I'm in the same boat right now! Filed on Sunday, still processing. Called 37 times yesterday and couldn't get through. This is so frustrating.

Update us on what happens! It would be helpful for others to know if this is becoming a systematic issue with final payments in 2025. ESD sometimes implements new verification procedures without announcing them publicly.

my fax never went thru for my hearing n the judge still let me explain my evidence over the phone so dont panic if the fax doesnt work!!

Based on your comment about the doctor's appointment - you should win this appeal. A single one-hour medical appointment does NOT make you unavailable for work under ESD rules. Make sure to emphasize that it was a one-time appointment, that you were available all other hours that week, and that you continued your job search activities. Bring your job search logs showing applications from that specific week if possible. This should be a straightforward reversal if presented clearly.

when i filed last year my claim also said active but turns out they needed additional info from my employer who was taking their sweet time responding. maybe call your former employer and ask if ESD contacted them? sometimes they ignore ESD requests which holds up your claim

Based on your comments that your weekly claims show as "submitted" rather than "processed," that's likely your issue. When they show as just submitted, it means ESD hasn't completed reviewing them. This could be due to: 1. Your employer not responding to their verification request 2. A potential eligibility issue that requires manual review 3. Random selection for fraud prevention checks 4. System backlog during high claim periods The fact that you don't see any pending issues is actually promising - it suggests there's nothing specifically wrong with your claim, just that it's in a processing queue. Definitely try to speak with an agent as they can often push these through once you reach them.

Another tip: print out the job search log form from the ESD website and start tracking your activities right away. You need 3 job search activities EVERY week (including that first waiting week). They can audit you at any time and ask for proof of your job searches going back weeks or months!

Just curious - did you verify your identity with ID.me yet? That's a separate step that trips up a lot of people. The waiting week is normal as everyone has mentioned, but make sure you've completed identity verification too, otherwise you might face payment delays on your second week and beyond.

One more important detail: when you file your new claim, you'll need to satisfy the requirement of having worked at least 680 hours in your base year (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your new claim). Make sure the work you did from August to November gives you enough hours to qualify.

Just to add another important point: when you file your new claim, your weekly benefit amount might change based on your earnings in the new base year. The calculation is based on your highest-earning quarters, so depending on what you made at that job from August to November, your weekly amount could go up or down compared to your current claim.

I went through EXACTLY this in January 2025. Was laid off from aerospace making $38/hr, got offered $25/hr position. I was terrified of losing benefits but also couldn't survive on that pay cut. I called ESD to ask directly (took THREE DAYS of calling to get through) and they confirmed I didn't have to take it since I was only 8 weeks into my claim and the pay was more than 10% below my previous wage. BUT!! They warned me that after 10 weeks, the threshold changes. So start applying aggressively now while you still have that protection!

Quick update on the current job search requirements while you decide: Remember that you still need to complete and document 3 job search activities each week while receiving benefits. This becomes especially important if your claim goes into adjudication - they'll review your job search logs carefully. Also, make sure you're using WorkSource resources. They can actually help you find positions more aligned with your experience and previous wage level.

In addition to what others have said, I always take screenshots of completed applications and save the confirmation emails. For ESD documentation, I include the company name, position, date, and the general Indeed contact method (since direct employer info isn't available). But the MOST important thing is to download/print the job description before applying. Indeed postings sometimes disappear, and if you get audited 2 months later, you'll want proof the job actually existed. I keep a folder with all my application records including screenshots showing the "Application Submitted" confirmation page.

One more thing - when you're applying through Indeed, sometimes there's a "Contact Info" section in the job details that has the hiring manager's info. Always check there first. Also, if you click through to the company's actual website from the Indeed posting, they sometimes list the HR email there that you can use for your ESD documentation. It takes a few extra minutes, but having more complete contact info can save you headaches later.

One more thing to add - if you don't receive a decision within 2 weeks, you can contact the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) directly at 855-928-1777 to check on the status of your decision. They're separate from ESD and can usually tell you if the judge has issued the decision yet or when you can expect it. It's also worth knowing that if you win your appeal, the decision is legally binding on ESD. If for some reason ESD doesn't implement the judge's decision promptly after you win, you should contact your state representative's office. They often have liaisons who can help get things moving with ESD.

My sister had her hearing back in January and she got her letter in exactly 9 days. Apparently it took so long because the judge was writing up a really detailed explanation. She won her case btw, after being denied initially. So don't lose hope!

Also think about if you even WANT to go back! They fired you once already! What's to stop them from doing it again next month??? The job market sucks right now but being jerked around by the same company is worse IMO.

Just to add an important detail - if you do return to work, make sure to report your work and earnings on your weekly claim for the week you start working, even if you haven't been paid yet. You report based on when you performed the work, not when you receive payment. This avoids potential overpayment issues later. Also, if you return part-way through a week, you may still be eligible for partial benefits for that week depending on how many hours you work and how much you earn. The ESD system will calculate this automatically based on what you report.

let us know what happens! im betting it shows up tomorrow or wednesday

This whole unemployment system is such a joke. They expect us to file everything perfectly on time but then can't even get payments out reliably. And good luck getting answers when you call - I've spent HOURS just trying to talk to a human.