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7 weeks with ESD claim stuck in 'Pending' status - is this normal?

I filed for UI benefits after getting laid off from my warehouse job back in January. It's now been 7 weeks and my claim is still showing 'Pending' status with no updates. I've called ESD at least 20 times but always get the 'high call volume' message and get disconnected. I've already burned through most of my savings and rent is due next week. Is 7 weeks of pending normal for 2025? Has anyone else experienced this kind of delay? I'm seriously getting worried about making ends meet and don't know what else to do. Any advice on how to get a real person to review my claim?

Aisha Ali

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Pending for 7 weeks is definitely NOT normal - something's wrong with your claim. There's probably an issue that needs adjudication but nobody has gotten to it yet. When I was stuck in pending for 4 weeks, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent. They have this service where they call ESD for you and then connect you when they get through. Worked perfectly and I got my issue resolved in one call. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth every penny because I was in the same boat - about to miss rent payments while my money was stuck in limbo.

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Mateo Gonzalez

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Thanks for the suggestion. Did you have to explain anything special to the agent when you got through? I'm worried there's some document or form I was supposed to submit that I missed.

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Ethan Moore

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7 wks is way 2 long!! my claim was aproved in 10 days last month. sounds like ur missing something they need. did u check ur eServices dashboard for alerts?? sometimes they need more info but dont tell u

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Mateo Gonzalez

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I've checked my dashboard multiple times and there's nothing showing up under alerts. No emails or messages either. It's like my claim is just sitting there with nobody looking at it.

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Yuki Nakamura

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Seven weeks in pending status indicates there's almost certainly an issue requiring adjudication. The most common reasons for extended pending periods include: 1) Identity verification problems 2) Employer dispute about reason for separation 3) Work and earnings verification issues 4) Ability and availability questions 5) Job search compliance concerns Here's what you need to do immediately: - Check your Secure Message Center in eServices, not just the dashboard - Verify if you've completed all requested fact-finding questionnaires - Make sure you're continuing to file weekly claims despite the pending status - Submit a request for escalation through the online contact form - Be prepared with documentation about your separation (final pay stub, termination letter, etc.) Standard processing should be 2-3 weeks in 2025 unless there are issues requiring investigation. Your claim is definitely overdue for resolution.

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StarSurfer

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All this advice is useless when you can't actually get THROUGH to anyone!!! I had the EXACT same problem last month and sending messages through their stupid portal did NOTHING!! They never respond!!! The only thing that worked was when I finally got someone on the phone who could actually see what was happening with my claim!

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Carmen Reyes

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Same thing happened to my brother-in-law. Turned out his previous employer was contesting the claim saying he quit instead of being laid off. Took 9 weeks to resolve! But he got full backpay once it was fixed.

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Mateo Gonzalez

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That's actually a relief to hear that he eventually got backpay. I'm worried my old employer might be contesting it too, even though they clearly told me it was a layoff due to downsizing.

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Andre Moreau

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I work with unemployment cases regularly, and I can tell you that 7 weeks in pending status is well beyond the typical processing time, even for cases requiring adjudication. Here's what you need to understand: 1. Normal processing time in 2025 should be 2-3 weeks maximum for straightforward claims. 2. Claims requiring adjudication typically take 3-5 weeks, not 7+. 3. There are three likely scenarios causing your delay: - Your employer has provided conflicting information about your separation - There's a problem with your identity verification - Your claim has essentially fallen through the cracks in the system 4. Continue filing your weekly claims without fail, as you'll receive all back benefits once approved. 5. In addition to calling, submit a request for escalation through your eServices account AND email the unemployment office directly with "CLAIM DELAYED 7+ WEEKS - URGENTLY NEED ASSISTANCE" in the subject line. 6. Include your claim ID number, the date you filed, and a clear timeline of your attempts to resolve the issue in all communication. This extended delay is not standard procedure and warrants immediate attention from ESD.

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Mateo Gonzalez

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Thank you for the detailed information. I didn't realize I could email them directly - is there a specific email address I should use? The subject line suggestion is really helpful.

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I was in the exact same situation last month - 6 weeks pending with no updates and bills piling up. I was getting desperate! I called over and over but kept getting the automated message saying they were too busy. What finally worked was going physically to my local WorkSource office. I explained my situation and they were able to look up my claim right there. Turns out there was an identity verification issue they never notified me about! The WorkSource person couldn't fix it directly but they gave me a direct number to call and told me exactly what to say. Got it resolved in 3 days after that. So my advice: visit WorkSource in person if you possibly can. Bring ID and all your claim information. Sometimes face-to-face is the only way to break through the bureaucracy!

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Ethan Moore

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this is smart!! i forget worksource can help with ui stuff too not just job search

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Aisha Ali

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Just checking in - were you able to get your claim sorted out? Did you try calling with Claimyr or going to WorkSource like others suggested?

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Mateo Gonzalez

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Update: I actually tried the Claimyr service yesterday and it worked! Got connected to an ESD agent in about 40 minutes. Turns out there was a discrepancy between what I reported as my last day of work and what my employer reported. The agent was able to submit an update to adjudication and told me it should be resolved within 5-7 business days. I'm still nervous but at least now I know what's happening and that someone is actually looking at my claim.

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