I owe Washington ESD unemployment money - can I still collect benefits?

Yes, you can still file a new claim even with an outstanding overpayment. Washington ESD will typically offset your weekly benefit payments to recover the debt. So if your weekly benefit is $400 and they're collecting $50 per week, you'd get $350.

Before you file anything, make sure that overpayment is actually valid. A lot of people get bogus overpayment notices when the system glitches. Did you actually not report that temp work or was it a Washington ESD error?

I was in the exact same situation last month - owed Washington ESD about $1,900 from 2023. Couldn't get through to anyone on the phone for weeks to figure out payment options. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual Washington ESD rep in like 10 minutes. They helped me set up a payment plan and explained how the offset would work with my new claim. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works.

The overpayment won't prevent you from filing a new claim, but you need to understand the collection process. Washington ESD has several options: voluntary repayment, benefit offset, wage garnishment, or tax refund intercept. Benefit offset is usually the easiest if you're collecting again.

this is exactly why the unemployment system is broken... they make mistakes then come after you for money years later when you're already struggling. happened to my cousin too

Update: I called Washington ESD this morning and after 3 hours on hold, got disconnected. This is ridiculous. I need to know my options before I file the new claim.

Just to clarify the offset process - Washington ESD will send you a notice before they start taking money out of your benefits. You'll have a chance to set up a payment plan or request a reduced collection rate. Don't panic about it.

Been through this twice unfortunately. Washington ESD will definitely let you collect with an outstanding overpayment, but they're aggressive about collecting. Make sure you understand all your options before agreeing to anything.

One more thing - if that overpayment was due to Washington ESD error rather than fraud on your part, you might be able to get it waived entirely. Look into requesting an 'administrative waiver' especially if you can prove you reported everything correctly.

same boat here - owed them $1,200 and still got approved for new benefits. they took out like $60 a week which was annoying but better than nothing

Important point: if you're filing a new claim, make absolutely sure you report ALL income accurately this time. Any discrepancies will compound your overpayment issues and could result in fraud charges.

I wouldn't stress too much about this. Washington ESD deals with overpayments all the time. As long as you're honest and work with them, they're not going to make your life miserable.

Final update on my situation - talked to Washington ESD through Claimyr and got everything sorted. They set up a $75/month payment plan for my overpayment and confirmed I can still collect full benefits on my new claim until the debt is paid off. Honestly worth every penny to avoid the phone system nightmare.

Bottom line: file your new claim ASAP, don't let the overpayment delay you. Washington ESD will work with you on repayment options once you get someone on the phone. The benefit offset is usually the easiest option if you're collecting again.

Just make sure when you do get through to Washington ESD that you ask about ALL your options - payment plans, hardship waivers, reduced collection rates. Don't just accept the first thing they offer.

whatever you do dont ignore the overpayment notices. they dont go away and washington esd can be pretty aggressive about collecting if you just ignore them

One final consideration - if you believe the overpayment determination was incorrect, you have appeal rights. Don't waive those rights by entering into a repayment agreement unless you're certain the overpayment is valid.

been following this thread because im in similar situation. really helpful info everyone, thanks for sharing your experiences

Thanks again everyone. Filed my new claim this morning and got confirmation. Now just need to tackle the overpayment issue. Will try calling early tomorrow morning first, then consider the Claimyr option if that doesn't work.

This whole thread is exactly why I love this forum. Real people helping each other navigate the Washington ESD maze. Way better than trying to figure this stuff out from their website.