ESD calling about pandemic overpayment waivers - what's the current processing time?

I got a similar call about 3 weeks ago! They helped me file for a waiver for around $3,200. I haven't heard anything back yet tho. The person who called me didnt say how long it would take. I'm also really hoping this goes through bc that money is A LOT for me right now

ESD has been processing these pandemic-era overpayment waivers since last fall. Current processing time is approximately 6-8 weeks according to their latest published guidance. The review process involves multiple steps including verification that the overpayment wasn't due to fraud, confirming financial hardship criteria, and determining if repayment would be "against equity and good conscience." Make sure you keep an eye on your eServices account for any requests for additional documentation. Sometimes they'll need proof of your current financial situation to support the hardship claim portion of the waiver request. If you don't hear anything within 8 weeks, I'd recommend contacting them for a status update.

i didnt get a call but i applied for the waiver online back in november. took them like 10 weeks to get back to me but they did end up waiving my $2800 overpayment!! make sure u check your spam folder too cuz thats where my approval email went

I'm honestly skeptical about these phone calls. ESD RARELY initiates calls to claimants - they usually make you do all the work. Are you sure this wasn't some kind of scam? Did they ask for personal information or try to collect payment information from you? Legitimate ESD calls would come from their official numbers, and they would identify themselves clearly with their name and ID number. I'd double-check your eServices account to confirm that a waiver application has actually been submitted on your behalf before getting too hopeful.

My sister had an overpayment and got it waived last year after waiting like 3 months. The system is so backed up all the time! ESD is literally the most frustrating agency to deal with ever. But they did eventually approve hers. She said the trick was documenting financial hardship really clearly.

I applied for the waiver back in January and it took exactly 9 weeks to hear back. They denied mine initially because I didn't provide enough documentation showing financial hardship. I had to appeal the decision which was another whole process. If I could do it again, I would have called ESD weekly to check on the status, but it's nearly impossible to get through to them on the phone. If you need to reach an actual person at ESD, I finally had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that helps you get through to ESD much faster than trying to call directly. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Seriously saved me hours of frustration. I was able to talk to someone who told me exactly what documentation I needed to submit for my appeal.

DONT GET YOUR HOPES UP!!! I went thru this whole process and they DENIED my waiver even though it was THEIR MISTAKE not mine!!1! I spent 14 weeks waiting just to get denied. Now they're garnishing my tax returns. The whole system is designed to screw over regular people. The appeals process is a joke too.

Just an update on processing times - I checked with a colleague who works with ESD cases, and she mentioned that they've been prioritizing pandemic-era overpayment waivers recently. Some are being processed in as little as 4-5 weeks now. The key factors that help get approval are: 1. Clear documentation that the overpayment wasn't due to fraud 2. Evidence that repaying would cause financial hardship 3. Proof that you reported information as accurately as you understood at the time For those waiting, it's also good to know that collections activities are supposed to be paused while your waiver request is under review.