ESD overpayment refund after pandemic waiver approval - Will I get my money back?

I was in the EXACT same boat!!! Paid $4,200 back in October and then got waiver approved in January. Just wait - they DO refund but it takes FOREVER. Mine took about 6 weeks to show up in my account after the waiver approval letter. They don't tell u about the refund in the letter which is SO STUPID!!! The system is completely broken.

Yes, you should receive a refund but ESD doesn't automatically process it right away. According to the updated 2025 guidelines for pandemic overpayment waivers, after approval, they review all payments made on the account. If you've already paid, they'll issue a refund to the original payment method when possible. Their current processing time is 4-8 weeks for refunds after waiver approval. Make sure your address and direct deposit information are current in your eServices account as that will affect how you receive the refund.

I went through this last year and the key is to actually talk to someone at ESD - they can put a note on your account to expedite the refund process. I spent days trying to get through the phone system without success, until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They connected me to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. After I spoke with someone, my refund was processed within 10 days instead of the usual 4-8 weeks.

Just wondering - did u get your waiver approved automatically or did u have to appeal? I'm still fighting with ESD about my overpayment from 2023 and they rejected my waiver request saying I should have known better or something ridiculous. Not sure if I should keep fighting or just pay it. Anyone know if appeals are worth it?

MAKE SURE you check if they're sending your refund as a paper check or direct deposit!! ESD sent my refund as a check even though I had direct deposit set up for my UI payments! The check went to my old address and it took another 2 months to sort out. So frustrating dealing with their system.

I think there's some confusion about overpayment waiver refunds. Adjudication and waiver are different processes. The pandemic overpayment waiver program is separate from regular overpayment waivers. For pandemic waivers that are approved, ESD is supposed to refund any amounts already paid. Make sure you're looking at the waiver determination letter - it should have a section called "Effects of this Decision" that mentions if you're eligible for a refund.

Update: Finally reached an ESD agent today! They confirmed the refund is in process and should arrive within 2 weeks. They're sending it as a direct deposit to the account they have on file. For anyone in a similar situation, keep checking your eServices account as that's where it will show first before the money hits your bank account. Thanks everyone for your help!