Just a heads-up - make sure you get ANY payment arrangement in writing! I had a verbal agreement with an ESD rep for a $50/week plan, but it never got properly entered into their system. Three weeks later they went back to taking the full amount. When I called again, they had no record of my previous arrangement. Always ask them to email you confirmation of any payment plan they set up.

Update on your waiver situation: ESD has been severely backlogged on processing waivers since 2023. If you submitted yours over a year ago, you should submit a new one with current financial information. The process should take 60-90 days, but as you've experienced, it often takes much longer. In the meantime, definitely pursue that payment plan. When you call, be prepared with: 1. Your current income from all sources 2. Your essential monthly expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medical, etc.) 3. The minimum amount you can reasonably pay each week Based on this information, they'll determine what's manageable for your situation. They can implement the payment plan immediately, even retroactively in some cases.

I think im in almost the same boat!!! My benefit year ends Dec 27th and I still have like 4 weeks left of benefits but won't be able to use them all by then. So we just lose those weeks? That seems so unfair! Has anyone had luck getting an extension or something?

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! Just to make sure I understand correctly - I'll continue filing my weekly claims until December 31, then I'll need to file a completely new application. The wages from my job I had this summer will count toward my new claim potentially. I'll definitely start preparing all my employment information now so I'm ready. And I'll set aside some emergency funds in case there's a gap in payments during the new claim processing. Really appreciate all the insights!

Based on what you've shared, it sounds like the judge found that ESD incorrectly calculated how your earnings affected your benefits. This is actually quite common. When you work part-time while claiming benefits, ESD has a specific formula for deducting earnings from your weekly benefit amount. If they applied the wrong formula or used incorrect earnings information, that could explain the overpayment. The good news is that if your pay stubs were accepted as evidence by the judge, and the judge specifically mentioned recalculating with the proper deductions, there's a good chance your overpayment amount will be reduced significantly or possibly eliminated entirely.

just so u kno, even if they still say u have an overpaymt after review, u can ask for a waiver if it wasnt ur fault. i got half of mine waived cuz they said it was agency error not my fault.

my sister went thru this with TCC nursing program last quarter and said dealing with esd was WAY harder than nursing school lol. make sure u check ur eservices messages like everyday because sometimes they send important notices there instead of mail and if u miss them ur in BIG trouble. happened to her and she almost lost benefits

One important thing no one mentioned - when you're in approved training, your job search requirements change but don't disappear completely. Instead of regular job searches, you'll need to submit academic progress reports. TCC should provide these at mid-term and end of quarter. Missing these is the #1 reason people in training programs suddenly find their benefits suspended.

Quick update on this topic based on recent changes: As of 2025, ESD is required to pause garnishments once they receive proof of both payment AND appeal filing. The key is getting that proof to the right department. Use the secure message portal and specifically state "REQUEST TO PAUSE GARNISHMENT PENDING APPEAL" in the subject line. Reference both your payment confirmation and appeal number in the message. This new process was implemented after a class action lawsuit last year forced ESD to improve their procedures.

hey just wondering did it work? did they garnish u again or did u get them to stop it?