not to take this off topic but has anyone else noticed that ESD is taking FOREVER to process anything lately? my coworker had a simple address change take 6 weeks to process. wonder if the waiver is taking so long because of general backlog or if waivers are just low priority for them

UPDATE for everyone on this thread: ESD has recently (as of March 2025) implemented new processes for handling overpayment waivers. They are now reviewing older waivers first, so if your waiver request was submitted more than 3 months ago, you should see movement soon. For the original poster's son, I recommend he takes these specific steps: 1. File his new claim immediately 2. Upload a letter explaining his pending waiver situation in the document upload section of his new claim 3. Request standby status since he has a definite return date within 8 weeks 4. Call ESD using one of the methods discussed to check on his waiver status 5. Keep meticulous records of all his job search activities (if standby isn't approved) Even with a 50% reduction to repay the overpayment, he'll still receive some benefits to help with expenses during this temporary layoff.

One more thing! If your job doesn't work out within your benefit year (the 12 months from when you first applied), you can start filing weekly claims again without having to open a new claim. That happened to me - got laid off again 4 months after starting what I thought was a permanent position. All I had to do was start filing weekly claims again.

Just to wrap things up: 1) Report your return to work on your final weekly claim, 2) Make sure to accurately report any hours worked during that final week, and 3) Then simply stop filing claims. Your claim remains open technically, but no payments will be issued unless you start filing weekly claims again. Good luck with your new position!

UPDATE: My payment just processed normally this morning! Looks like adding the part-time work didn't cause any delays for me. They did reduce my benefit amount based on what I earned, but that's expected. Thanks everyone for the advice and sharing your experiences!

my sister had issues when she started working part time but it was because she made a mistake on her hours... she accidentally put 71 hours instead of 17 hours (typo) and that triggered some kind of review. just double check everything before you submit and you should be fine

When I had trouble reaching someone at ESD about my standby status, I tried for DAYS with no luck. Then I found out about Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have this demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. The agent I spoke with helped me add job search activities retroactively and explained exactly what I needed to do. Definitely worth it instead of stressing for weeks.

Update: I finally got through to someone at ESD this morning! They explained that I need to go back and add job search activities for the weeks I was denied standby, but they're giving me until the end of the month to complete them all. They also confirmed I'll still get benefits for this final week before my job starts as long as I report the job acceptance and start date correctly. Thanks everyone for your help - this was so stressful!

Another tip - if you're uploading documents, make sure the file names are descriptive and include your claim ID. Something like "ClaimID_12345_Layoff_Letter.pdf" instead of just "scan1.pdf". My friend works in a similar government department (not ESD) and says this helps tremendously when they're sorting through thousands of uploaded files.

one question - did you keep filing your weekly claims during the whole adjudication process? i've been filing every week but since nothing is getting paid i'm wondering if i should even bother?