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yeah i had to call like 50 times before getting through. took another week to fix after that. but dont panic yet, sounds like lots of people are delayed this week so probably just the system being slow
Thanks. I'm going to give it until tomorrow afternoon. If nothing by then, I'll try calling or maybe try that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. I'll update here either way in case anyone else is in the same boat.
If you're having trouble reaching ESD to get clarification on anything, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was stuck in endless phone queues until I found their service - they got me through to an actual ESD agent within about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 or visit claimyr.com. Saved me hours of redial frustration when I had questions about my job search requirements.
To answer your follow-up question - no, it won't ask for both weeks' job searches at once. Each weekly claim only covers the specific week you're filing for. So when you file this Sunday, you'll be reporting for the current week only. By the way, when the system asks if you completed your job search activities, it just asks yes/no. You don't actually enter the details into the ESD system unless you're selected for a job search review. But you absolutely must keep detailed records of all your job search activities (I use a spreadsheet).
For tax purposes: If the original benefits were reported on a previous year's taxes, you should check with a tax professional, but generally refunded overpayments should be reported as income in the year you receive them (2025 in your case). However, you might be able to file an amended return for the original year instead. The ESD letter should provide some guidance on this too.
my advice: screenshot EVERYTHING from your eservices account related to this. save the letters. take photos of envelopes. document it ALL. ESD has "lost" my records before and tried to say i owed money i'd already paid. its rare but it happens
This is excellent advice. I always tell people to keep unemployment documentation for at least 5 years because errors can pop up long after you think everything is resolved. Take screenshots of your eServices account balance showing zero, save PDFs of all notices, and keep your bank statements showing the refund deposit.
When I had a pending claim it took 6 weeks to get resolved! And my landlord wasn't understanding at all. Have you thought about taking any temporary gig work while you wait? That's what saved me - did food delivery for a couple weeks until my claim finally went through.
I've been thru the whole ESD nightmare twice now. The thing no one tells you is that if you get denied, you should ALWAYS appeal. I got denied initially but won on appeal & got backpay for all those weeks. Don't give up!
Good to know about appealing! Hopefully it won't come to that, but it's reassuring to hear you eventually got your backpay. How long did the appeal process take?
CosmicCommander
i just wanna say the entire esd system is garbage!!! i waited 11 weeks last year only to be denied for something that wasn't even my fault. took another 2 months to get through the appeal process. the whole system is designed to make people give up. dont give up!!!!
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Zainab Ismail
•Thanks for the encouragement! I'm definitely not giving up, especially after waiting so long already.
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Oliver Zimmermann
One more tip - when you file your appeal, request an in-person hearing if possible rather than phone. The judges tend to be more sympathetic when they can see you, and you can bring all your documentation with you. Also, statistically, claimants win more appeals in person than over the phone. Just based on my experience helping people with ESD appeals.
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