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Just wanted to update everyone - I checked my claim this morning and it switched from Pending back to Paid! They also deposited all the missing payments from the last three weeks. I never received any communication about what the issue was or if my employer contested anything. It just resolved itself! Thank you to everyone who replied with advice and support. I'm so relieved right now.
Great news! This happens more often than people realize. Sometimes the ESD system flags claims for review automatically, but they get cleared without needing a full adjudication process. Glad it worked out for you!
I'd like to add something important about your case specifically - you mentioned you were a line cook whose hours were reduced after a new kitchen manager came in. Restaurant industry claims have some unique aspects because: 1. Variable schedules are common in food service, so ESD looks carefully at patterns over time 2. The industry has high turnover, so ESD has specialized experience with these claims 3. Seasonal fluctuations are considered normal in some cases Make sure you clarify that this wasn't just normal season-related scheduling but a significant change targeted at you specifically after management changes. That distinction can be important. I know the waiting is stressful, but the case you described sounds like it should ultimately be decided in your favor based on the substantial hours reduction. Just keep filing those weekly claims and documenting everything.
That's a really good point about the restaurant industry. Yes, I had been working a consistent 30-35 hours per week for nearly 3 years. The reduction only happened after the new kitchen manager started, and it only happened to me and one other person who had been there longer than most staff. It definitely felt targeted. I'll make sure to emphasize that if I get a chance to talk to an adjudicator. Thank you!
When I was getting unemployment my brother was getting married and I had to go to california for the wedding but I was worried about answering the able and available question that week and if I would get in trouble for being out of state briefly but my claim was fine and nothing bad happened. Sorry this isnt about training but similar worry I guess
That's a different issue actually. For brief travel, you're supposed to indicate that on your weekly claim (there's a specific question about being out of your local area). Short trips are allowed as long as you're still conducting job search activities. For training, it's about whether you're in a full Commissioner-Approved Training program, not short professional development courses.
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better about this now. I'll continue to mark "no" for that question since these are just short professional development courses and not a formal training program. I'll still be fully available for dispatches, which seems to be the key factor. Really appreciate all the advice!
When I needed my old claim info for a background check, I ended up having to go to the WorkSource office in person. The staff there could access my full history immediately and printed everything out for me on the spot. Might be worth trying if you have one near you and can't wait for email responses or phone calls.
I hadn't thought of going to WorkSource! There's one about 20 minutes from me. Did you need an appointment or could you just walk in? This might be my best option at this point.
Quick update on the records request option - I just checked and the public records process typically takes 5-21 business days per ESD's website, so that's probably too slow for your mortgage deadline next week. Either try Claimyr to get through by phone faster, or the WorkSource in-person option someone mentioned might be your quickest solutions.
does anyone know if you have to report mileage when u start a new job? i drove like 30 miles each way and idk if thats something esd cares about lol
To answer your follow-up question - you should continue filing weekly claims until your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount. When you report full-time work or earnings higher than your benefit amount, the system will automatically stop your claim. This is important because if your job doesn't work out during the first few weeks (which happens sometimes), you won't have to restart your claim from scratch. Once you're stable in your new job, your claim will just become inactive automatically.
Paloma Clark
When I had trouble reaching ESD a few months ago, I ended up trying at exactly 8:00 am on Wednesday, and somehow got through after only about a 25-minute wait. Not sure if Wednesday is actually better or if I just got lucky. Regarding your adjudication - is it for able and available issues or job separation? Mine was for job search requirements because I missed uploading documentation for one week, and it took about 4 weeks total to resolve. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for the adjudication to complete, even though you won't get paid until it's resolved. I made the mistake of skipping a week and it caused even more delays. Good luck! The waiting is so stressful when bills are piling up.
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Beth Ford
•Mine is for job separation - my employer is contesting that I quit voluntarily when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. They're trying to avoid the UI claim affecting their rate. I've been faithfully filing my weekly claims even though nothing is being paid. It's so frustrating because I have documentation proving it was a layoff!
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Isaiah Cross
Just wanted to follow up - for job separation disputes like yours, having documentation ready is crucial. When you do reach an agent, make sure you have: 1. Any written communication about your layoff (emails, letters, texts) 2. Names and contact information of supervisors or HR personnel involved 3. Documentation of the budget cuts if possible 4. Dates of any meetings about your employment ending The adjudicator will need to investigate both sides, but having your evidence organized can speed up the process. Also, you might want to prepare a clear, concise timeline of events that led to your separation. Keep it factual and unemotional, as this helps the adjudicator focus on the relevant details.
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Beth Ford
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I have emails from my manager mentioning the budget cuts and the layoff, plus the official notification letter. I'll put together that timeline tonight so I'm prepared when I finally reach someone. Really appreciate the guidance!
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