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.

anybody else notice ESD always seems to take FOREVER to give you YOUR money back but if THEY think you owe THEM they want it back like yesterday?? 🙄

Update for everyone in this thread: ESD recently changed their overpayment refund process in January 2025. Previously, refunds over $1500 were automatically split into multiple payments for "system processing reasons." Under the new system, refunds should come as a single payment unless different weeks of eligibility are being processed separately. The OP's case sounds like it's still under the old system OR involves weeks being handled by different departments (regular UI vs. extended benefits, for example). For reference, the standard processing time for the remainder of split refunds is now officially 21 business days from the first payment, though it can be faster.

wait are we supposed to do job searches on christmas week too??? i thought holidays meant we didnt have to do those??

Just for future reference (and for anyone else reading this thread later), ESD actually posts their holiday payment schedules on their website usually about 2-3 weeks before each major holiday. You can find it under "Announcements" on the main dashboard after you log in. It's not always prominent, but it's there if you look for it. I just checked my account and they haven't posted the Christmas 2025 schedule yet, but based on past years, Monday the 23rd is almost certainly when payments will process. I've been through four holiday seasons on unemployment (unfortunately) and they've been very consistent with this pattern.

When I was stuck waiting for an adjudication decision, calling ESD directly helped speed things up. But good luck actually getting through to them! I spent days trying to call before using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent. They have a video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) that shows how it works. The service connected me to an ESD rep who could see exactly where my claim was stuck and got it moving again. Regarding your employer appeal question - yes, they can appeal, but they need to have valid grounds (proving actual misconduct), not just disagreeing with ESD's decision. I went through an appeal hearing last year, and it was intimidating but fair. The Administrative Law Judge was very thorough in reviewing all evidence.

One last bit of advice - document EVERYTHING. If your claim is approved and your employer appeals, you'll want copies of all communications, especially anything that contradicts what they might claim about your separation. Also, if you do end up with an OAH hearing, prepare thoroughly. Review all the documentation they send you beforehand, write out your key points, and be ready to clearly explain your side. The hearings are relatively formal but fair - the judges want to get to the truth. And a positive note: in my observation, ESD's initial determinations are upheld in the majority of appeal cases, especially when they've done a thorough adjudication process like they seem to be doing in your case.

I had a similar situation last year but it was about my job separation reason. This whole thing reminded me that I also had trouble with my identity verification taking forever before that. The system kept saying my driver's license didn't match their records even though I triple checked everything. Then my neighbor told me her cousin works at ESD and apparently they're super understaffed since 2020. Anyway, hope you get it sorted out soon!

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the Claimyr service that someone recommended here, and it worked perfectly. Was connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. Turns out my adjudication was delayed because they needed additional information about my availability during a specific week. The agent scheduled a phone interview for next Tuesday and said my claim should be processed shortly after that if everything checks out. Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'll update again after my interview.