ESD overpayment notice from 2020-21 for $200 - appeal vs pay? Can I just call or write a letter?

just pay it. not worth the hassle for $200 tbh

I had this exact situation last year with a $375 overpayment notice from 2020. When I finally got through to ESD, they explained it was because my employer reported different wages than what I had entered on one of my weekly claims. Do NOT just pay it without understanding why first! You have three options: 1. Appeal within 30 days (the clock is ticking from the date on the notice) 2. Request a payment plan if you decide not to appeal 3. Get more information by speaking with an agent I would definitely recommend trying to speak with an ESD representative before making any decisions. They can pull up the specific details about why you were overpaid.

I tried writting a letter last year and NEVER HEARD BACK!!! Its like they threw it in the trash. Took me 2 weeks of calling to finally get thru to a real person. The system is so broken!!!! When I finally got someone they said I should have just filed an appeal online instead of writting because letters get lost in there system.

Few tips on calling ESD: Try calling precisely at 8:00 AM when they open or right after lunch around 1:15 PM. I've had better luck on Wednesdays and Thursdays for some reason. Also, if the automated system says they're experiencing high call volume, hang up and immediately call back instead of waiting on hold - sometimes you'll get a different message and can get in the queue.

I went through this last year with an $800 overpayment notice from 2021. I called for weeks and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent explained that in my case, they had recalculated my benefit amount after an employer submitted corrected wage information. I ended up providing additional documentation and got the overpayment waived. Definitely worth understanding the reason before you decide whether to appeal or pay.

@anxiousclaimant Yes, it worked for me. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through, then connect you. The ESD agent never knew I used a service - they just thought I was a regular caller who got through. Saved me hours of redial frustration.

To answer your question about writing a letter - I did this successfully, but there are very specific requirements. You MUST include: 1. Your full name as it appears on your claim 2. Your complete SSN (all 9 digits) 3. Your current mailing address 4. A phone number where they can reach you 5. Reference to the specific overpayment notice (include the notice ID number) Send it certified mail with return receipt to: Employment Security Department Benefit Payment Control PO Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98507-9046 It took them about 3 weeks to respond to my letter, so it's not fast, but they did eventually call me.

u should know that u have exactly 30 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal otherwise the overpayment will become final and they'll start collections. even while ur trying to get more info from them, make sure u dont miss that deadline. better to file the appeal as a precaution and then withdraw it later if u decide to pay

Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning! Called right at 8:00 AM like someone suggested. Turns out the overpayment was because I accidentally reported working 15 hours one week in 2020 when my employer reported 19 hours. The agent was actually really helpful and I'm going to send in some old pay stubs I found to contest it. They put a hold on collections while I gather my documentation. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Glad you got through! One more tip - make copies of EVERYTHING you send them and keep a log of every conversation (date, time, agent name if possible). I learned the hard way that sometimes things get "lost" in their system and you need proof of what you've submitted and when.