ESD waiver approved but repayment site still shows balance - can I get my $4K back?

Congratulations on the waiver approval! Based on my experience helping several people with similar situations, here's what you need to know: - The ESD account and repayment website don't always sync immediately. It can take 1-3 weeks for the repayment site to update after a waiver approval. - Yes, you should be eligible to receive a refund of the $4,200 you've already paid, but it's not automatic. You'll need to call the ESD overpayment unit at 866-697-4831 to request the refund explicitly. - Document everything! Take screenshots of your ESD account showing the zero balance as proof of the waiver approval. - When you call, ask them for the exact timeframe for both the repayment site update and when you can expect your refund check.

same thing happend to me last month!! the repayment site didnt update for like 10 days after my waiver got approved. but i still had to call them about the money i already paid ($1275 in my case). they told me id get a check in 4-6 weeks but it actually came in just under 3 weeks. dont just wait for them to send it, definitely call!!

I'm going through exactly what you are, but about 2 weeks ahead of you in the process. After my waiver was approved, I had to call THREE TIMES before I got someone who knew what to do about my refund. The first two people told me different things - one said I wouldn't get a refund at all because the waiver was "going forward only" (NOT TRUE) and another told me it would be automatic (ALSO NOT TRUE). The third person I spoke with actually processed my refund request on the spot, but warned me it would take 6-8 weeks for the check to arrive. They don't do direct deposit for refunds, only paper checks. Make sure when you call that you specifically ask for someone who can process an "overpayment refund following a waiver approval." Good luck! It's a frustrating process but worth it to get your money back!

Just to add some clarification on the waiver refund process - this is something I deal with regularly. The fact that your ESD account shows a zero balance is the most important indicator that your waiver was approved. The repayment website (operated by a third-party vendor) typically lags behind by 1-3 weeks. Regarding your refund, here's the process: 1. You must specifically request the refund by calling the overpayment unit 2. They will verify your waiver approval in their system 3. A refund request will be submitted to ESD's fiscal department 4. A paper check will be issued and mailed to your address on file 5. Current processing time is approximately 4-6 weeks from request to delivery Make sure your mailing address is current in the ESD system before requesting the refund. Also, keep the confirmation number they give you when you make the request - you'll need it if you have to follow up.

has anyone here used Claimyr to actually get through to ESD? I've spent literally HOURS trying to get through to someone about my overpayment refund and keep getting disconnected. someone at WorkSource mentioned this service where you can actually get a callback from ESD instead of waiting on hold forever. their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. just wondering if it actually works before I use it.

I wouldnt trust the zero balance until you get confirmation in WRITING from ESD! My waiver got approved then REVERSED two months later and they started collections again and added penalties!!!! get everything in writing and dont spend that refund $$$ until your 100% sure its final

To address the concern about waiver reversals - this is extremely rare and typically only happens in cases where fraud was later discovered or if the waiver was clearly issued in error (like if you didn't actually have an overpayment to begin with). For most people who legitimately qualified for a pandemic overpayment waiver, once approved, it's final. However, it's always good practice to: 1. Request a formal waiver approval letter (they don't always send these automatically) 2. Print and save screenshots of your zero balance 3. Keep all communication with ESD regarding your waiver 4. If you do receive a refund, save the documentation that came with it The vast majority of approved waivers remain approved permanently - but documentation is your best protection.