Quick update on my previous comment - I just remembered that if the overpayment you paid exceeds $10,000, the refund needs additional approval steps and typically takes longer (more like 60-75 days). Since you mentioned paying back $21,500, your refund will likely fall into this category and require additional review.

Anyone else notice that ESD seems to approve waivers AFTER people have already paid everything back? I've talked to 4 different people who all had the same experience - paid thousands, then suddenly got approved for a waiver they requested months/years earlier. Seems suspiciously convenient for ESD's budget...

Just to follow up, I did get backpaid for all the weeks once they resolved my issue. Once they fixed the problem, the money was in my account within 48 hours. Make sure they actually fix whatever's causing the hold though - I've heard of people getting told "it's processing" only to wait another 2 weeks with no change.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning using that Claimyr service! The agent was actually super helpful and found the problem right away. Apparently my previous employer reported different dates of employment than what I put on my application (just by a few days). This triggered an automatic review flag. The agent said she updated my claim notes and expedited the review. She said I should see movement on my claim within 3-5 business days. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.

One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure your contact information is up to date in your eServices account. ESD might need to contact you with questions about your claim, and if they can't reach you, it could delay processing. Also, check your spam/junk folder regularly for emails from ESD - they often end up there.

Quick update on processing times - as of January 2025, ESD is averaging about 10-14 days to process new claims if there are no issues that require adjudication. If they need to verify anything with your former employer or if there are any discrepancies in your application, it can take 3-4 weeks or sometimes longer. Once your claim is processed, you'll receive several notices in your eServices account and by mail: 1. Monetary Determination - shows how much your weekly benefit amount will be 2. UI Claimant Notice - confirms your claim has been established 3. Job Search Requirements - explains what you need to do each week Make sure to read all of these carefully when they arrive.

Yeah it changed for me too. My friend who works at WorkSource said they're trying to reduce the amount of data they process weekly since most people never get audited anyway. Just make sure you keep your own records!!! My cousin got randomly audited last month and they wanted to see EVERYTHING from the past 8 weeks. She almost got disqualified because she hadn't written down phone numbers for two applications.

I really appreciate everyone's responses! This clears up a lot. I'm going to create a more detailed spreadsheet for my job search activities going forward to make sure I have everything documented properly. It sounds like this is a system improvement, even if it was confusing at first. Thanks again for the help!

This happens periodically when ESD updates their payment processing systems. As a former ESD employee (I left in 2023), I can tell you that agents often don't receive timely information about these technical delays, which is why you were told there are "no issues." From their perspective, your claim is clean - no flags, no adjudication needed, no eligibility problems. The current delay is system-wide and affects thousands of claimants who filed on Sunday. Most payments should process by Friday, though some may roll into early next week. This doesn't affect your eligibility or future payments. If you need emergency funds while waiting, consider: 1. Contacting your local WorkSource office - some have emergency assistance programs 2. Checking with 211 for rent assistance programs 3. If your claim doesn't process by Monday, call ESD again and specifically ask about "emergency hardship acceleration" - not all agents know about this option, but it exists for people at risk of eviction due to payment delays

update - just got my deposit this morning!! check your accounts everyone