hardship. They don't advertise this option much but it's definitely available. I had an overpayment of $2,300 last year and got it fully waived by showing my current income vs. expenses.
0 coins
AstroAce
•I had no idea this was an option! Where do I find the waiver application? Is it on the PA UC website?
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
I went through this nightmare last year with an $5,800 overpayment from PUA. Here's what you need to know: 1. First, file the appeal immediately - even if you think you might end up having to pay 2. Request ALL records they have on your claim through a records request (this is your right) 3. If you think the determination is wrong, gather any evidence you have about your eligibility 4. If you think it might be correct, apply for the financial hardship waiver AND request a payment plan PAYMENT PLANS: Even if you don't qualify for a waiver, they have to offer reasonable payment plans. They started me at $250/month but I got it reduced to $75/month by showing my budget. WAIVERS: The form is called the "Overpayment Waiver Request" form. You can find it on the PA UC website under Forms, or call and request they mail you one. Hang in there - this is stressful but you have options!
0 coins
AstroAce
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I'll start with the appeal right away. Do you know if I need a lawyer for the appeal hearing or is it something I can handle myself?
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
My brother had something similar happen and he just ignored it hoping it would go away. BIG MISTAKE. They started garnishing his wages and took his tax refund. Don't do that!!
0 coins
Giovanni Rossi
I've been trying to call PA UC for THREE WEEKS about my overpayment notice and can't get through to anyone!!! Just busy signals or disconnects after waiting for hours! How is anyone supposed to resolve these issues when you can't even talk to a human?!? THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!
0 coins
Mei Zhang
•I had the same issue trying to reach PA UC about my overpayment. I finally got through using Claimyr - it's a service that basically calls UC for you and connects you once they get through. It costs money but was worth it for me since I needed answers before my appeal deadline. They have a demo video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and the website is claimyr.com. I was skeptical but it worked and I got through to a rep in about 20 minutes instead of fighting busy signals for days.
0 coins
Jamal Brown
my cousin said just ignore it they cant really do anything lol
0 coins
Zoe Kyriakidou
•This is TERRIBLE advice. PA UC can and will garnish wages, take tax refunds, add penalties and interest, and even put liens on property. Ignoring an overpayment notice is one of the worst things you can do.
0 coins
AstroAce
Update: I filed my appeal online yesterday and requested a breakdown of the overpayment calculation. I also found the waiver form and am filling that out as a backup in case the appeal doesn't work. I'm still stressed but feeling a bit more in control now. Thanks everyone for the advice!
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
•You're doing all the right things! Make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit and send everything certified mail if possible. Document every phone call too (date, time, who you spoke with). When is your appeal hearing scheduled for?
0 coins