7 weeks of ESD claims all stuck on 'pending' status - normal or problem?

pending for 7 weeks isnt normal. something is probly wrong with ur claim. check ur eservices account for any alerts or notices. sometimes they need more info but dont tell u

This definitely isn't normal. Seven weeks of pending claims strongly suggests your account is in adjudication for some reason. There should be an "Issues and Decisions" section in your eServices portal that would indicate if there's a specific issue flagged. Common reasons for extended pending status include: 1. Identity verification issues 2. Employer dispute about reason for separation 3. Availability for work questions 4. Job search compliance 5. Previous overpayment issues I'd recommend checking for any correspondence in your eServices Message Center and uploading any supporting documentation that might help resolve whatever issue is causing the delay.

Ugh, ESD is THE WORST!! This happened to me too - they kept me waiting for NINE WEEKS with zero communication! The whole time I kept filing my claims like a good little citizen while they just sat on their hands. When I finally got through to someone, turns out my previous employer was contesting the claim, saying I quit voluntarily when I was actually laid off. I had to dig up emails from MONTHS ago to prove it. The system is DESIGNED to wear you down so you'll give up!!! 😡

When you have a separation issue in adjudication, what's happening is your former employer either contested your unemployment claim or provided information that conflicts with what you stated when you applied. This puts your claim in a review status until an adjudicator can make a determination. The problem is that adjudication can take 6-10 weeks right now due to backlogs at ESD. You should definitely continue filing your weekly claims during this time. If you're eventually approved, you'll receive all back payments for those weeks. In the meantime, I'd recommend uploading any documentation you have that supports your case for separation (termination notice, emails, performance reviews, etc.) to your eServices account. This can sometimes speed up the process.

my cousin had his claim stuck for like 3 months!!! esd is always backed up. he ended up calling his state representative's office and they helped push it through. might try that too

Update: I managed to get through to ESD this morning (thanks for the Claimyr suggestion - actually worked!). The agent confirmed my former employer is claiming I was fired for misconduct, which is completely untrue - I was laid off due to budget cuts along with 12 other people. The agent said I need to upload a statement explaining my side plus any documentation proving it was a layoff. I'm gathering emails and the official notice now. She said once I upload everything, they'll prioritize my case but it could still take 1-2 weeks. At least now I know what's happening!

Ugh employers that contest legitimate claims are the WORST. They're just trying to keep their UI tax rates low at YOUR expense! Make sure you keep detailed notes of every conversation with ESD too - date, time, agent name if they'll give it. The system is such a mess that sometimes you need to remind THEM what they told you previously. 🙄

One important thing to remember: even while your claim is in adjudication, you must continue to meet all job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time. If you miss filing a weekly claim during this period, you'll lose benefits for that week even if your case is eventually approved. The current job search requirement is three documented job search activities per week. These can include job applications, attending WorkSource workshops, creating accounts on job search websites, etc. Keep detailed records of all these activities as ESD can audit your job search logs at any time.

FINAL UPDATE: My claim was finally approved! All 9 weeks of back payments hit my account this morning. The adjudicator said the documentation I provided clearly showed it was a layoff and not misconduct. Such a relief! For anyone else stuck in pending hell, definitely try to talk to a real person at ESD - it makes all the difference. Thanks everyone for your help!