I reopened my claim last month after a 6-week job didn't work out. The online process was pretty easy, but I got stuck in adjudication right away. For me, adjudication took 3 weeks, which isn't great but better than the 8+ weeks I've heard from others. One thing that helped me: I submitted a detailed letter through my eServices messages explaining exactly what happened with dates, specifics about misrepresentations, etc. I think being proactive with that information helped speed things up a bit. And definitely keep doing your job search activities while you wait! They're super strict about that now.

this happened to me too!!! the job market is crazy right now, companies lie about EVERYTHING just to get desperate people in the door. my situation was different bc I got laid off after 3 weeks (not quit) so I didn't have to deal with the "good cause" thing but I was able to reopen my old claim no problem. good luck!!!!

Once I got through to a real person, they were able to see exactly what was going on with my claim and fixed the issue while I was on the phone. The whole thing took about 15 minutes once I was connected to an agent. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your specific situation rather than trying to figure it out through their automated systems.

Update: I just found a notice in my eServices account about the change! It was buried in the "Important Messages" section that I rarely check. It explains that they've simplified the weekly claim process but emphasizes that we still need to keep detailed records. Thought I'd share in case anyone else missed it too!

Unfortunately you can't technically backfill job search activities, but you can document anything you actually did in those weeks (applications, resume submissions, networking, etc.). When you finally speak with an agent, explain your misunderstanding about the requirements. Sometimes they'll give you a one-time exemption if you can show you were actively looking but just not documenting properly. If you already have a job lined up at your new location with a future start date, you might qualify for "standby" status which would exempt you from job search requirements temporarily. But you'd need to apply for that specifically.

One additional thing to check - log into your eServices account and look for any alerts or questionnaires they might have sent. Sometimes they need additional information but the notification gets filtered to spam. Also, military spouse claims sometimes require an additional Military Spouse Declaration form that's separate from your initial application. If all else fails, you can also try contacting the WorkSource office in your new location - sometimes they have direct channels to ESD staff and can help move things along. Good luck!

congrats! should get paid in 1-2 days now

FINALLY! Happy for you but still RIDICULOUS it took that long!!!

The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN when it comes to business closures! They expect verification from companies that don't exist anymore!! I waited SEVEN WEEKS in adjudication after my employer went bankrupt. The only thing that finally worked was getting my state representative involved - I contacted their constituent services office and they reached out to ESD on my behalf. Had my claim approved within 48 hours after that. They have some kind of special ESD liaison who can actually get things done. Don't waste your time with the regular phone lines!

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what finally worked! I used Claimyr to get through to ESD yesterday (thanks for that suggestion!), and explained the business closure situation. The agent could see all my documentation but said the claim was stuck because there was a verification flag that needed manual override. She processed it right there on the phone and said I should see payments for all my backed-up weeks within 48 hours! I'm so relieved - this has been incredibly stressful. The agent also mentioned that business closure claims often need special handling and recommended that others in this situation specifically mention "business closure verification" when they call in.