ESD claiming 100% of benefits for old overpayment that was supposedly resolved - urgent help needed
I got laid off from my warehouse job three weeks ago (company downsizing) and filed for unemployment right away. The initial claim process went surprisingly smooth - I got approved within a week! But when I checked my payment status today, I nearly had a heart attack. ESD is taking 100% of my benefits for an alleged overpayment from 2023! The crazy thing is, I had an overpayment issue back then, but after providing all the requested documentation and going through their review process, an ESD agent specifically told me it was cleared up and resolved. I have email confirmation that the matter was closed! Now they're trying to collect again? I'm freaking out because I was counting on this money for next month's rent. Has anyone dealt with ESD recycling old overpayment claims that were already resolved? What's the fastest way to get this fixed?
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Giovanni Gallo
same thing happened to my roommate last month!!! he had some issue from like 2 years ago that was supposebly fixed and then boom they start taking his $$ again. so frustrating!!!
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Amara Adeyemi
•Did your roommate figure out how to fix it? I'm getting desperate here. Rent is due in 10 days...
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
This is almost certainly a system error in their recovery database. ESD's collection system sometimes fails to properly flag resolved overpayments as closed, especially if there was a formal adjustment rather than a full waiver. You need to: 1. Gather all documentation from the previous resolution (emails, letters, etc) 2. File a formal protest using the eServices portal (don't just call - you need a paper trail) 3. Explicitly reference the previous resolution date and any case/claim ID numbers 4. Request immediate release of held benefits while review occurs Be very specific in your protest that this is a previously resolved matter, not a new dispute of the original overpayment. Good luck!
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Amara Adeyemi
•Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I just checked and I still have all the emails from when it was resolved. I'll file that protest right away. Do you know how long it typically takes for them to review protests like this?
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Dylan Wright
ugh ESD is THE WORST with these overpayment mistakes!! they hit me with an $8,900 overpayment last year for a job I never even worked at?!?! took 3 months to fix and they never even apologized
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NebulaKnight
•Unfortunately, these system errors have become increasingly common since ESD updated their claims database in late 2024. While filing a protest is essential, the backlog for these reviews can be 4-6 weeks unless you can speak directly with a claims specialist who has database correction authority. These specialists can often resolve clear system errors like previously cleared overpayments on the spot.
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Sofia Ramirez
I had this exact issue and what worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual ESD agent who could fix it in the system. I spent days trying to call directly and kept getting disconnected. With Claimyr I got through in about 20 minutes and the agent was able to see the previous resolution and correct it while I was on the phone. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The site is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Definitely worth it when you're facing a time-sensitive issue like this.
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Dmitry Popov
•does this really work tho? like are the agents u get with this service actually able to fix stuff or do they just tell u to wait like everyone else?
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Sofia Ramirez
Oh and make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while this is being sorted out! If you miss weeks, it creates a whole new set of problems.
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Amara Adeyemi
•Thanks for the reminder! I was actually wondering if I should bother with the weekly claims since they're taking 100% anyway, but I'll definitely keep filing them.
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Giovanni Gallo
my roomate just kept calling like 50 times a day for 3 days til he got thru. the lady who helped him said it was a 'phantom overpayment' that happens when they update there systems or something
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Amara Adeyemi
•"Phantom overpayment" is exactly what this feels like! I've called about 20 times today with no luck. I'll keep trying though. Thanks for the info!
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Ava Rodriguez
To add to what others have said, request a Statement of Overpayment Account through your eServices portal. This will show exactly what the system thinks you owe and for what time periods. Really helps when you get someone on the phone to have this info ready.
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Amara Adeyemi
•That's really helpful - I didn't know I could request that statement. Just submitted the request. Hoping this nightmare gets resolved soon.
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NebulaKnight
When you connect with an agent, be sure to ask them to document that this was a system error and request that they flag your account to prevent this from happening again in the future. Also request a formal letter confirming the resolution once it's fixed. This provides protection if it happens again.
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Amara Adeyemi
•Update: Finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent confirmed it was indeed a system error from their database migration. They could see the notes that the overpayment was resolved in 2023, but somehow the flag got removed during their system update. She fixed it while I was on the phone and said my next payment will be processed normally. She's also sending me a confirmation letter. SUCH a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
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