The settlement of a class-action lawsuit, Duran v. New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, has led to the suspension of overpayment collection efforts from the New Mexico agency. The resolution implies that those who owed money to the state, mostly due to administrative errors during the COVID-19 pandemic, have their debts forgiven. This update prevents the recipients from having liens filed against them and deductions made from their future unemployment benefits. Those who have already squared their overpaid benefits are due for a refund. The department has already begun processing refunds and waivers for those who received overpayments. Those ineligible for blanket waivers or complete debt forgiveness can apply for an individual waiver. Among the beneficiaries is one plaintiff, Yohanna Gerges, who had already repaid her overpayment.

Meanwhile, for unemployment claimants in California seeking to contact the state’s employment department, you may face similar challenges. If you’re having trouble getting through to EDD, there are resources available on websites such as eddcaller.com that provide useful information on how to reach a live person at California’s Employment Development Department. Whether you’re looking for information on how to contact EDD, how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave or SDI services, or how to speak to someone at the EDD disability department, these resources can help guide you through the process and make it less daunting. Much like the situation in New Mexico, providing adequate support and communication channels for those seeking unemployment benefits is crucial for handling the challenges that arose during the pandemic.