Just an update on waiver deadlines - in 2025, ESD extended the response window for overpayment appeals and waiver requests to 35 days (it used to be 30). Make sure you're tracking the exact date on the notice. Also, if you mail any forms, use certified mail so you have proof of when you submitted everything. ESD has been known to claim they never received documents.

I wanted to follow up with one more important detail - your daughter should also request a formal appeal of the overpayment determination within the 35-day window, not just the waiver. This preserves all her rights while you work on the waiver request. The appeal form (called a "Request for Review") can be submitted online through her eServices account or by mail. Also, yes, most forms can now be uploaded directly through the eServices portal. Go to her account, look for "Upload a Document" and select the appropriate form type from the dropdown menu. You'll still want to keep screenshots or confirmation numbers as proof of submission.

I handle payroll for a medium-sized company, and we occasionally have to issue correction payments like this. From the employer side, we typically code these as \

my company just sent a regular check with NOTHING on it explaining what it was for!! so annoying. i had to call HR like 3 times to get them to email me something saying it was back pay!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I finally got through to ESD today and they confirmed I can request the alternative base year since I had higher earnings recently. They're recalculating my weekly benefit amount and said it should increase by about $175 per week! That makes a huge difference for me. The quarters system is still confusing but at least there's a way to use more recent earnings when it makes sense.

I tried calling directly for 2 days with no luck - just kept getting the "high call volume" message and disconnects. I ended up using the Claimyr service mentioned above and got through to a real person in about 20 minutes. Worth it for the peace of mind and getting my calculation fixed before bills are due!

I worked for ESD as a claims specialist until 2024, and I can tell you that overpayment issues often happen because of reporting mismatches between what you reported and what your employer reported. Sometimes it's as simple as the dates being off by a day or two. When you call (if you can get through), ask the agent to explain EXACTLY what weeks and amounts they believe you failed to report. Compare that with your records. In about 30% of cases I handled, there was a simple explanation that resolved the issue without a formal appeal.

FINAL UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to ESD! The agent explained that there was a discrepancy between what I reported and what my employer reported for those 3 weeks. Turns out my employer had reported my hours using the wrong pay period dates. The agent put a temporary hold on collections while they investigate, and I'll be submitting my paystubs and bank statements as evidence. I'm still filing my taxes but feeling much better about the situation. Thanks to everyone for your help and advice!

When I started my job last year my sister-in-law who works in HR told me that I should file for that partial week but then I forgot and it was too late lol. Make sure you do it within the filing window or you'll lose out like I did!

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I went ahead and filed my weekly claim, reported my work start date, hours, and earnings. The system accepted it without any issues. Since I only made about $320 for those two days (and my WBA is $790), it looks like I'll get a partial payment. The confirmation page showed an estimated payment of $710, which makes sense based on the formula someone explained. Really appreciate all the help!