Confused about new ESD overpayment letter while already repaying 2021 overpayment - help!

omg ESD is such a nightmare with overpayments!!!!! I got hit with TWO overpayment notices last year too, turned out they were for different weeks. definitely CALL before you fill anything out. dont trust the online stuff at all

You need to determine if this is about your existing overpayment or a new one. The letter should have a reference number and dates that the overpayment covers. Compare those with your existing overpayment documentation. If the dates are different, it's a new overpayment. If they're the same, it might be that you're being offered a waiver option for your existing overpayment. I strongly recommend calling ESD directly to clarify before completing any forms. Checking random boxes could complicate your situation further. Be prepared for a long wait time when calling, but it's important to understand exactly what you're dealing with.

I had a similar situation last year. The second overpayment notice I received was actually for a different quarter than my first one. ESD had done an audit of my claim and found additional weeks they determined I wasn't eligible for. Definitely call and get clarity before filling out the waiver form. Be specific about which overpayment you're calling about (reference the notice ID number). Also ask them to explain exactly why this new overpayment was determined. Sometimes it's a simple misunderstanding about your work search activities or earnings reported. If it is indeed a new overpayment, you might qualify for a waiver if it wasn't your fault or if repayment would cause financial hardship. But don't just check boxes without understanding what you're responding to.

Has anyone tried using Claimyr to get through to ESD? I was in a similar situation with multiple overpayment notices and spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone. A friend recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Ended up saving me from making a huge mistake on my waiver form that would have disqualified me from getting relief.

just fyi whatever u do DONT ignore the notice!!!! i ignored mine thinking it was duplicate and they garnished my wages 6 months later with no warning!!!!

ESD's systems are so messed up. I bet they sent you a waiver form for your EXISTING overpayment. In 2025, they've been reviewing old pandemic claims and sending out waiver opportunities. But also could be a new overpayment if you claimed benefits at another time and they're just now auditing it. That waiver form question about why you think you got an overpayment isn't a trap - it's actually your chance to explain if you think ESD made a mistake. If you agree you were overpaid but can't afford to repay, focus on the financial hardship part. Did you receive benefits after 2021 at any point? That would help figure out if this is likely a new overpayment.

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!