ESD benefits exhausted - what happens now? Will there be surprises?
Just got the notification that my regular UI benefits are exhausted after my 26 weeks. I'm feeling anxious about what happens next with ESD. If there are no issues with my previous claims, is that it? Just done? But what if they suddenly find problems with past weeks? Do they typically notify you right away about issues or will I get a surprise letter 6 months from now saying I owe them money? I'm really hoping this chapter of unemployment is over for good as I have a promising job interview next week. Has anyone gone through the benefit exhaustion process and can share what to expect? I hate the uncertainty!
14 comments
Debra Bai
once ur benefits r exhausted thats pretty much it unless theres some special extension program going on (which i dont think there is rn). they CAN still do audits later tho so keep all ur job search records for like a year to be safe
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KaiEsmeralda
•That's what I'm worried about! How long after your benefits ended did you stop worrying about them finding issues? I've done everything correctly but the system is so confusing sometimes.
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Gabriel Freeman
When your regular UI benefits exhaust, ESD will automatically evaluate if you qualify for any extension programs, but currently there aren't any active federal extensions. If your claim had no pending issues at exhaustion, that generally means you're done with the system. However, ESD can conduct random audits up to two years after your claim, so I recommend: 1. Keep all job search documentation for at least 12 months 2. Make sure your contact information stays updated with ESD 3. If you start working, report your earnings accurately for any remaining weeks If they do find issues later, you'll receive a formal determination letter with appeal rights. But if you've been honest and accurate throughout your claim, these surprise reviews are uncommon.
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Laura Lopez
•This is good info, thanks! Do you know if they actually DO audit a lot of claims or is it pretty rare? I exhausted my benefits 3 months ago and haven't heard anything since, hoping it stays that way!
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Victoria Brown
THE SYSTEM IS SUCH GARBAGE!!! I had my benefits exhaust last year and then SIX MONTHS LATER got a letter saying I owed $4800 because they decided I wasn't eligible for 4 weeks from the beginning of my claim!!! Had to go through the whole appeal process which was a NIGHTMARE and I still ended up having to pay back $2300. The ESD agents couldn't even explain why it took them so long to decide this. Keep EVERYTHING and don't assume you're done with them just because your benefits ran out!!!
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Samuel Robinson
•omg that's terrifying... did they at least let you do a payment plan? i'm about to exhaust my benefits too and now i'm scared
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Camila Castillo
Have you tried contacting ESD directly to ask about your specific situation? I know it can be frustrating trying to get through to them on the phone, but I had success using a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an agent quickly. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. I was able to get clear answers about my post-exhaustion status, and they noted in my file that I had called to verify everything was in order. That gave me peace of mind that there wouldn't be surprises later.
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KaiEsmeralda
•I haven't been able to get through at all - I'll check out that service. Did the ESD agent actually tell you that you were 100% in the clear? Or did they just say everything looked good for now?
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Brianna Muhammad
when i exhausted mine last year i thought i was done but then they put me on PEUC automatically? but i think thats gone now. anways just make sure u open any mail from ESD right away cuz they give u like 10 days to respond to things sometimes.
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Gabriel Freeman
•Just to clarify for everyone - PEUC (Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation) ended in September 2021. There are currently no automatic extensions after regular UI benefits exhaust. You're right about watching for ESD mail though - they do have strict response deadlines, typically 10-30 days depending on the issue.
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Camila Castillo
After calling ESD (which was difficult, but worth it), I learned some helpful information about post-exhaustion. If your claim has been in good standing throughout, it's unlikely they'll find issues later. They typically identify problems during your active claim period. That said, they suggested maintaining records for these timeframes: - Job search logs: 1 year minimum - Income documentation: 2 years - Determination letters: 3 years These are just precautionary measures. Most claimants who consistently followed the rules don't face post-exhaustion issues. Focus on your upcoming interview, as securing employment is the best path forward!
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KaiEsmeralda
•Thank you so much for this detailed information! I've been keeping everything digitally so I'll make sure I don't delete those files. And you're right - moving forward to new employment is the best solution. I appreciate everyone's help on this thread!
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Laura Lopez
I went through exactly the same thing last month! I was so anxious when my benefits ran out, but I haven't heard anything negative since. Just make sure your address is up to date with them so if they DO send anything, you'll get it. Good luck on your interview!!
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KaiEsmeralda
•Thanks for the encouragement! I'll double check my contact info is current in the system.
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