UPDATE: I tried this method this morning and got through to someone after about 15 minutes on the overpayment line. They transferred me to a claims specialist but then I waited for another hour before getting disconnected. 😭 Going to try again tomorrow morning. At least I know it's possible to get through this way, just need better luck staying connected during transfer.

I had a totally different experience with ESD last month. Filed my claim, got approved within 3 days, and have been receiving payments on time ever since. No need to call at all. I think it depends on whether your claim has any issues that trigger manual review. Just wanted to share that sometimes the system does work as intended!

Here's what most people miss when appealing overpayments: You need to be VERY specific about which weeks you're disputing. Don't just say "I think the whole thing is wrong." Go through week by week, showing exactly what you reported vs what ESD claims. Also, be super clear about whether you're disputing the fact that there was an overpayment at all, or if you're requesting a waiver based on financial hardship. Those are two totally different processes! If you truly can't afford to pay it back, you can request a waiver even if the overpayment itself was valid.

Whatever u do, FILE THE APPEAL ASAP!!!! The deadline is super important. You can always withdraw it later if u figure something else out, but u cant file after the deadline!!

Congrats!! Use some of that to treat yourself after all that stress 😊

Already ordered takeout for tonight! First time in months I haven't had to stress about every dollar spent.

my claim was stuck for identity stuff too and turns out it was cuz i had a fraud alert on my credit from like 2 yrs ago that i forgot about!!! might wanna check if u have anything like that

Just as a follow-up: whatever method you use to contact ESD, make sure you have your claim ID number, the last 4 of your SSN, and know exactly what documents you've already submitted and when. Being organized with this information makes the process go much faster once you do reach someone. Also, verify that your contact information is correct in the system - sometimes notices get sent but people don't receive them due to outdated contact info.

This happens alot!! My nephew had the same problem last week but his payment still came on time so dont worry about it. The website and phone system are seperate I think but they both work for filing claims.

Quick update for anyone finding this thread later: The system discrepancy between phone claims and the online portal is a known issue that ESD has acknowledged. They've stated that as long as you have confirmation numbers from phone claims, your weekly certification has been received even if the portal doesn't show it immediately. If it's been more than 3 business days and the portal still shows unfiled claims, then it might be worth contacting ESD, but otherwise it's normal system behavior that will resolve itself.