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Just want to add my experience - I've been on unemployment for about 7 months now, and I've noticed that deposit times tend to get delayed around holidays or at the beginning/end of quarters when ESD seems busier. Also, if you did anything different on your weekly claim (reported earnings, answered a question differently), it might trigger a review that delays processing. If eServices shows it as paid, I wouldn't worry too much. My credit union sometimes takes an extra day compared to when my husband's bank processes the same ESD deposits.
The whole system is RIDICULOUS! Why can't they program their computers to process payments regardless of holidays?? I've been on UI for 4 months and EVERY holiday causes delays. Meanwhile bills don't wait and my landlord doesn't care about federal holidays! This is how they keep people struggling!!
To answer your original question: No, ESD does not process unemployment payments on MLK Day or any federal holiday. The banking system that ESD uses operates on the federal reserve schedule, which observes all federal holidays. Even if ESD wanted to process payments, the ACH system they use for transfers would not be operational today. For future reference, you can find the federal holiday schedule on the ESD website under Payment Information FAQ. Always add one business day to your expected payment date when a holiday occurs.
It went fine! You were all right - just a quick 15 minute call where the judge explained the hearing process, confirmed my subpoena requests (approved 2 out of 3), and made sure we all had the same documents. My employer was there but barely said anything. Now I feel much better prepared for the actual hearing next week! Thanks everyone for calming me down yesterday!
Good luck with your actual hearing! Quick tip - write down all your key points beforehand so you don't forget anything important when you get nervous. And remember to address all your comments to the judge, not directly to your former employer, even if they say something you want to respond to. The judge really appreciated when I maintained that formality.
I want to clarify something important: When an employer doesn't respond, ESD is supposed to make a determination based on the claimant's statement and any other available information. However, they still need to complete their investigation process, which includes verifying your identity, wage information, and reason for separation. If you're approaching the 30-day mark in adjudication, you can request an escalation. Call and specifically ask for your claim to be escalated due to financial hardship. Use those exact words. Also, while you're waiting, make sure you're meeting all requirements for when your claim is (hopefully) approved: 1. File your weekly claims consistently 2. Complete and document 3 job search activities each week 3. Register with WorkSource if you haven't already 4. Check your ESD account and email daily for any communications If you do get denied and need to appeal, you have 30 days from the date of the determination to file your appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
Maya Jackson
hey just wondering did u ever hear back about ur claim??? im in a kinda similar situation (fired for something not related to actual work) and want to know how it went for u
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Rebecca Johnston
•I just filed yesterday, so nothing yet. I'll update when I hear something! The initial confirmation said it could take 2-3 weeks for a decision, but I'm hoping it's faster since my case seems pretty straightforward based on what everyone here is saying.
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Amaya Watson
I went through something similar last year and was approved, but it took about 5 weeks total because my employer contested it. My advice: 1. File online immediately 2. When explaining separation reason, stick to facts without emotion 3. If your claim goes to adjudication, prepare a written statement of exactly what happened 4. Gather any evidence showing the firing was unrelated to job performance 5. Remember that being fired for something outside work hours that doesn't affect your job is NOT misconduct If ESD has questions, they'll contact you for a phone interview. Be prepared to clearly explain the situation and why your actions were reasonable. In my case, the adjudicator specifically noted that my off-duty conduct didn't constitute misconduct because it wasn't related to my work responsibilities.
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Rebecca Johnston
•This is really helpful, thank you! Did you have any documentation from your employer about the firing? My manager told me verbally, and my termination paperwork just says "no longer a good fit" which seems intentionally vague.
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Amaya Watson
•My paperwork was similarly vague ("business needs"). What helped me was that during my exit meeting, I sent myself an email right after documenting exactly what my manager said. I also had a text from my supervisor that hinted at the real reason. If you don't have anything in writing, create a detailed timeline with exact dates, who was present, and what was said as soon as possible. Contemporaneous notes like this carry significant weight with adjudicators.
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