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Update: I finally got through to ESD after trying for days! They told me this situation is considered a "constructive layoff" since the employer has essentially eliminated my position by not offering work for such an extended period. The agent said I should formally resign but explicitly state in my resignation letter that I'm leaving due to "lack of work for over 24 months." I need to upload a copy of this letter to my ESD account after sending it to my employer. Apparently, this is fairly common in the hospitality industry with on-call or as-needed positions.
That's excellent advice from ESD. A "constructive layoff" is exactly the right term. Make sure to keep a copy of your resignation letter that specifically mentions the 24-month period without work assignments. If your claim goes into adjudication (which it might), having this documentation will be crucial.
Did you use Claimyr to get through to ESD? Their service saved me hours of frustration when I was dealing with my claim issues.
Yes! After my fifth attempt to call them directly failed, I tried Claimyr and got connected to an actual person within about 30 minutes. Definitely worth it for getting this resolved quickly.
Back to your original question - I just checked the ESD website and there's no announcement about delays to Training Benefits processing or any impact from federal funding changes. That's a good sign! Your application timing is actually fortunate because we're past the pandemic emergency period when things were chaotic. Processing times are much more predictable now.
One final tip: If your TB application has been pending for more than 3 weeks, there might be an issue that needs addressing. While you wait, make sure you're completing your 3 job search activities each week and documenting them properly. Even though you're planning to start training, you need to maintain UI eligibility until your TB is officially approved. Once approved, the job search requirement is typically waived while you're in training.
It's only been about 10 days since I submitted my TB application, so I guess I need to be more patient! And yes, I'm still doing all my job searches and documenting everything. I even set up a spreadsheet to track it all. Thanks so much for your help - this community has been amazing at calming my anxiety!
my cousin works at esd (not saying which office lol) and she always tells me they are SUPER backed up right now. apparently they switched computer systems in april and its causing all kinds of glitches with payments. she said if you were approved you'll definitely get paid eventually, but "eventually" might be weeks away unless you can actually get someone on the phone who can manually fix it. good luck!!!
That's really interesting insider info - thanks! I had no idea they switched systems. That could definitely explain the weird approval-but-not-paid situation. Did your cousin mention any particular department or option to ask for when calling?
Just wanted to follow up since I've helped a few people with this exact situation. The most common reason for "approved but can't pay" status is that the system needs a manual review of those specific weeks before releasing payment. After a disqualification is reversed, each week doesn't automatically switch to paid status. When you do call (and I agree with others that you should call if it's not resolved in 10 days), ask specifically for a "payment review" of the weeks in question. Use those exact words. Also, have ready: 1. The exact dates of the disqualified weeks 2. The date on your approval letter 3. Your claim ID number This gives the agent everything they need to quickly review and potentially release your payment while you're on the phone.
One more tip: after you finally get through to someone, ask for their direct extension number. Many agents will give you their direct line if you've had an ongoing issue, which lets you bypass the main system in the future. Also, be sure to document everything - the date/time of your call, who you spoke with, and what they told you. This can be extremely helpful if you need to escalate your claim later.
UPDATE: I finally got through! I used the tips about calling at 7:58am and selecting the payment issue option. Still had to wait 67 minutes on hold, but eventually spoke with someone who was actually really helpful. My claim was stuck in ID verification (even though I uploaded all my documents weeks ago), and they were able to push it through to the next step. Thank you everyone for your help! For anyone facing the same issue, persistence is key - and those early morning calls really do make a difference.
Great news! Glad you got through. The ID verification step has been a major bottleneck since they implemented the new system in 2025. For future reference, if you ever get stuck at that step again, you can also schedule an ID verification interview through the Secure Message portal (though those appointments are usually 2-3 weeks out).
Jeremiah Brown
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US SUFFER!! I got the 'paid' status and then had to wait A FULL WEEK before the money showed up. ESD claimed they sent it, my bank said they never received it, and neither would help. I had to file a claim with the state ombudsman to get anyone to investigate. Turns out ESD had mistyped ONE DIGIT in my account number. Double-check EVERYTHING in your ESD profile. They make 'mistakes' all the time and then blame you for it!
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Anthony Young
•While I understand your frustration, this isn't typical. Most direct deposit issues are resolved within 2-3 business days. If there is a problem with account information, ESD usually defaults to sending a debit card rather than losing the payment entirely. It sounds like you had an unusual case.
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Jeremiah Brown
•UNUSUAL?? Talk to anyone who's dealt with ESD for more than a month! Their error rate is INSANE. My neighbor had the EXACT SAME THING happen last month. They don't 'default' to cards - they just let payments disappear into the void and hope you don't notice!!
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Admin_Masters
Just wanted to check in - did your payment arrive? It's been a couple days since your post. Hope everything worked out!
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Aurora Lacasse
•Yes! The money showed up this morning! Exactly 48 hours after the status changed to 'paid.' Thanks everyone for the reassurance and advice. Now I can finally catch up on all my bills.
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Anthony Young
•Great news! Glad it all worked out. Make sure to keep filing those weekly claims on time.
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