Quick update: The 8am call approach is definitely your best bet. I just spoke with a claims specialist yesterday (using Claimyr to manage the hold time), and they confirmed they're experiencing system issues with the document upload feature right now. Many uploaded documents aren't attaching properly to claims. The specialist advised to bring this up specifically when you get through to someone so they can check their internal system to see if your documents are in there but not properly linked to your account.

Update: I GOT THROUGH!!! Used a combination of calling right at 8am, using the employer menu option, and having Claimyr as backup. It turns out my ID verification was flagged because my address on my new driver's license didn't match my previous tax return address (I moved). They fixed it on the call and said my backpay should process within 3 business days. THANK YOU all so much for your help!

I just wanted to follow up on the contact options. If you do decide to try reaching ESD directly, call right when they open (usually 8am). The queue fills up fast and they often stop accepting new callers by 8:30-9am. Make sure you have your claim ID, the last 4 of your SSN, and be ready to verify your identity. Also, check your spam/junk folder regularly. ESD sometimes sends important communications that get filtered out, including requests for additional information that could be holding up your adjudication.

After I finally got through to ESD about my multiple adjudications, they told me they can actually mark your case as hardship if you're facing eviction or utility shutoffs. This can sometimes prioritize your claim. You might need documentation like an eviction notice or past due bill, but it's worth asking about if you're in that situation.

don't forget to file for continued benefits while appealing!!! i made that mistake and lost 2 months of potential benefits even tho i won my appeal!!! even if they say ur disqualified, file weekly claims anyway and note that ur appealing.

That's a really good point - thank you! I almost stopped filing because of the disqualification letter. I'll make sure to keep submitting my weekly claims during the appeal process.

Quick update on refund timelines - I was just helping another claimant with this last week. ESD is currently running about 6-8 weeks for processing overpayment refunds. If you had direct deposit set up, make sure it's still the same account, as they'll use whatever bank info they have on file. If you've closed that account, you should update your banking info in eServices immediately or call to notify them. Also, if your original overpayment was deducted from benefits rather than paid directly by you (meaning they withheld money from your weekly claims), the refund process can take a bit longer as it requires additional verification steps.

Just got my refund last week after my overpayment was waived in early March, so about 7 weeks total. No notice or anything, just showed up in my bank account with a weird reference number. Almost missed it! Make sure you're checking your account regularly.

I filed by phone too back in January lol and mine was stuck for like 2 weeks but then suddenly changed to processing and then approved all in one day... had a friend who works at WorkSource who told me that sometimes the IVR claims get batched together and processed all at once instead of continuously like the online ones... so maybe yours is in a batch that hasn't been processed yet?

just wanted to update... called 23 times this morning and FINALLY got through!!! rep said my claim was actually approved 2 weeks ago but status never updated!!! getting all my backpay this week!!! hang in there!