Based on your additional information about receiving benefits in 2023, it's very likely this is a new overpayment related to that claim period. This is important because: 1. You'll need to address both overpayments separately 2. The waiver criteria may be different for the 2023 claim vs. your 2021 claim 3. If approved for a waiver on one, it doesn't automatically apply to the other When you call ESD, make sure you get complete information about: - The exact weeks this new overpayment covers - The specific reason for the determination (failure to report earnings, job search requirements, etc.) - How this impacts your current repayment plan for the 2021 overpayment - Whether you can set up a consolidated repayment plan if both overpayments are valid Documentation is crucial here - write down the name of the agent you speak with and request that detailed notes be added to your file about your call.

One more thing to check - look at any messages in your eServices account. Sometimes ESD sends important notices there but doesn't email you about them. There might be more details about this new overpayment that could help you understand what's happening before you call. Also, when you do call, ask specifically if you qualify for an overpayment waiver based on financial hardship. Since 2023, ESD has expanded their criteria for waivers, especially for people already dealing with financial difficulties. If your income is below a certain threshold compared to your expenses, you might qualify to have some or all of the overpayment waived. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

One thing nobody mentioned - if your new job doesn't work out within the year, you can restart your claim without filing a whole new application. Just log back in and start filing weekly claims again. That happened to me when a contract job suddenly ended after 2 months. Made things much easier!

Quick update for you - ESD recently announced they're working through a backlog of adjudications from December/January. If yours started around that time, that might explain the delay. They've apparently hired additional staff to address the backlog, so hopefully you'll see movement soon. Just keep checking your account for updates.

Did you ever apply for unemployment before 2025? I'm on my third claim (seasonal worker) and I've noticed the spring/summer claims always take FOREVER to process compared to winter ones. Something about their workload being higher certain times of year. Just another possibility why yours is taking so long.

Just to give you an update on the process - if you do contact the Governor's office, they'll likely ask you to complete a privacy release form so they can legally inquire about your specific claim. Have your claim ID, contact information, and a brief timeline of your efforts ready. They typically respond within 3-5 business days with either a direct response or confirmation they've forwarded it to ESD with priority status.

I HATE how ESD makes this so confusing! My sister got hit with a $2,100 overpayment because she reported when she got PAID instead of when she WORKED. The system should be more clear about this! Make sure you're super accurate with your hours. I even took screenshots of my timesheets and saved them in case ESD questioned me later. For your final claim, there's a question that asks if you've returned to work full-time - make sure to say YES to that one.

Congrats on the new job! One thing to add - when you say you "started a job on 2/3" - if that was Feb 3, 2025, that was a Monday, not a Saturday. ESD weeks run Sunday-Saturday, so keep that in mind when dividing up your hours worked if you're submitting claims for multiple weeks.

I'd like to add some clarification about working while on unemployment: 1) You must report all hours and earnings, even for one day of work 2) The formula is: Weekly benefit - (gross earnings × 0.75) = adjusted benefit 3) You must still be available for full-time work to qualify for benefits 4) Substitute teaching hours are compatible with UI as long as you remain available for full-time permanent work 5) If working as a substitute, make sure you're reporting your hours correctly - count prep time if required A common mistake is not reporting small amounts of work, which can lead to overpayment notices later. Always report everything, even if it's just a few hours.

What about applying for TANF or other assistance programs once unemployment runs out?? Has anyone done that? Does one automatically qualify if UI benefits are exhausted??