one time my boss didnt pay me for like 3 weeks and i had to file for unemployment too. such a headache lol. ended up quitting that job eventually good luck

To clarify official policy: When reporting 40+ hours worked in a week, you are exempt from job search requirements regardless of wages earned. However, your claim may be flagged because the system detects an inconsistency between full-time hours and zero income. This is likely why ESD is requesting additional information. When you speak with a representative, explain that you're working full-time but experiencing delayed payment. They might request documentation from your employer confirming this arrangement. In the meantime, continue answering honestly - Yes to working 40+ hours, $0 for wages, and No to job search activities. Document everything, including any communications with your employer about the delayed payments.

As others have said, you need to appeal right away. Just wanted to add that your case falls under what's called \

Thank you for the specific statute! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for. I'll definitely cite this in my appeal letter.

Regarding your original question about best times to call - ESD's phone lines open at 8am and your best chance is to call exactly at 8:00:00. Not 8:01, not 7:59 - exactly when they open. Have your claim ID and all information ready. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the busiest days, so Wednesday through Friday may offer slightly better odds. That said, using the Claimyr service someone mentioned is probably more reliable than hoping to get through on your own.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to an ESD agent! She was really helpful and went through my file with me. Turns out they had mixed up some of my reported earnings with another claimant who has a similar name! She said she's flagging it for correction and will be sending me a revised determination that should reduce my overpayment significantly. She also put notes in my file documenting the error and extended my appeal deadline by 14 days to give time for the correction to process. SUCH a relief - worth every penny to finally talk to someone who could actually help. Thanks everyone for your advice!

wait does anyone know what happens with the appeal if you start working again before they make a decision? i also got denied and appealed and have a hearing next week but i just got a new job. do i still get the back unemployment money if i win?

Update: Got the official decision in the mail today! The ALJ totally sided with me and said ESD was wrong to deny my benefits. The letter says I'm eligible from my original filing date and ESD is ordered to pay all my back benefits! Now just waiting for the money to actually show up in my account. Feeling so relieved!

This happened to me too!!! The whole system is rigged against students. I got denied because of "school conflicts" even though I could work weekends and evenings. It's so frustrating. Let us know how your appeal goes - I gave up and didn't fight it.

One more thing - when you file your appeal, check the box requesting an IN-PERSON hearing if possible (not phone). Statistical data shows appeal approval rates are higher for in-person hearings versus phone hearings. Bring all your documents organized in a folder with tabs. Also, in your situation, the Training Benefits program really does sound like the best option. You can apply for it separately from your appeal. If approved, it would override the able and available issue completely. The application is on the ESD website under "Services" then "Training Benefits" - there's a downloadable form.