Something to be aware of - there are different types of pandemic overpayment waivers with different processing timelines. PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) waivers are handled differently than regular UI waivers, even from the pandemic period. Also, if your waiver involves identity verification issues or potential fraud flags (even if you didn't do anything wrong), those take much longer to process. Do you know which type of benefits your overpayment is related to and if there were any special circumstances flagged on your account?

Based on your responses, I'd recommend taking multiple actions simultaneously: 1) Contact your state representative as suggested above, 2) Try Claimyr to get through to an actual specialist who can look at your file, 3) Send a formal written inquiry to the Commissioner's Office, and 4) Request an official status update in writing through your eServices account. Taking all these steps increases your chances of getting someone's attention. Two years is entirely too long to wait for a decision.

Quick update from my earlier comment - I just wanted to add that when your claim finally does get processed, make sure you've been filing your weekly claims consistently the entire time, even while in pending status. I've seen several people get approved after a long wait only to discover they'll only get backpay for the weeks they properly filed claims. Also, the voluntary quit from your previous job that you mentioned in another comment is almost certainly what's causing the adjudication delay. They have to determine if that quit was for "good cause" before they can process your current claim, even though it's from a different employer. The good news is that long commutes can sometimes qualify as good cause, especially if it was over a certain distance or time threshold.

Just a technical tip that might help speed things up: Check if your former employer correctly reported your wages to ESD. Log into your eServices account, go to "More Services" and then "Wage Verification." If there's a discrepancy between what you reported and what your employer reported, that often triggers automatic adjudication delays. Also, make sure you upload a complete work search log each week with all required details. Having incomplete work search information can add additional delays. The standard is 3 job search activities per week, and each one needs employer name, position, contact method, and follow-up details. I know it's frustrating, but the system is designed to eventually work - it just has far too many unnecessary bottlenecks.

not to get off topic but does anyone know if you can change your payment method from paper check to direct deposit? ive been waiting forever for these checks and they keep getting lost in the mail. im so sick of calling the post office every week

Update: The money just landed in my account this morning! So it took about 48 hours from when the status changed to 'paid' until it appeared in my bank. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!

so whats the waiting week mean for pfmla? is that like u dont get paid for the first week or something? wish theyd just TELL PPL THIS STUFF clearely!!!!

Update: I called ESD this morning after failing to get through for 3 days straight. Finally got through and they confirmed I need to indicate I'm no longer available for work on my next weekly claim. The agent said this will automatically close my claim and I can apply for PFMLA the next day. Thanks everyone for your help! Now to figure out the PFMLA application process...

Based on what you've shared, it sounds like the judge found that ESD incorrectly calculated how your earnings affected your benefits. This is actually quite common. When you work part-time while claiming benefits, ESD has a specific formula for deducting earnings from your weekly benefit amount. If they applied the wrong formula or used incorrect earnings information, that could explain the overpayment. The good news is that if your pay stubs were accepted as evidence by the judge, and the judge specifically mentioned recalculating with the proper deductions, there's a good chance your overpayment amount will be reduced significantly or possibly eliminated entirely.

just so u kno, even if they still say u have an overpaymt after review, u can ask for a waiver if it wasnt ur fault. i got half of mine waived cuz they said it was agency error not my fault.

This exact thing happened to me last week! Website down for maintenance and phone system kept directing me to insurance benefits. I finally got through by calling at EXACTLY 8:01am on Monday morning. Literally the minute they opened. After that I could file my weekly claim with no problem. Try calling right when they open!

Just wanted to follow up: did you manage to file your weekly claim? If you're still having issues, make sure you're calling during the correct timeframe (Sunday-Friday, 8am-4pm) and that you haven't missed your filing deadline. Each week has a specific window when you can file.

Does anyone else think its ridiculous that we cant just talk to our assigned adjudicator directly?? It would save so much time and stress if we could just communicate with the actual person handling our claim instead of random call center agents who dont know the specifics!!

This hapened to me to. First adudication, then waiting, then back to ajudication. I got aproved 8 days after it went back to ajudication. Just keep checking everyday but dont stress to much about it is my advise.

My son had almost the same thing happen last month. His training hours were super unpredictable too. The most important thing is being consistent with how you report. Pick either when you work the hours OR when you get paid, and stick with it. ESD doesn't really care which method you use as long as you're consistent about it.

I filed my claim yesterday and followed everyone's advice. I reported that I'm working, listed all 13 hours, calculated my gross earnings, and I made sure to complete my job search activities too. The system calculated a partial benefit amount just like you all predicted! I'm keeping detailed notes of all my training hours too. My schedule for this week is still pretty limited (just Thursday and Friday), but they said after that I should finally get a regular schedule. Thanks again for all your help!

Just a heads-up - make sure you get ANY payment arrangement in writing! I had a verbal agreement with an ESD rep for a $50/week plan, but it never got properly entered into their system. Three weeks later they went back to taking the full amount. When I called again, they had no record of my previous arrangement. Always ask them to email you confirmation of any payment plan they set up.

Update on your waiver situation: ESD has been severely backlogged on processing waivers since 2023. If you submitted yours over a year ago, you should submit a new one with current financial information. The process should take 60-90 days, but as you've experienced, it often takes much longer. In the meantime, definitely pursue that payment plan. When you call, be prepared with: 1. Your current income from all sources 2. Your essential monthly expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medical, etc.) 3. The minimum amount you can reasonably pay each week Based on this information, they'll determine what's manageable for your situation. They can implement the payment plan immediately, even retroactively in some cases.

I think im in almost the same boat!!! My benefit year ends Dec 27th and I still have like 4 weeks left of benefits but won't be able to use them all by then. So we just lose those weeks? That seems so unfair! Has anyone had luck getting an extension or something?

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! Just to make sure I understand correctly - I'll continue filing my weekly claims until December 31, then I'll need to file a completely new application. The wages from my job I had this summer will count toward my new claim potentially. I'll definitely start preparing all my employment information now so I'm ready. And I'll set aside some emergency funds in case there's a gap in payments during the new claim processing. Really appreciate all the insights!