ESD COVID overpayment notice of $10K after PFML application - need help!

These systems sometimes don't communicate well, but they are different programs with different funding sources. Your PFML shouldn't technically be affected by an ESD overpayment issue, but it could create processing delays. For the overpayment, you need to appeal within 30 days of the notice date - this is critical. You can request a waiver by showing that repayment would cause financial hardship and that you didn't commit fraud. Get all your documentation from 2020-2021 showing your weekly certifications and any communications with ESD. The appeal form should have been included with your notice or you can find it on the ESD website.

omg they did this exact thing to me!!! but mine was $4700. i just got a letter saying i supposedly didnt report some work in 2021...but i KNOW i did!!! its like they just now looking at old claims or something???

The ESD and PFML are completely separate departments even though they're both accessed through the same SecureAccess Washington portal. Your PFML claim should proceed normally regardless of any ESD overpayment issues. However, if they eventually try to garnish wages for the overpayment, it could potentially affect your PFML benefits since those are considered wage replacement. For now though, the two shouldn't directly impact each other.

THESE IDIOTS DO THIS ALL THE TIME!!!! The ESD system is BROKEN!! I had THREE different overpayment notices during covid and fought ALL of them and WON. They're hoping you'll just pay it without questioning it. DONT!!! Appeal every single penny and demand they prove exactly why you owe anything. They have the burden of proof NOT YOU!!! Make them work for it!!!

Have you tried calling ESD directly to understand exactly why they're claiming an overpayment? It took me forever to get through to them after I got my notice last year, but when I finally did, they explained exactly which weeks were problematic and why. I recommend using Claimyr to get through to an ESD agent quickly (claimyr.com). I was skeptical at first, but their service actually worked and got me connected to ESD within 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Sorting out the overpayment details is step one before you can properly appeal or request a waiver.

my sister had something similar. she got the PFML for having a baby and then 2 weeks later got a overpayment from unemployment from like 2 years ago. she said they are seperate things tho and her PFML checks still came ok. but she still fighting the ESD thing with appeal

To file for an overpayment waiver, you need to complete the ESD overpayment waiver application form. You'll need to provide financial information showing that repayment would cause significant hardship. ESD will consider factors like your income, expenses, assets, and whether the overpayment was your fault. If you can prove you provided all information correctly and the overpayment was due to ESD error, you have a stronger case. For your PFML, keep filing your weekly certifications as normal, but it might be worth calling them separately to ensure they're aware of the situation.

I used the overpayment waiver process successfully last year. The key things that helped my case were: 1) Proving I didn't intentionally provide wrong information, 2) Showing financial hardship with detailed budget docs, and 3) Demonstrating that I acted in good faith throughout. Make sure you respond to ALL their requests for information quickly. In my case, it took about 7 weeks to get approved, but I've heard it can take 2-3 months sometimes.

One thing to be aware of - if you applied for PFML through your employer, they might have reported information about your work history that conflicts with what you reported to ESD during COVID. The systems do sometimes cross-reference data when new applications come in, which could have triggered this review of your past benefits. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong, but it's likely why this is happening now rather than before. When you appeal, make sure to address any potential discrepancies in reported work hours or income between what your employer might have submitted and what you certified during your unemployment period.

This is a really stressful situation, but you're not alone - many people are dealing with these delayed overpayment notices. The good news is that PFML and ESD unemployment are completely separate programs, so your medical leave benefits should continue while you sort this out. Focus on three immediate steps: 1) Appeal the overpayment within 30 days (you still have time since you got the letter yesterday), 2) Request the overpayment waiver application if you believe you reported everything correctly, and 3) Gather all your documentation from 2020-2021 including pay stubs, work schedules, and your weekly certifications. The timing with your PFML application likely triggered a data cross-check that flagged something - this doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Take it one step at a time and don't let this derail your recovery process.