ESD overpayment waiver decision timeline - still waiting after 6 weeks

it took me almost 3 months to get my waiver approved last december. the system is SLOW AF. they didn't respond to any of my messages either and the status just stayed 'pending' the whole time. then one day i just got a letter saying it was approved. hang in there!

Unfortunately, ESD waiver decisions are typically taking 8-12 weeks right now. The important thing is that once you've submitted the waiver, they're not supposed to start collection activities until they've made a decision. I'd recommend taking two steps: 1. Call ESD directly and explain that you've filed a waiver and are still receiving collection notices. Ask them to put a hold on collections while your waiver is pending. 2. Document everything. Save copies of your waiver submission, any letters you receive, and notes about any calls you make (date, time, who you spoke to). If they're threatening wage garnishment despite an active waiver request, that's not standard procedure and should be addressed.

My sister had this same issue! She waited like 5 weeks and then decided to call and turns out they never got her waiver even though she submitted it online! So def try to check on the status if u can

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD on the phone, try Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an ESD agent quickly instead of dealing with busy signals and disconnects. I was in a similar situation with an overpayment issue and needed to speak to someone urgently. Found them at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 They helped me get through to an agent who put a note on my account to pause collection activities while my waiver was processing. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with potential wage garnishment.

I submitted an overpayment waiver in January 2025 and received the decision in approximately 10 weeks. Here's what I learned from the process: 1. The waiver processing times are significantly longer than what ESD officially states on their website (which claims 30 days). 2. Collection actions should be paused while your waiver is under review, but this doesn't always happen automatically. You may need to specifically request this. 3. If you receive collection notices while your waiver is pending, respond in writing (through your ESD account messaging system) referencing your waiver application date and requesting a hold on collections pending the waiver decision. 4. Document everything and keep copies of all correspondence. 5. If you can get through on the phone, ask the agent to note in your file that you've requested a hold on collections while the waiver is pending review. In my case, the waiver was ultimately approved, but the waiting period was stressful.

my waiver got denied after 7 weeks 😫 but i think it was bcuz i didnt send enough financial docs. make sure u sent EVERYTHING that shows hardship - bank statements, bills, rent, all of it. i appealed the denial tho and that process is taking even LONGER ugh

Update on waiver processing: As of last month, ESD is prioritizing waivers where claimants have received collection notices or where financial hardship is severe. It might help to update your waiver application through your ESD account messaging - explain your current situation and that you're receiving collection threats. For everyone in this thread, be aware that there's also an enhanced hardship waiver option now that has different criteria than the standard waiver. If your standard waiver is denied, you may still qualify for the hardship version.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I finally got through to ESD today (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it actually worked!). The agent confirmed my waiver is still being processed and put a temporary hold on collection activities for 30 days. They said current processing times are 10-12 weeks for waivers, so I probably have at least another month to wait. But at least I know it's in their system and I won't have wages garnished while waiting. I'll update this thread when I finally get a decision. Fingers crossed they approve it - there's absolutely no way I can repay $4,750 with my current financial situation.