Laid off with existing ESD overpayment - will this block my new unemployment claim?

They won't deny your new claim because of the overpayment, but they will take a portion of your weekly benefits to pay down what you owe. When you file your new claim, ESD will set up an offset where they automatically deduct a percentage (usually 50% of your weekly benefit amount) until the overpayment is satisfied. Make sure you file your new claim immediately - don't wait! The sooner you get into the system, the sooner you'll start getting benefits. And make sure to explain your layoff situation clearly in your application.

same thing happened 2 me last year... they WILL approve u but take like half ur money each week. it suuuucks but better than nothing i guess

THEY WILL TAKE IT ALL!!!! I had this exact situation and ESD took my ENTIRE benefit for weeks to pay back an overpayment I didn't even know about from 2 years ago. The system is RIGGED against us regular workers. They don't care if you can't pay your bills. And you'll never get through to them on the phone to explain your situation!!!!!

You definitely need to call ESD directly to discuss your specific situation. The standard offset is 50% but they can sometimes adjust this based on financial hardship. I was in a similar situation last year and managed to get them to reduce it to 25% after explaining my circumstances. Trying to reach ESD can be incredibly frustrating though - I spent days trying to get through. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual ESD agent within about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it because I was able to negotiate my repayment terms right away instead of waiting weeks.

My cousin got laid off with an overpayment situation too and she just didn't file for unemployment again because she was scared they'd come after her. Bad idea! Don't do that! File your claim and just deal with the repayment.

Here's what you need to know about overpayments and new claims: 1. Your new claim will be processed normally regardless of the overpayment 2. The standard offset is 50% of your weekly benefit amount 3. You can request a reduced percentage by demonstrating financial hardship 4. You must submit this request in writing through your eServices account or by calling 5. Include documentation of your essential expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.) 6. If approved, they can reduce the offset to as low as 10% in extreme cases Don't delay filing your claim. The overpayment won't affect your eligibility, just how your benefits are paid out. Make sure you're doing your three job search activities each week and documenting them properly.

wait so did you say you got severance? if you got severance you have to report that and it might delay when your benefits start. i think you have to use up the severance first before unemployment kicks in? someone correct me if im wrong

One more thing - make sure you appeal if they try to take more than 50% of your benefits for the overpayment. I've seen cases where the system automatically sets it higher but you have the right to request the standard 50% offset.