Help Me Pay Off Unjust Unemployment Overpayments

My name is Spencer. In 2020, like many people, I applied for unemployment because there were no jobs because of the pandemic. I quit my job back in January to go to school, but I also stopped attending school because of the pandemic. So I decided I might as well apply for unemployment; what's the worst that could happen? Getting denied? You would think that they could catch the fact I had stated that I quit my job voluntarily in January. Based on that alone, I shouldn't have gotten unemployment payments based on their own rules. I also received Lost Wage Assistance. I had to pay that back too. That wasn't even something you applied for; they just gave it to you if they decided you were eligible.

I am not sure what went wrong. Maybe they just missed that I had voluntarily quit. Perhaps I mistakenly put in that I left the job due to a lack of work - I remember that being part of one of the questions. The problem was that the process was confusing, and something like that should have been easily caught before the damage was done. I put in all of the correct information I had, to the best of my ability, for that unemployment request, considering the confusing way it was framed for the pandemic. After it was submitted, it is their job to make sure and verify the information I put in. I know for a fact they can cross-check whether or not I voluntarily left the job, it should have been found out and they should have denied the request then and there.

I only found out about the first overpayment in December 2021 for the LWA. That was $1,800, and because of a friend, I was able to pay that off. It took them almost two years to decide I didn't deserve that money. Then, in April 2022, I got another letter. I now owed them the entire amount I received, all $5,776. Again, it took them two years to decide I didn't actually deserve that money.

I requested a hearing on April 21st, 2022, so I could appeal this and not have to pay it. It's August 9th now, and I have not received any word about it. I have received letters about accruing interest, though, and threats if I don't pay this back.

As you can see above, they're now saying I have ten days to pay this off or they may take legal action, as well as take money from my tax return next year, and now they have finally started tacking on interest. Note that it says I have ten days to pay this from the billing date, July 31st. I received this letter today, on August 9th. Looks like I'll see what happens tomorrow. Every phone number and request form leads to a dead end, and I am almost positive I will not be getting a hearing this year. And if I do, it will most likely be denied, and I will be left with even more debt.

I'm planning a big move in the next six months; I have bills to pay, I have rent to pay, and I have groceries. Today I requested temporary disability and a leave of absence from work due to a repetitive strain injury and tendinitis in my right wrist. I cannot afford this. I'm losing hair from the stress. I want this over and done with, and I'm at such a loss as to what to do. I need help.

Any amount helps, and thank you so much for reading all of this and deciding to assist me. Have such a wonderful day.