Just wanted to add some clarification on the legal side of this: The pandemic overpayment review is happening due to the Relief for Taxpayers Act that passed in 2024. ESD is legally required to review ALL pandemic-era overpayments, even small ones like yours. There's no way to opt out of the review itself, but you can definitely decline any refund they might determine you're eligible for. Based on my experience as a benefits navigator, I'd recommend sending a secure message through your eServices account that simply states: "I acknowledge the pandemic overpayment review process, but formally decline any waiver or refund that may result from this review. Please note this decision in my file." That creates a record of your preference while minimizing your interaction with them.

lol everyone in these comments acting like ESD is actually organized enough to follow through on anything. I got the same emails 9 months ago, ignored them all, and literally nothing happened. Their systems are so messed up they probably have no idea who's responded and who hasn't. I wouldn't waste a minute of mental energy on this.

After my long wait, I found out from an agent that my claim got stuck because my married name is on my license but my birth name was on my SS card. So make sure all your docs match exactly! They never contacted me about this discrepancy - I had to call multiple times to figure it out.

Update to my earlier comment - the ESD website now says verification timelines are "4-6 weeks" rather than "5-6 weeks" as of their April 2025 update. Small improvement but shows they're at least working on the backlog. Make sure you check your spam folder daily too - some ESD communications get filtered there.

Just checking back - were you able to get through to ESD? I hope some of these suggestions helped!

Actually yes! I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through to an agent yesterday. They told me my adjudication was held up because they needed proof of my last day worked, which I thought I'd already submitted. The agent helped me upload it correctly and said my claim should be processed in 72 hours. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for the advice.

Ugh been there done that got the t-shirt. Benefits run out WAY TOO QUICK and then you're just left hanging. Start applying for literally everything now, even stuff you think is beneath you. Trust me.

Just to summarize the options when UI benefits exhaust before your benefit year ends: 1. No automatic extensions are currently available 2. Consider part-time work to receive partial benefits (stretches your claim longer) 3. Look into Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) or Training Benefits if you're interested in retraining 4. Utilize WorkSource services fully - job search assistance, workshops, hiring events 5. Apply for other assistance programs (SNAP/Basic Food, housing assistance, etc.) 6. Continue required job search activities consistently 7. If you have unique circumstances, speak directly with an ESD specialist to review your specific situation Keep in mind that even after benefits exhaust, you should continue checking your ESD account and messages periodically, as policy changes sometimes occur that might affect your claim.

One more important tip - submit any evidence you want considered at least 24 hours before the hearing (sooner is better). OAH prefers you upload documents through their online portal, but you can also fax them. If you try to introduce new evidence during the hearing, the judge might not accept it unless you can prove you couldn't have submitted it earlier.

my freind said she had panic attac during her hearing and judge gavd her another date. so dont worry if u get nervous they understand