Word of warning: my gf had similar situation, had all docs proving hours cut, still took 7 weeks in adjudication & they kept asking for more stuff! Make sure u answer EVERY call (even unknown numbers) cuz if u miss adjudicator call they delay everything!!!!

Honestly this is just how ESD works - super inefficient and frustrating. They HAVE to verify with your employer no matter what documentation you provide. I was in adjudication for 8 weeks despite having similar proof about my hours being cut. The system is designed to be difficult. The most important advice I can give: CALL THEM. Don't just wait. Call every few days for a status update. I finally got mine resolved because I kept calling and finally got a helpful agent who escalated my claim. The worst part is they don't even tell you how long it will take or exactly what they're investigating! It's a completely opaque process designed to frustrate claimants.

Update: I submitted both the Redetermination Request and the Petition for Commissioner's Review yesterday. I also managed to talk to an actual claims specialist using the Claimyr service someone suggested above (which actually worked!). The specialist could see the problem right away - they had my work history completely mixed up in the system. She said she's flagging my account for urgent review and created a new fact-finding for my most recent employer. I'm cautiously hopeful this might finally get resolved. Will update when I hear more. Thanks for all the advice!

Good luck! my cousin had something similar last yr took about 3 weeks after talking to specialist but she did get all her back pay eventually. hang in there!

THE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!!! they deny you when you deserve benefits, make you PAY BACK money you needed for SURVIVAL, then years later they're like "oops our bad here's your money" with ZERO explanation!!! how are people supposed to trust anything they say or do??? i bet half the people who deserved this reversal never even got it because they changed addresses or dont check their accounts anymore. sorry for the rant but this makes me SO ANGRY at how they treat people who are just trying to get benefits they EARNED through their work!!

Seeing your comments about standby status, I'm confident this is related to the Jefferson settlement. Here's what you should do: 1. Print out the message from your portal (screenshot is fine) 2. Get the determination letter by calling ESD (use the Benefits Accuracy number) 3. Check if there's a breakdown showing the original amount plus interest 4. Keep all documentation indefinitely (seriously, in a safe place) The money is almost certainly legitimately yours based on everything you've shared, but documentation is your best protection. And if your situation is related to the Jefferson settlement, there's an FAQ page on the ESD website specifically about these reinstatements that might answer some of your questions.

My uncle works for ESD and he told me they always use the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. It's just how the system works. Also, make sure you're doing your job search activities every week (3 per week) or they'll deny your benefits.

One more important thing to understand: After your claim is processed and investigated, you'll receive a "Monetary Determination" letter that shows exactly which wages were counted from which quarters, and how your weekly benefit amount was calculated. This usually takes 2-3 weeks. If you notice any wages missing from the determination that should be in your base year (7/1/22-6/30/23), you can request a redetermination. But they won't include wages outside your base year unless you don't qualify at all under the standard base year calculation. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while waiting for the final determination. Your first payment won't process until the investigation is complete, but you'll get paid retroactively for all weeks you've properly claimed.

I've heard the opposite actually - that approvals can be faster because denials require more detailed explanations to hold up under further review. But it probably depends more on the individual judge's caseload and complexity of the case than anything else.

I'm just hoping for a quick decision either way - the uncertainty is the worst part. But obviously hoping for an approval since I really did nothing wrong!