ESD demanding $16K overpayment repayment while I'm still unemployed - can't find appeal option

omg thats so much money! have u tried clicking on the actual decision letter in ur eservices? sometimes theres an appeal button at the bottom of the actual letter not just on the main page. i had to appeal a smaller amount last year (like $2300) and it was super confusing to find

You need to file your appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), not directly through ESD. The notice you received should have instructions for how to submit your appeal, which can be done online, by mail, or by fax. Here's what you should do: 1. Go to https://oah.wa.gov/Content-Area-Management/ESD-Unemployment-Benefits/Submit-An-Appeal and fill out the online form 2. Include your ESD claim ID number, the date of the determination letter, and explain why you believe the overpayment determination is incorrect 3. Upload any supporting documentation you have that proves you were eligible for the benefits 4. Keep a copy of your confirmation number and print the completed appeal Make sure to file within the 30-day deadline - that's crucial. The appeal deadline is based on the date on the determination letter, not when you received it.

this happened 2 me 2 but mine was only 4k not 16!! ESD is SO BROKEN!! they said i didnt report some income but i totally did report it everytime. took like 4 months to get resolved and i was stressed the whole time

I went through this exact situation in January. The $16K amount suggests this might be covering several months of benefits. First, determine why they're claiming overpayment - is it because of unreported earnings, availability issues, or something else? This will be stated somewhere in the determination letter. For appealing, you absolutely must use the OAH website that someone already linked. Do not try to appeal directly through ESD as they'll just redirect you. As for the hearing itself: 1. Request all documents ESD is using against you through a formal records request ASAP 2. Prepare a clear timeline of your claim, employment separation, and any part-time work 3. If this is about job search activities, gather all documentation of your activities 4. Be prepared to demonstrate why you qualified for the benefits you received You'll eventually get a hearing date with an Administrative Law Judge. It's typically done by phone and lasts about an hour. Be organized and stick to facts.

@profile8 They cannot force you to repay during the appeal process, but they will continue to send automated notices. If you've filed an appeal, the collection is supposed to be paused until after the hearing decision. Make sure you have your appeal confirmation number handy if you need to reference it with ESD.

I had a similar issue with my overpayment notice from ESD and I tried calling for 2 weeks straight with no luck. I was so frustrated!! Then my neighbor told me about Claimyr which got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 15 minutes. They were able to explain exactly what was wrong with my claim and gave me the correct appeal information. Saved me so much stress! You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or see a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - definitely worth it when you're dealing with such a large overpayment issue.

One critical thing nobody has mentioned yet - make sure to continue filing your weekly claims while your appeal is in process! I've worked as an employment counselor, and I've seen many people lose additional benefits because they stopped filing during their appeal. Even with the overpayment issue, you're still potentially eligible for ongoing benefits if you remain unemployed and meet all other requirements. Also, if your appeal doesn't go in your favor, you can request a payment plan or hardship waiver. Don't panic about having to pay $16K all at once - ESD has options for those who genuinely cannot pay.

This is why i always tell people to SAVE EVERYTHING from esd!!! Every letter, email, job search log, EVERYTHING!!! My sister had almost the same thing happen (18k overpayment!) and she won her appeal because she had proof of everything. The system is designed to make you give up but DONT!!!!

@profile5 it took like 2 months to get a hearing date and then another 3 weeks to get the decision. she had to keep calling to check on status nobody ever contacted her proactively its so frustrating!!!

As an update to my earlier comment - when you have your hearing with the Administrative Law Judge, be very specific about dates and details. The judges appreciate organization and clarity. Bring up only facts relevant to why you qualified for benefits, not emotional appeals about your financial situation. If your issue is about job search documentation, pull together a comprehensive record of all your activities. Even if you didn't log everything properly in the ESD system, additional evidence of your job search efforts can sometimes help your case.

@profile5 Yes, statements from potential employers confirming interviews or application receipts would be very helpful evidence. Anything that corroborates your job search activities could strengthen your case. Email confirmations of applications submitted are particularly useful. What's most important is showing you were actively seeking work during each week you claimed benefits.