
Ask the community...
One important thing to keep in mind - make absolutely sure you're completing your three job search activities every week and documenting them properly, even while in adjudication. When your claim finally processes, they'll review your job search history and could deny benefits for any weeks where you didn't meet the requirements, even if the delay was on their end.
UPDATE: Just wanted to share that I used Claimyr this morning and got through to ESD in about 30 minutes. Turns out there was a flag on my account because my employer reported a slightly different last day of work than what I entered (February 1st vs January 31st). The agent was able to fix it right away and said my benefits should start processing within 48 hours. Such a relief to finally know what was happening! Thanks everyone for your advice.
That's great news! It's amazing how something that small can hold up your entire claim for over a month. Let us know when you actually receive payment - I'm curious how quickly it comes through after they resolve the issue.
One more important suggestion: After you call and (hopefully) get your claim moved forward, make sure to log into your account daily to check for any new action items. Sometimes fixing the pending status triggers other verification requirements that need prompt response. Also, document everything - write down the date and time you call, the name of any agent you speak with, and notes about what they tell you. If you have to call back, having this information can help tremendously.
Update: I FINALLY got through to ESD this morning! Called right at 8am and used the "pending claim over three weeks" phrase when the automated system asked why I was calling. Still waited about 45 minutes, but I actually got a human! Turns out there was indeed a "clear-pending" flag on my account that needed manual override. The agent said my claim had passed all verification steps but was sitting in a review queue that wouldn't have been processed for ANOTHER 2-3 weeks without my call. She pushed it through while I was on the phone and said I should see payment within 48 hours for all my back weeks. Thank you all for pushing me to call instead of waiting longer. Will update when the money actually hits my account!
One more thing! If your job doesn't work out within your benefit year (the 12 months from when you first applied), you can start filing weekly claims again without having to open a new claim. That happened to me - got laid off again 4 months after starting what I thought was a permanent position. All I had to do was start filing weekly claims again.
Just to wrap things up: 1) Report your return to work on your final weekly claim, 2) Make sure to accurately report any hours worked during that final week, and 3) Then simply stop filing claims. Your claim remains open technically, but no payments will be issued unless you start filing weekly claims again. Good luck with your new position!
has anyone tried going to worksource in person? my friend said they sometimes can help with claim issues but idk if thats true
WorkSource offices can help with some basic UI questions, but they generally don't have direct access to adjudication cases. They're separate from the ESD claims team. They might be able to help with job search activities or general guidance, but for adjudication issues, you need to reach the claims specialists directly.
UPDATE: I want to thank everyone for the great advice! I followed the suggestions here and have some progress to report. I tried calling during the recommended off-peak hours but still couldn't get through. However, I sent a detailed email to my state representative yesterday afternoon with all the information suggested, and this morning I received a response saying they've contacted ESD on my behalf! They said to expect an update within 5-7 business days. I'll post again when I hear more, but wanted to thank you all for the guidance. This community has been more helpful than any official ESD resource.
Update: I was finally able to get through to ESD (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it worked!). The agent confirmed I can receive partial unemployment for my reduced hours AND potentially qualify for the training benefits program since my field (healthcare admin) is on their approved list. I need to submit a couple more documents from my school about my program, but things are looking promising. Thanks everyone for the help!
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the advice! I went ahead and did 3 job search activities yesterday - updated my resume, attended an online WorkSource workshop, and applied for a position similar to mine (just in case my return to work falls through). I've documented everything properly in my job search log. Frustrating to jump through these hoops when I'm returning to work in a week, but better safe than sorry!
thxs for posting this!! i might be in a similar situation next month so now i know what to do. esd rules are so confusing!!!
Just to clarify for anyone else reading this thread: the key takeaway is that standby status ends either on the standby end date OR on the "must return to work by" date, whichever comes first. Once either date passes, you must begin job search activities immediately, even if you have a confirmed return-to-work date that's only a few days later.
UPDATE: The claim filing option appeared this morning (Sunday)! Must have been system maintenance like some of you suggested. Filed my claim with no issues. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - you saved me a lot of stress!
not to take this off topic but has anyone else noticed that ESD is taking FOREVER to process anything lately? my coworker had a simple address change take 6 weeks to process. wonder if the waiver is taking so long because of general backlog or if waivers are just low priority for them
UPDATE for everyone on this thread: ESD has recently (as of March 2025) implemented new processes for handling overpayment waivers. They are now reviewing older waivers first, so if your waiver request was submitted more than 3 months ago, you should see movement soon. For the original poster's son, I recommend he takes these specific steps: 1. File his new claim immediately 2. Upload a letter explaining his pending waiver situation in the document upload section of his new claim 3. Request standby status since he has a definite return date within 8 weeks 4. Call ESD using one of the methods discussed to check on his waiver status 5. Keep meticulous records of all his job search activities (if standby isn't approved) Even with a 50% reduction to repay the overpayment, he'll still receive some benefits to help with expenses during this temporary layoff.
After you receive your card, I highly recommend setting up the direct deposit option again through the ReliaCard website (if that's the card they're sending you). Double check ALL the numbers this time. I've found it much easier to have the money go straight to my regular bank than dealing with another card to keep track of.
You mentioned you called and actually spoke to someone - I'm jealous! I've been trying for weeks. How many times did you have to call before you got through? Any particular time of day that worked better?
Yara Nassar
Does anyone know if you can still file weekly claims while waiting for the appeal to be resolved? I'm in a similar situation and confused about whether I should keep claiming each week.
0 coins
Ava Thompson
•Yes, absolutely continue filing your weekly claims while your appeal is pending! This is extremely important. If you win your appeal, ESD can only pay you for weeks you properly claimed, even if you were eligible otherwise. If you don't file weekly claims during the appeal process, you could lose benefits even if you win the appeal.
0 coins
Sofia Rodriguez
Update: I was able to get through to ESD using Claimyr and they fixed the technical issue on my account. Just submitted my appeal online and got a confirmation number! The agent said this happens sometimes when there are multiple issues being processed on one claim. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! Now I just need to prepare for the hearing...
0 coins
Connor Murphy
•That's great news! Make sure you check your mail and email frequently over the next few weeks. The OAH will send instructions about your hearing date and how to submit evidence. Don't miss those deadlines! Also, when the hearing happens, be super organized and stick to the facts - the judges appreciate concise, clear explanations.
0 coins