Hey there! I was in your exact situation last month - redetermination lost in the void and couldn't get through on the phone. I ended up trying the Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and I hate to admit it worked really well. But here's a hack: if you can find someone who works for the state government (any department), they often have internal contact numbers or can help escalate your issue. My neighbor works for DOL and was able to get me in touch with someone at ESD directly. \n\nAlso, don't forget to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the redetermination! I made that mistake and it caused even more problems.

That's a great reminder about continuing to file weekly claims - I've been doing that faithfully. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who works for the state, but sounds like I have a few other options to try from this thread. Thank you!

Appeals typically take 4-6 weeks for processing before OAH schedules a hearing. Here are some tips while you wait: 1. Continue filing weekly claims (very important) 2. Gather evidence for your case (emails, texts showing you had good cause) 3. Create a timeline of events leading to your separation 4. Check your mail daily as notices only come via USPS 5. If you move, update your address with both ESD and OAH I recommend looking at the OAH website as they have guides for unemployment hearings. If you truly were forced to resign, make sure you have documentation showing the conditions that made continued employment impossible or unreasonable.

does anyone know if u can check appeal status online? i cant find it anywhere on eservices

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD to ask questions about your specific situation (which is likely - their phone lines are insane), I'd recommend using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an ESD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. Really saved me when I had complicated questions about my claim. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Basically they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available.

Let us know how it goes with your claim! The application is pretty straightforward but sometimes the identity verification part can be tricky. Make sure you have your ID and social security card handy!

Just checking back - were you able to get through using any of these suggestions? The adjudication department is definitely the toughest to reach, especially with the staffing issues the other poster mentioned.

Glad you got it resolved! The whole system is so ridiculous. It shouldn't be this hard to talk to someone when your financial survival is at stake. Hope your payments come through quickly!

UPDATE: I called the main ESD number this morning and after a 45-minute wait, finally got through to an agent. They confirmed there IS an adjudicator assigned to my claim who's trying to reach me about the separation issue. Apparently my former employer is claiming I quit voluntarily (which would disqualify me), but I was actually laid off due to a department reorganization. The agent put notes in my file about the best times to reach me and gave me the adjudicator's direct line. She said I should gather any documentation proving the layoff (termination letter, emails, etc.) before the fact-finding interview. Just wanted to update in case anyone else runs into this situation!

Glad you got it sorted out! That's exactly the right approach. For the fact-finding interview, be prepared to explain in detail: 1. The exact circumstances of your separation 2. Any conversations you had with management about it 3. Whether you received any documentation 4. If there were any witnesses Stick to facts rather than emotions, and have your timeline clear. If your employer is claiming you quit but you were laid off, that's a significant discrepancy they need to resolve before approving benefits. Good luck with the interview!