just make sure when u fill out that form you really emphasize how this would cause severe financial hardship!!! they look for specific language like 'unable to afford basic necessities' and 'would deplete all savings' and stuff like that. also if you have any medical issues or disabilities mention those too!!

I really appreciate everyone's help on this! I've submitted both the appeal (just made the 30-day deadline) and the waiver request form with all my financial documentation. I emphasized that I'm on a fixed retirement income, included my monthly expenses, and explained that the overpayment would make it impossible to afford my housing and medications. I also clearly stated that the error was due to ESD putting me on the wrong benefit type, not any mistake on my part. I'll update this thread when I hear back from them. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome!

have u tried emailing them? sometimes that works better than phones

UPDATE: We finally got through!!! Used the Claimyr service this morning and got connected to an actual human at ESD within 20 minutes. Turns out there was a flag on the account because my husband's employer hadn't responded to ESD's verification request. The agent was able to override it since this is a known seasonal pattern and they can see the history from previous years. Benefits should be deposited within 48 hours! I'm so relieved I could cry. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions!

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD! The "pending issue" was that they needed proof of my job search activities. I've been doing the activities but hadn't uploaded the log yet because I thought that was only required after you start receiving payments. My fault for not reading everything carefully enough. I uploaded my job search log and the rep said payments should process within 48 hours. Lesson learned - make sure you're completing AND documenting all required activities from day one!

Glad you got it resolved! This is a common misunderstanding. Even though the monetary determination letter approves you for benefits, you still need to meet all eligibility requirements each week, including the job search requirements (usually 3 activities per week unless you have standby status). For anyone else reading this: always upload your job search log as soon as possible. Even if you think you don't need to yet, it's better to have it in the system. ESD sometimes does random checks, and if they can't verify your job search activities, they'll put a hold on payments until you provide documentation.

Honestly, ESD is the worst. I waited 9 weeks for my claim last year and almost lost everything. If you have a car, I'd seriously consider doing DoorDash or Uber until your claim processes. That's what saved me. The system is completely broken and they don't care if we end up homeless.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I just checked the ESD website and they've added a new form specifically for hardship expedite requests. Log into your eServices account, go to your dashboard, click on 'Upload a Document' and select 'Hardship Expedite Request' from the dropdown. You'll need to upload proof of your housing situation (eviction notice, past due bills, etc). This is brand new as of last month and seems to be working faster than calling.

off topic but has anyone noticed how the esd website is like 10x worse than it was last year? keeps crashing when im trying to file my weekly claim and i have to start all over. so annoying

Quick update question for OP - it's been a few days since your post. Any progress with your claim? Did ESD end up contacting you after the governor's office intervention?