Filing unemployment for spouse - stuck on 'pending' for weeks with no updates

Unfortunately, this is pretty common these days. EDD's processing times have gotten longer since the start of 2025. A few things to check: 1. Look in the UI Online portal under 'Notifications' to see if there's a request for additional information that might have been missed 2. Check if his identity verification through ID.me was fully completed 3. Verify his phone number is correct in the system in case they've been trying to reach him for an eligibility interview If everything looks good on your end, I'd recommend calling now rather than waiting longer. The backlog only gets worse as time passes. Three weeks with no movement usually means something is holding up the claim.

dont wait call them now!! i had the same issue last month and waited 5 weeks before calling. turns out they needed more info from me but never sent me any message about it. my claim couldve been processed weeks earlier if id just called

When you filed for your husband, did you submit as a regular UI claim or disability? Since you mentioned he hurt his back, just making sure you didn't accidentally file for the wrong program. If he can't work due to injury, he might need SDI (State Disability Insurance) rather than regular unemployment, which is for people who are able and available to work but lost their job through no fault of their own. This could explain the delay if the claim needs to be rerouted or if there's confusion about which program applies to his situation.

I went through this EXACT SITUATION in November!!! Pending for almost a MONTH with no explanation!!! So frustrating!!! I finally broke down and called them - took me THREE DAYS of calling non-stop. Turns out there was a flag on my account because of some discrepancy with my last employer's information. They fixed it in 5 minutes once I finally got through. Don't wait - your claim could be stuck for a simple reason they'll never tell you about unless you call.

I've been helping people reach EDD agents for situations just like this. Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that gets you through to an EDD representative much faster than calling yourself. I was pending for weeks, used their service, and had my claim processed the same day I spoke with an agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Check out claimyr.com if you're tired of getting the 'high call volume' message. Especially with pending claims that aren't moving, speaking to a representative is really the only way to get it unstuck.

To answer your original timing question - in 2025, most claims that don't have any issues are being processed within 7-10 days. When a claim stays pending for 3+ weeks, it usually means: 1. There's a verification issue (income, identity, etc.) that needs to be resolved 2. Your husband's employer disputed some aspect of the claim 3. There's a previous claim or overpayment issue in the system 4. The claim was flagged for an eligibility interview but hasn't been scheduled yet You mentioned his employer received the notice, but did they specifically say they approved it or just that they responded? Sometimes employers contest claims which puts them into a longer review process.

@casual_commenter It's absolutely legitimate. I was skeptical too at first, but it's just a service that helps navigate EDD's phone system more efficiently. They don't access your EDD account or ask for sensitive information. You still talk directly with an EDD representative to handle your claim. It just saves you from having to call hundreds of times yourself.

@original_poster Regarding the employer response - that could definitely be the holdup. Even in clear-cut layoff situations, if the employer contested anything or provided information that doesn't match what was on the claim, it triggers a review process. At this point, your best action plan is: 1. Call EDD directly (or use a service to help you get through) 2. When you speak to a representative, specifically ask if there's an employer dispute or discrepancy 3. If they mention an eligibility interview is needed, ask them to schedule it ASAP 4. Request that they make notes on the account about your contact attempt If payments are approved, they'll be backdated to when he first became eligible, so you won't lose any benefits due to this delay.

UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD! Turns out there was a discrepancy between the dates of employment my husband provided and what his employer reported. The agent was able to correct it on the spot, and she said the claim should be processed within 48 hours. She also mentioned they're experiencing higher than normal volumes right now due to seasonal layoffs, which is contributing to longer processing times. Thank you everyone for your advice - I wish I had called sooner instead of just waiting and hoping!