Will ESD overpayment collection affect my maternity benefits in April?

ESD and Paid Family Medical Leave are actually two separate systems, even though they're both state programs. The overpayment collection from regular unemployment shouldn't automatically transfer to your PFML benefits. When you apply for PFML, it'll be through a different department (Employment Security Department still, but different division), and they have separate payment systems.

im not suer about this but my cousin had something similar happen and i think she said they didnt take mney from her maternity leave but u should probably call and check to make sure cus every case is different

I can provide some clarification here. Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) are completely separate benefit programs, despite both being administered by Washington state agencies. An overpayment with UI won't automatically be collected from your PFML benefits. However, there is one important exception: if your overpayment case gets referred to collections or if ESD obtains a judgment against you, they could potentially garnish other income sources including PFML. My advice would be to continue pursuing your appeal for the overpayment. If you haven't already, make sure you've submitted a formal appeal within the deadline period (usually 30 days from the overpayment notice). Document everything carefully. Also, you could consider requesting a reduction in the recovery rate. Standard collection is 50%, but you can request a hardship reduction to as low as 10% if you demonstrate financial need.

Wait, are you sure they can take half?? When I had an overpayment they only took 25% of my weekly benefits. That seems really excessive especially for someone pregnant! The whole system is broken if you ask me.

I went through something similar last year with an overpayment while transitioning to PFML for surgery recovery. Like others have said, they are separate systems. BUT, I found it impossible to get through to ESD on the phone to discuss my hardship reduction request. After wasting days getting disconnected, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I actually spoke with someone, I was able to get my overpayment collection reduced to 15% by explaining my situation. Definitely worth trying if you're struggling financially.

THEY WILL TAKE EVERYTHING THEY CAN!!! I had an ESD overpayment from 2022 and they've been garnishing my wages at my new job too, not just when I was on benefits. The whole system is designed to make it impossible to get ahead. Good luck with your baby but prepare for the worst tbh.

I'd recommend focusing on your appeal right now. If you can prove there was no overpayment to begin with, that solves everything! When I had my appeal hearing last year, I made sure to bring ALL documentation - paystubs, emails from employers, anything that showed my work hours and earnings. My overpayment was reversed completely. Have you received a hearing date yet? If not, you might want to check on the status of your appeal. The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) handles the appeals, not ESD directly, so you might need to contact them instead.

Just to follow up on your question about requesting a hardship reduction in the recovery rate - you need to call the ESD Collections unit specifically at 1-866-697-4831. Be prepared to provide documentation of your financial hardship (bills, bank statements, etc.). Regarding your PFML application, make sure you apply well before your due date, as processing can take 2-3 weeks. You can apply up to 4 weeks before your expected leave start date. The weekly benefit amount is calculated differently than UI - it's based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum. Best of luck with both your appeal and your baby!

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this stress during your pregnancy. I went through a similar situation when I was on maternity leave in 2023. The good news is that ESD overpayment collections from regular unemployment benefits don't automatically carry over to PFML payments - they really are separate systems with different processing. However, I'd strongly recommend being proactive about a few things: First, definitely pursue that hardship reduction on your current collection rate. With a baby coming, you should qualify for the lower 10-15% rate instead of 50%. Second, keep detailed records of everything related to your appeal - dates, case numbers, any correspondence. One thing that helped me was submitting my hardship reduction request in writing along with calling. You can fax documentation to ESD at 360-902-9509 or mail it to: Employment Security Department, PO Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046. Include bank statements showing your expenses and a letter explaining your pregnancy and upcoming financial needs. Also, don't let the appeal process discourage you. Even if it takes months, if you win your appeal, they'll have to refund everything they collected. Stay strong - you've got this!