New ESD claim filed today - approval timeframe & COVID overpayment question

It typically takes ESD about 1-3 weeks to process a new claim right now, but it could be faster or slower depending on your specific situation. If there are any issues that require adjudication, it could take longer. And yes, if you have an existing overpayment, ESD will typically recover it by taking a percentage (usually 25-50%) from each weekly benefit payment until it's paid off. You can also contact them to set up a repayment plan if you're concerned about the reduction.

i filed in january and it took 18 days to get approved no issues on my claim tho. my friend had to wait like 2 months cause they had questions bout her last employer

THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY!!! I had a $1,900 overpayment from 2020 and when I filed again last year they took 50% OF EVERYTHING until it was paid back. Didn't even give me a CHOICE!! The whole system is designed to PUNISH people for THEIR mistakes during COVID! I couldn't even pay my car insurance and almost lost my vehicle!!

I just went through this exact situation! I filed in February and it took about 10 days to get approved, but then I got stuck in adjudication for 3 weeks because my employer disputed something. About the overpayment - yes, they'll take money out automatically, but you can call and request a hardship reduction so they take less per week. The awful part is actually REACHING someone at ESD to make that request...

To directly answer your questions: 1. Processing time: Currently ESD is taking approximately 7-14 business days to process new claims without issues. If there are any discrepancies or your employer contests the claim, it will go to adjudication which adds several more weeks. 2. Overpayment recovery: Yes, ESD will automatically recover overpayments by withholding a percentage from your weekly benefits. The standard deduction is 50%, but you can request a hardship reduction to as low as 10% by calling them and explaining your financial situation. 3. Important tips: Make sure you file your weekly claims even while waiting for approval. If approved, you'll get paid for those weeks. Also, document your job search activities carefully - you need 3 job search activities each week. Source: I help people navigate the unemployment system professionally.

There's no specific form online for hardship reductions. You need to speak with an ESD representative who can note your request in the system and help you determine what percentage would be appropriate based on your financial circumstances. Be prepared to explain your essential expenses (rent, utilities, food, etc.) compared to your benefit amount. They may ask for documentation of these expenses, so having recent bills available is helpful.

my cousin said she got her overpayment waived but she had to prove it wasnt her fault or something. i think u have to request a waiver and give them proof of hardship? not sure how it works exactly

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I'm going to try calling tomorrow to see if I can get the overpayment percentage reduced before they start taking it out. Hopefully my claim processes quickly without any issues. I'll update here when I find out more for anyone who might be in the same boat.

Has ANYONE ever successfully gotten through to ESD on the first try?? I swear their phone system is DESIGNED to be impossible! Last time I needed to talk to someone it took me TWO WEEKS of calling multiple times a day!