ESD claims I quit when I was laid off - now demanding repayment of all benefits!

This is unfortunately common - employers sometimes contest claims after the fact to keep their UI tax rates from increasing. You need to request an appeal IMMEDIATELY - you only have 30 days from the date on that letter. Make sure you gather all evidence: emails about the layoff, any texts discussing return dates, performance reviews showing no issues, etc. The legal service you're thinking of is likely the Unemployment Law Project - they provide free representation for appeals. Their website is unemploymentlawproject.org and they can really help with these cases.

omg the EXACT same thing happened to me in 2025!! my boss laid me off in january saying "business is slow" then when i got benifits he told ESD i quit!! i was so mad i couldnt even think straight. ended up having to pay back like $4200 because i missed the appeal deadline. don't make my mistake!!!

I fought something similar and won. Here's what you MUST do: 1. File your appeal online through your eServices account immediately 2. In the appeal explanation, state FACTS ONLY - when you were informed of layoff, by whom, exact wording used 3. Submit copies of ALL evidence with your appeal (emails, texts, etc.) 4. Prepare a timeline document showing employment dates, layoff notification, benefit claims, etc. 5. If you had coworkers laid off same time, get written statements At the hearing, be professional and stick to facts. The judge will ask both sides questions. Employers lose these cases when they can't prove you quit. YOUR EVIDENCE IS KEY!! Also yes, the Unemployment Law Project is excellent for free legal help with ESD cases.

did u sign anythng when u left? they tried to pulll this on me to but i had the layof papers they mad me sign. if u dont have papers its gonna b ur word vs them so get those emails ready

You should try Claimyr to get through to ESD directly. I was in a similar situation with conflicting information and spent DAYS trying to reach someone at ESD. Used claimyr.com and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who could actually see notes on my account and explain what was happening. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Sometimes talking directly to ESD before the appeal can help clarify if this is just a miscommunication they can fix.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! I got screwed the same way in February - employer told me "we're reducing staff" then claimed to ESD I abandoned my job?!?! I appealed with PROOF and still lost because the judge believed my manager who LIED under oath. Now I owe $6,000 I DON'T HAVE. These hearings are just formalities before they force you to pay. The whole system protects employers not workers!!!!

I'm an HR manager (not for your company) and want to explain what might be happening. Sometimes there's confusion between departments about why someone left. Payroll might code it as "voluntary quit" while the actual manager coded it as "temporary layoff." When ESD contacts the company, they might just pull the payroll code without checking with the manager. I'd suggest calling your old company's HR department directly and explaining the situation calmly. Ask them to review your separation code in their system. This might be a simple administrative error they can fix by sending updated information to ESD. Don't accuse anyone of lying - just ask them to verify the separation reason on file.

what about ur coworkers who got laid off too? are they getting the same letters or just u?

UPDATE YOUR ESERVICES ADDRESS!!! I almost missed my appeal deadline because ESD sent the hearing notice to my old address even though I'd updated it online. Make sure your contact info is current everywhere. Also, call the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) directly after you file your appeal to confirm they received it. Get the name of who you speak with. Document EVERYTHING.

Just to clarify something important - your appeal hearing will likely be by phone, not in person. When you get the hearing notice, it will give you instructions for submitting evidence BEFORE the hearing. Make sure you send in all your evidence by their deadline or the judge might not consider it! Also, if your employer doesn't show up for the hearing, that often works in your favor as long as you have some evidence supporting your case.