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Listen carefully: overpayments happen for specific reasons. In my 12 years working with unemployment cases, the most common are: 1. Misreported work/earnings during weekly claims 2. Incorrect separation reason (quit vs. layoff) 3. Unreported return to work 4. Job refusal not reported 5. Incorrect base year wages You can prevent most issues by printing out EVERY weekly claim confirmation and keeping detailed records of ANY work (even 1 hour), job applications, and communications with ESD. ESD cannot legally issue an overpayment notice after 3 years unless they prove fraud, so your worry about 2027 is excessive. But better safe than sorry - document EVERYTHING.
Thanks for this detailed list! I didn't know about the 3-year limit - that's somewhat reassuring. I've been reporting everything accurately but haven't been keeping copies of my weekly claim confirmations. Starting today I'll screenshot everything. Better late than never!
my cousin works at esd and he says they're doing way more audits now bc of all the fraud during covid. they're checking old claims from years ago. the system flags anything weird automatically
This is actually true. ESD has significantly increased their audit frequencies since 2024. While they've always had the ability to review claims, they now have additional automated tools that flag potential issues. However, if you've been honest and accurate in your reporting, you shouldn't worry excessively. Just keep good records as a precaution.
I'm curious - have you considered looking for additional part-time work to supplement those 36 hours? With that limited schedule, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits, but you could potentially earn more with another flexible part-time job. Just wondering what other options you've explored, since respite care hours are often so limited.
I've definitely thought about it! The challenge is finding something that's flexible enough to work around the respite care schedule, which can sometimes change with little notice depending on the client's needs. I've been looking into remote customer service roles that might allow me to pick up shifts when I'm not doing care work.
just wondering did u tell them ur available for full time work when u aplied for unemployment? because i heard if u restrict ur availability too much they can deny benefits. like if u say ur only available certain days or hours.
My two cents - adjudication is totally frustrating but keep filing every week like clockwork. Document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of your submitted claims, save confirmation numbers, and keep a log of all your calls (date, time, who you spoke with). I had a 10-week adjudication last year and this documentation saved me when there was a dispute about whether I'd been filing properly.
Update: I took several pieces of advice from this thread. I contacted WorkSource about hardship escalation, and I also was able to get through to an ESD agent (finally!) who told me my adjudication was due to a discrepancy in reported hours from my last employer. They actually expedited my case due to financial hardship, and this morning I received ALL my back payments! So relieved. For anyone else stuck in adjudication - be persistent, keep detailed records, and specifically mention financial hardship when you do get through to someone. Thank you all for your help!
That's excellent news! I'm so glad you got it resolved. This is really helpful information for others in similar situations. The hardship escalation doesn't always work, but it's absolutely worth trying. Congratulations on getting your backpay!
Mikayla Davison
I'm convinced they do this on purpose to discourage people from claiming benefits. Stay strong and don't give up! 💪
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Adrian Connor
•Tin foil hat much? 🤣 But for real, it does feel that way sometimes
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Aisha Jackson
•Nah, never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence. The system just sucks.
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Ryder Everingham
Hey OP, what state are you in? The process can vary a lot depending on where you are.
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Mohammad Khaled
•I'm in California. Seems like everyone here is having issues 😕
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Lilly Curtis
•Oof, Cali is rough rn. My cousin's been waiting 3 months. Sending good vibes your way!
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