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the esd payment system is such a MESS. i got approved for benefits in march and had direct deposit set up right away but they STILL sent me paper checks for the first 3 weeks!!! when i called they said it was a "system glitch" but wouldn't fix it. eventually the direct deposit started working but i never got a clear explanation why. their whole system needs an overhaul.
Just to follow up on what others have mentioned - for PFML claims like yours, make sure you keep all documentation related to your payments. If you're receiving a substantial amount of backpay ($5,300), it's a good idea to create a spreadsheet tracking: 1. Each check/payment received 2. The date range each payment covers 3. The gross amount before deductions 4. Any taxes or other withholdings This will help you verify you received the correct amount and will also be useful for tax purposes next year. PFML benefits are taxable income, and sometimes the tax withholding isn't applied consistently across all payments, especially with backpay situations.
Just a friendly reminder that ESD processes payments Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. So since you were approved on March 1st (which was a Friday), the payment processing likely didn't start until Monday, March 4th. Direct deposits typically take 2-3 business days after processing begins. And yes, as others mentioned, back payments generally arrive as one lump sum. Check both your ESD account payment history AND your bank account regularly. Sometimes the ESD portal will update before the money arrives.
UPDATE: My back payments just hit my account! It took exactly 4 business days after approval. Total relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice. For anyone else in the same situation - hang in there, the money does come through eventually.
awesome!! glad it worked out for u!
One more thing to know: when you do get through to ESD, ask about setting up a formal repayment plan instead of having them deduct from your benefits. Sometimes they'll let you make smaller payments after your claim ends, which gives you the full benefit amount now when you need it most. Make sure to get any agreement in writing through your eServices account.
UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at ESD this morning! They agreed to reduce the weekly recovery amount to $75 instead of $227. Not ideal but MUCH better than what I was left with before. They said I should see the change on next week's payment. For anyone else dealing with this, definitely call and explain your financial situation - they can adjust it!
Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask? I've been trying to reach someone about my claim for THREE WEEKS and can never get through - always busy signals or disconnects after waiting forever. This system is absolutely maddening when you need actual help.
I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. It was such a relief after weeks of failing to get through on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and the website is claimyr.com. Definitely worth checking out if you're desperate to talk to someone at ESD directly.
Is there any way to request a hardship payment or something? I mean there should be some provision for this exact situation!
Unfortunately, ESD doesn't offer any hardship provisions for this specific situation. The system is designed to support you during periods of no work, not during the transition to employment. You might want to check with local community assistance programs if you need emergency help with bills before your paycheck arrives.
Megan D'Acosta
why dont u just switch back to ur old bank info if its so important to get paid now???
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Samantha Howard
•Unfortunately I can't - I closed that account (it was with a bank that started charging monthly fees I couldn't afford while unemployed). So I'm kind of stuck waiting for them to process the new account.
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Sarah Ali
Just wanted to follow up - did your payment go through yet? The banking verification should be complete by now if it's been more than a week.
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Samantha Howard
•Yes! The payment finally went through yesterday - took exactly 6 business days like you said. Such a relief! I wish ESD would make this verification period clear on their website instead of leaving us all in the dark. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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