ESD overpayment notice for $4,800 - Appeal worth it or other options?

An appeal is 100% the way to go if you think ESD made a mistake. Don't ignore it hoping it'll go away because it won't - they'll eventually start garnishing wages or tax refunds. When I appealed my overpayment last year, I included copies of all my paystubs, screenshots of my weekly claim submissions showing I reported the income, and a written timeline explaining everything. Make sure you file within 30 days of the date on your notice!

I went through this exact same thing in 2024. First, definitely appeal within the 30-day deadline - that's critical! But while you're waiting for the appeal, call ESD directly and ask to speak with someone in the benefits accuracy unit. Sometimes these notices go out automatically without anyone really reviewing your specific situation, and a real person might be able to fix it without going through the whole appeal process. Also: even if you end up having to pay something back, you can request a payment plan.

yes APPEAL IT!! i got hit with a $3200 overpayment notice last summer and i appealed it right away. turns out it was actually their system error not mine! they had double-counted some earnings or something weird. the whole thing got cancelled but it took like 10 weeks to resolve. make sure u keep track of all ur communications with them and SAVE EVERYTHING. good luck!!

I'm an unemployment advocate who helps people with ESD issues. Here's what you need for a strong appeal: 1. Copies of all pay stubs from the period in question 2. Screenshots of your weekly claim submissions showing you reported income 3. Bank statements showing when benefits were deposited 4. A written statement explaining why you believe the overpayment is incorrect 5. Any correspondence with ESD about your claim File your appeal through your eServices account and select "Request Hearing" under the Appeals section. The Office of Administrative Hearings will schedule a phone hearing, usually within 4-6 weeks. You'll have a chance to present your evidence and explain your situation to an Administrative Law Judge. Most importantly, continue filing weekly claims during your appeal if you're still unemployed!

I had something similar happen back in January. I was trying for DAYS to get through to someone at ESD to explain my situation but kept getting disconnected. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent I spoke with was able to look at my file and fix the reporting error right there - didn't even need to go through the whole appeal process. Might be worth trying before you do the full appeal.

My cousin had an overpayment thing too and she just ignored it and nothing really happened for like a year but then they started taking money from her tax refund so dont ignore it lol just saying

Here's what most people miss when appealing overpayments: You need to be VERY specific about which weeks you're disputing. Don't just say "I think the whole thing is wrong." Go through week by week, showing exactly what you reported vs what ESD claims. Also, be super clear about whether you're disputing the fact that there was an overpayment at all, or if you're requesting a waiver based on financial hardship. Those are two totally different processes! If you truly can't afford to pay it back, you can request a waiver even if the overpayment itself was valid.

Whatever u do, FILE THE APPEAL ASAP!!!! The deadline is super important. You can always withdraw it later if u figure something else out, but u cant file after the deadline!!