ESD overpayment hold success - how I paused collections while awaiting waiver decision

OMG THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!! I'm literally being threatened with garnishment right now over a $8400 overpayment from last year. Have been waiting on my waiver review since January and getting nowhere. Going to call collections tomorrow!!!

This is actually really important information. The ESD collections and adjudication departments operate separately, and many people don't realize you can get a collections hold while a waiver is being processed. A few key tips: 1. Always keep copies of your waiver submission confirmation 2. Be prepared with the exact date you submitted your waiver 3. Reference any contradictory information from ESD that supports your case 4. Request a specific timeframe for the collections hold 5. Ask them to note in your file that you called about this The collections department has authority to pause collection activities for 6-9 months depending on your specific situation. They can see notes on your file that you can't see through eServices.

Thanks for sharing this helpful info! If anyone is having trouble getting through to ESD on the phone, I've had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that connects you directly to an ESD agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. I used it last month when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication and got through in about 15 minutes instead of spending all day calling.

It should work for any ESD department line including collections. When you get connected, just ask to be transferred to collections specifically.

I wonder if this would help in my situation... I have a different problem where ESD says I was overpaid because they claim I didn't do enough job searches, but I absolutely did! I kept detailed records of everything. I filed an appeal rather than a waiver though. Should I also try calling collections while I wait for my appeal hearing?

i got the same overpayment issue but mine is from 2022 and im just ignoring the letters lol. nothing bad has happened yet and its been like 3 years. they take forever to actually do anything

I had something similar happen but the collections rep I talked to was super nasty and refused to pause anything. Said I needed to set up a payment plan or face garnishment even though my waiver has been pending for months. Guess it depends who you get on the phone.

One important thing to note: when requesting a collections hold, make sure to get the representative's name and a reference number for the conversation. Also ask them to send you email confirmation of the hold. ESD systems don't always communicate well between departments, and having documentation of the hold agreement can save you headaches if collection activities accidentally continue. Also, if your waiver is ultimately denied, you can request a no-interest payment plan based on your financial situation. Many people don't realize ESD can offer plans as low as $25-50 per month depending on your circumstances.

this is y our state sucks. esd is broken on purpose so they can steal money from workers. they create these "overpayments" out of nowhere then make it impossible to fight. my friend got hit with $16k overpayment after being told she qualified. its all a scam

Has anyone here had their waiver actually approved? I've been waiting 5 months and I'm losing hope... I'm in a similar situation where ESD approved my benefits initially then suddenly decided I didn't qualify based on some technicality about my work history.