< Back to Washington Unemployment

ESD waiver approved for pandemic benefits - when will I get my $10k overpayment refund?

I just checked my eServices account and found a determination letter approving my waiver for all pandemic era benefits (finally!). I've already paid back over $10,000 towards the overpayment before getting this approval. Does anyone know how long it typically takes for ESD to refund money that was already paid towards an overpayment once they approve a waiver? Do they automatically process the refund or do I need to contact them? I'm really counting on getting this money back soon as I've been struggling financially since having to pay that massive amount back.

Javier Gomez

•

congrats on getting approved! i got my waiver approved back in january and it took almost 5 weeks to get my refund. they didnt tell me it was coming or anything, just showed up as a direct deposit. check that ur banking info is up to date in ur account

0 coins

NebulaNinja

•

Thanks for the info! 5 weeks seems like forever but at least there's hope. I'll double-check my banking details right now.

0 coins

Emma Wilson

•

The refund process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the date of determination. ESD processes these automatically, but it depends on their current workload. If your banking information changed since you made payments, you should contact them immediately to update it. Otherwise, you'll receive the refund via the same method you used to make payments (direct deposit or check). Keep checking your determination letters section in eServices as they sometimes post updates there before issuing the payment.

0 coins

Malik Thomas

•

this is SO HELPFUL thank you!! i just got my waiver approved too after fighting for almost a year!!! do they add interest to what they return to us? seems only fair since they had our money all this time!

0 coins

Emma Wilson

•

No, unfortunately ESD does not add interest to overpayment refunds. They simply return the exact amount that was paid.

0 coins

DONT HOLD YOUR BREATH!!! My waiver was approved 3 months ago and I'm STILL waiting for my $6500 back. Called ESD like 30 times and either get disconnected or told "it's processing" EVERY TIME. Their system is a disaster. They take your money fast but give it back slow... if at all. I'm about to contact my state rep because this is ridiculous.

0 coins

NebulaNinja

•

Oh no, that's concerning. Have you tried sending messages through eServices? I'm wondering if that might be more effective than calling.

0 coins

Sent 8 messages and got exactly ONE response telling me to "be patient" and that they're "processing a high volume of refunds." Classic government excuse. Meanwhile I'm behind on bills because I'm waiting for MY money!!!

0 coins

Ravi Kapoor

•

I had the same situation last month with a different amount. If you're having trouble reaching ESD directly (which is likely), I'd recommend using Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual agent after weeks of trying. The service basically holds your place in line and calls you when it's your turn. I was skeptical at first but it worked really well - got through in about 25 minutes instead of endless busy signals. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

0 coins

NebulaNinja

•

Thank you for the recommendation! If I don't see movement in the next couple weeks, I'll definitely give that a try. Did the agent you spoke with give you a timeline for your refund?

0 coins

Ravi Kapoor

•

Yes, they told me exactly when to expect the deposit and it arrived right on time. The agent also noted in my account that I had called about the refund, which apparently helps expedite things. Worth the call for sure.

0 coins

Freya Larsen

•

It's important to understand that pandemic benefit waivers fall under a specific process due to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program rules. The standard refund timeline is 30-45 business days, though it can take longer if: 1. Your case involves multiple benefit types (regular UI + PUA) 2. Your overpayment crossed calendar years 3. You made multiple payment methods 4. The waiver was partial rather than full One suggestion: download and save a copy of your waiver approval letter immediately. Also, check that your contact information and banking details are current in the system. If it exceeds 45 business days, you should contact them directly as that likely indicates a processing issue.

0 coins

NebulaNinja

•

This is really helpful, thank you! My case does involve both regular UI and PUA benefits, so maybe that will make it take longer. I've saved the approval letter as you suggested.

0 coins

my cousin waited 2 months for her refund but her neighbor got it in 3 weeks so i think it just depends lol the whole pandemic benefit thing was such a mess my brother is still fighting his overpayment notice from 2021 can u believe that??

0 coins

Malik Thomas

•

omg 2021??? that's insane! they need to just forgive ALL the pandemic overpayments at this point, it's been years!

0 coins

NebulaNinja

•

Update: It's been a week since my original post and I called ESD this morning (actually got through after only 45 minutes on hold!). The agent told me my refund has been approved but is in a processing queue. She said to expect it in about 3 more weeks and that I'll receive it via direct deposit. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is in a similar situation.

0 coins

Javier Gomez

•

thx for the update! glad ur getting somewhere with them. plz post again when u actually get the money, im curious if theyll stick to that timeline

0 coins

They told me the EXACT same thing 3 months ago and still nothing. Don't trust their timelines.

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
6,875 users helped today