Wait I'm confused... is this the ID.me verification or something different? Because I did the ID.me thing when I first applied back in February... are they making people do it AGAIN now?

UPDATE: I submitted all my documents yesterday and just got an email saying my verification was approved! That was faster than I expected. All my pending payments were released too. For anyone else dealing with this: I submitted my driver's license (front and back), social security card, and a recent utility bill. Make sure your photos are clear and all text is readable.

THE WORST PART is how they make us wait for WEEKS while bills pile up!!!! Why does it take 7+ weeks just to ask a simple question they could have asked day ONE?!?! The whole system is designed to make people give up. FIGHT FOR YOUR BENEFITS!!!!

Make sure ur still filing weekly claims while waiting for adjudication!!! A lot of people forget and then have to backfile which is a huge hassle

i've spent 17 HOURS on hold with esd over the past two weeks!!! seventeen!!!!! and got disconnected every single time. this is my FOURTH claim over the years and it's never been this bad. their phone system is completely broken. i'm going to try your trick tomorrow and i don't even care if it's not the "right" way. my kids need to eat.

I don't think people understand how desperate it gets when you're relying on unemployment benefits that suddenly stop with no explanation. After my hours were cut in January, I filed for partial unemployment. Everything was fine for 6 weeks, then suddenly my payments stopped with a mysterious "adjudication" status. After two weeks of failed call attempts through the main line, I finally reached someone using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that navigates the phone tree and gets you in line without you having to keep redialing. There's a demo on their site: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The issue turned out to be that my employer had contested my availability (saying I turned down hours, which wasn't true). Once I finally got through to explain, the adjudicator cleared it right away. If I'd been able to reach someone sooner, I wouldn't have fallen behind on bills.

Just another thought - check if ur employer contested ur claim. Log into ur ESD account and look for any employer protests or responses. Sometimes they'll show what the employer said. That might tell u why u were denied without having to call.

Based on everything in this thread, you're dealing with a common issue where "voluntary separation packages" during downsizing get misclassified as voluntary quits. You have two parallel paths to pursue: 1. Continue with your appeal/hearing process. Start gathering ALL documentation: - The voluntary separation offer - Any communications indicating the alternative was potential layoff - Those text messages from your manager (crucial evidence) - Timeline of events leading to your separation - Witness contacts who can verify the nature of the downsizing 2. Simultaneously try reaching ESD for a redetermination: - Try the early morning calls - Consider the Claimyr service others mentioned if necessary - Specifically request a "redetermination based on new information" - Explain that this was effectively a layoff despite the terminology Don't give up on either path until one succeeds. Many people successfully overturn these denials when they can prove the voluntary separation was effectively a layoff in disguise.

Since you were laid off and have documentation, I suspect this might be a verification or technical issue rather than a substantive problem with your claim. A few more suggestions:\n\n1. Check if the wages reported in your claim match what you actually earned - discrepancies can trigger reviews\n2. Make sure your identity verification (ID.me) is complete\n3. Double-check that your contact information is correct in the system\n4. Look for any correspondence in your eServices message center\n\nIf you get through to a representative, ask specifically if your claim is in adjudication and if so, what issue is being adjudicated. Also ask if there's anything you can do to expedite the process given your financial hardship.\n\nHang in there - the system is frustrating but persistence usually pays off eventually.

Thanks for the detailed checklist. I've confirmed all of these items seem to be in order. I completed ID.me verification right away, my wages match my W-2s, contact info is correct, and there are no messages in my inbox. That's what makes this so frustrating - there's no indication of any problem! I'm going to try calling first thing tomorrow and if that fails, I'll reach out to my state representative. I really appreciate everyone's help and suggestions.