This overpayment situation is actually quite common with PUA and other pandemic unemployment programs. The formal notices stating you're "not responsible for repayment of any kind" are likely the result of blanket overpayment waivers that were authorized by federal legislation for non-fraudulent COVID-related overpayments. What you're experiencing is a disconnect between ESD's waiver processing and their accounting systems. Here's what I would recommend: 1. Double-check that the notices specifically reference your current claim ID and the exact overpayment amount you're concerned about 2. Submit a records request through ESD's Public Records department (you can do this online) asking for all documents related to your overpayment balance and any waivers applied 3. Keep copies of all waiver notices in a safe place - these are your legal protection The lack of collection activity is actually a good sign that the waiver is recognized in their enforcement system, even if the accounting system still shows a balance. This is a known issue with ESD's outdated computer systems. Getting it fully resolved will likely require speaking with someone at ESD who has the authority to manually adjust your account.

A bunch of us at my old job got hit with these overpayment notices after COVID and almost everyone I know got them reduced or waived completely. But the ESD computer system is like ancient and doesn't update right. My cousin works for DSHS (different agency but they talk) and she said the notices saying your not responsible are the official legal document that matters, not what the computer shows. But yeah if u can get through to them somehow get them to correct the computer balance too just for peace of mind.

my brother works at esd (not supposed to say that but whatever) and he says clean applications with clear documentation are getting processed pretty quickly right now. its when people have multiple employers or unclear separation reasons that things get messy. if you have a simple work history and clear RIF documentation you should be fine. they're actually caught up on processing for once!

One last thing - make sure you sign up for your SAW (SecureAccess Washington) account before you start your application. Then link your ESD account to it. This seems small but it trips up a lot of people and leads to delays. And once you file, check your ESD account every day for messages or alerts. They sometimes add questionnaires or requests for information, and if you miss responding to those, your claim can be delayed or denied. Good luck! The system can be frustrating, but with proper documentation and attention to detail, you should get through it without major issues.

hey did u ever get this resolved? im in the same situation and wondering if any of these suggestions actually worked for u

UPDATE: YES! After 9 weeks my claim finally got processed! What worked was a combination of things. I used Claimyr to actually get through to someone (after trying the early morning call times for 3 days with no luck). Once I got through, I specifically asked for Tier 2 specialist and used the phrase about immediate financial hardship with impending homelessness. They created an escalation ticket and I also contacted my state rep the same day. Not sure which one did it, but 4 days later my claim was approved and I got all my backpay. Hang in there and definitely try these approaches!

Anyone gone through an appeal recently? My hearing is next month and I'm trying to figure out if they're still doing them all by phone or if they've gone back to in-person hearings?

DONT let them intimidate you with all their legal BS!!! My determination letter had all this legal garbage about 'burden of proof' and 'statutory requirements' but the actual hearing was way more straightforward. The judge just asked me questions about what happened and I answered honestly. Won my case in 20 minutes! These big companies try to trick ESD with their HR paperwork all the time and the judges know it!!

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! We unchecked the "remember this device" option on the SAW login page and it finally let him in!!! He was able to file his initial claim just now. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help, especially @profile5 for suggesting that specific fix. We would have never figured that out on our own! For anyone else having this same problem - definitely try unchecking that box. Such a small thing but it made all the difference.

lol this happened to me to!! spent like 3 days trying to login and getting so mad. ended up being my pop-up blocker. these government sites are so old school. glad u figured it out!