


Ask the community...
My brother had an overpayment from 2023 and his waiver took 9 months to get approved!! By the time they finished he had already paid back half of it because he was scared of the collection threats. Then he had to wait another 2 months to get a refund for what he'd already paid. The whole system is designed to make you give up and just pay even if you qualify for forgiveness.
That's awful about your brother - and exactly what I'm afraid of. They create so much anxiety with their collection threats that people end up paying even when they shouldn't have to. I'm determined to hold out for the waiver decision, but it's stressful not knowing if/when it will ever be resolved.
Update on my earlier comment - I just remembered something important. When I called ESD about my waiver, the agent mentioned they were prioritizing cases where people had submitted a "Financial Hardship Statement" along with their waiver request. It's not officially required, but apparently it helps move your case up in the queue. Basically, write up a 1-page statement explaining: 1. Why you can't afford to repay the amount 2. How the overpayment wasn't your fault 3. How repayment would affect your ability to meet basic needs Submit this through eServices as an additional document for your waiver request. Title it "Financial Hardship Statement - [Your Name] - [Claim ID]
Good news is that once adjudication is complete, you'll receive all back payments for eligible weeks at once. I know that doesn't help with immediate bills, but at least you'll eventually receive what you're entitled to. If your situation becomes dire while waiting, call 211 for referrals to emergency assistance programs in your area.
btw when i finally got my refund they included interest!!! not much like $180 on my $7k but better than nothing i guess. just thought ud want to know
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know I finally made progress! I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to a real person at ESD in about 15 minutes. The claims specialist confirmed my refund was still just sitting in the review queue with no action. She flagged it for hardship review after I explained my situation with rent and submitted the hardship form. She said I should hear something within 2-3 weeks now instead of months. HUGE relief! Will update again when/if I actually get the money. Thank you all for the advice!
That's excellent news! The hardship review process definitely helps speed things up. Just make sure to check your eServices account daily for any requests for additional information - they sometimes need more documentation during the expedited review, and missing those requests can delay things further. Fingers crossed you get your money soon!
Mia Green
One more thing to know: when you do get through to ESD, ask about setting up a formal repayment plan instead of having them deduct from your benefits. Sometimes they'll let you make smaller payments after your claim ends, which gives you the full benefit amount now when you need it most. Make sure to get any agreement in writing through your eServices account.
0 coins
Lucas Kowalski
•this is good advice! my friend did this and they let her pay just $25 a month after her benefits ended instead of taking half her benefit now
0 coins
Sophia Rodriguez
UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at ESD this morning! They agreed to reduce the weekly recovery amount to $75 instead of $227. Not ideal but MUCH better than what I was left with before. They said I should see the change on next week's payment. For anyone else dealing with this, definitely call and explain your financial situation - they can adjust it!
0 coins
Olivia Martinez
•That's great news! Congrats on getting through to someone. ESD can be reasonable sometimes if you actually reach a human.
0 coins