UPDATE: Finally got through to someone! For anyone else with this issue - I used the 833-572-8400 number that @ClaimExpert suggested and pressed 1, then 3 like they said. Still waited about an hour but actually spoke to a person! My problem was that when I reopened my claim, it got flagged for "eligibility review" which prevented the weekly claim option from appearing. The agent manually added the option to my account and I was able to backdate my claim to include the waiting week. They said this is happening to a lot of people right now because their system was updated in February. Thanks everyone for your help!

@UI_Struggler Glad you got through! For your first payment after reopening, it typically takes 3-5 business days once you've successfully filed those weekly claims. Since you had that eligibility flag, it might take slightly longer, but you should see it by next week. The waiting week doesn't pay out but it's important that it's properly credited in the system.

ugh the food industry is THE WORST for this kinda thing!! i worked at three different restaurants and they ALL pulled this stuff. pretty sure its illegal to not give breaks during 10 hour shifts but good luck proving it without documentation. the whole system is rigged against workers!!

Quick update for anyone else facing a similar situation. I filed my claim yesterday focusing on the hours discrepancy and mentioning that I tried to resolve the issue with management before quitting. My status now shows "adjudication in progress" so I'm preparing all the details I can remember about the job description from my interview. I'll keep this thread updated with how it goes. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Quick update on this topic based on recent changes: As of 2025, ESD is required to pause garnishments once they receive proof of both payment AND appeal filing. The key is getting that proof to the right department. Use the secure message portal and specifically state "REQUEST TO PAUSE GARNISHMENT PENDING APPEAL" in the subject line. Reference both your payment confirmation and appeal number in the message. This new process was implemented after a class action lawsuit last year forced ESD to improve their procedures.

hey just wondering did it work? did they garnish u again or did u get them to stop it?

I dealt with the SAME EXACT garbage last year! The standby rules are different from regular UI rules and ESD does a terrible job explaining the transition. My claim got denied for two weeks and I had to appeal and wait THREE MONTHS to get my money back. This system is designed to make people fail, I swear. Just be super careful about documenting EVERYTHING from now on.

For those following this thread: here's what counts as a job search activity for part-time workers still receiving benefits: 1. Applying for a job 2. Attending a job fair 3. Creating a profile on a professional job-matching site 4. Taking a civil service exam 5. Participating in WorkSource workshops 6. Interviewing with potential employers Remember that WorkSource now offers virtual workshops that count toward your activities. This can be easier to fit around a part-time work schedule.

not sure about appeals but i got disqualfied in december and just found a new job instead of dealing with esd. too much hassle tbh. goodluck

One thing I forgot to mention in my first comment - prepare for your hearing like it's a job interview. Dress professionally (even for a phone hearing, it puts you in the right mindset), speak clearly and calmly, and stick to FACTS rather than emotions. The judge who handled my case seemed really impressed that I had organized my evidence chronologically in a binder with tabs and could immediately reference specific dates and conversations. Don't interrupt the employer's testimony even when they're lying - just make notes and address each point when it's your turn. One last thing - remember that the hearing is being recorded, so avoid swearing or getting emotional, no matter how frustrating it gets!