Washington ESD unemployment overpayment notice - how to get rid of this debt?

How do I even start the appeal process? The notice doesn't give clear instructions.

Log into your Washington ESD account and look for the appeals section, or you can mail a written appeal to the address on your notice. Make sure to include your claim number.

Did you end up having to pay it back? I'm so stressed about this.

still fighting it, been months now. the phone system is impossible

Is this legit? I've never heard of services that call for you.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting part so you don't have to sit on hold for hours or get disconnected.

That actually sounds really helpful. The Washington ESD phone lines are brutal.

Good to know! I was thinking about setting up a payment plan but I'll hold off.

Wait really? Making payments hurts your case? That doesn't sound right...

That's what the hearing judge told me - making voluntary payments can be seen as an admission that you owe the debt.

How do I request my records? Is there a form I need to fill out?

You can request them through your online account or by calling. Having your complete file helps you prepare your appeal.

Did you end up having to pay any of it back?

Nope, got it completely waived after the appeal hearing. Turned out they had wrong information from my employer.

That's encouraging! How did you get the employer information corrected?

It's usually because they do audits or cross-check with employer wage reports later. The system isn't real-time unfortunately.

thats so unfair though. how are we supposed to remember exactly what we reported months ago

How do you request a waiver? Is that different from an appeal?

Yes, it's different. A waiver admits you were overpaid but asks them to forgive the debt. An appeal argues you weren't actually overpaid.

I tried to get a waiver and they denied it even though I'm barely making ends meet. The process is really frustrating.

I'm working now but good advice for others dealing with this.

yeah they tried to stop my current benefits because of the overpayment but thats not legal

Do you have the direct number for overpayment issues?

It should be on your overpayment notice. If not, it's usually listed on the Washington ESD website under debt collection.

A lawyer sounds expensive though. Is it worth it for the amount we're talking about?

If they take it on contingency you don't pay unless you win. Might be worth a consultation at least.

I handled my appeal myself and won. You don't necessarily need a lawyer if you have good documentation.

Definitely not ignoring it! Filing my appeal this week.

they can take your tax refund? thats crazy

Yep, they can offset state and federal tax refunds for unemployment overpayments. It's in the fine print.

Good to know there are options even if I lose the appeal. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Make sure any payment plan is in writing. Verbal agreements don't protect you if there's confusion later.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It's worth it when you consider how much time and frustration it saves. Check their website for current info.

That's really helpful! Do you have any other tips for someone filing their first appeal?

Be very specific about why you think the overpayment is wrong. Include dates, dollar amounts, and reference any documents that support your case.

Are there legal aid services that help with unemployment appeals? Asking for a friend...

I know right? It's so frustrating when you're already dealing with unemployment stress.

exactly! like we're guilty until proven innocent

I get the frustration but the appeal process does work if you follow it properly and have documentation.

Generally no, unemployment overpayments don't show up on credit reports unless they're sent to a collection agency or result in a court judgment.

That's a relief! Thanks for the info.

They can report it if you default though, so still important to address it properly.

That's still a big savings! What kind of errors did they find?

They had some of my work weeks calculated wrong. I was able to show my actual pay stubs proved I reported correctly for most weeks.

Definitely doing that! Already making copies of all my wage records and claim confirmations.

And send everything certified mail so you have proof they received it.

You can also upload documents through your online account which gives you a confirmation receipt.

I'm seriously considering this. Been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks with no luck.

Thanks for mentioning this option! I might try it if I can't get through this week.

Just watched that demo video - looks pretty straightforward. Might be worth it to get this overpayment issue resolved faster.