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Quick update suggestion - if you're not already, make sure you're answering "YES" to the question about being able and available for work on your weekly claims. Some people mistakenly say "no" thinking it means they don't have a job yet, but that actually flags your claim for adjudication since being available for work is a requirement for benefits.
I called my state rep's office this morning like you suggested! Their staff was super helpful and took all my info. They said they've been getting tons of similar calls and have a direct contact at ESD they'll reach out to. They said to expect a call or email within 3-5 business days. Fingers crossed this works! I'll update when I hear something.
Update: I FINALLY got through to ESD yesterday! The agent confirmed it was the vacation payout plus the date discrepancy causing the adjudication. They said everything looks good otherwise and they've expedited the review. Supposedly should be resolved within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed!
FINAL UPDATE: My claim was approved! Took exactly 3 weeks and 2 days from when I first applied. All weeks were paid including the waiting week (not sure why, but I'm not complaining). To anyone else in adjudication - hang in there! And definitely try to speak with an agent if you can, it seemed to speed things up in my case.
jst want to say sorry about ur job man. that sux when employers pull that kind of thing. happened to me 2yrs ago, boss had it out for me & waited til he had an excuse. hang in there
Quick update since there's some confusion in this thread: As of 2025, ESD has simplified their overpayment waiver process. Your pending waiver for the 2020 PUA/PEUC issue should be honored regardless of your new claim, but they are separate processes. Make sure you're answering the weekly job search questions correctly on your new claim - remember you need to document 3 job search activities each week now. This is often where people run into issues with their new claims. Also, when you describe your separation, stick to objective facts. Avoid terms like "bullying" and instead describe specific behaviors. For example, instead of "My manager was a bully," say "My manager raised his voice and criticized my work in front of colleagues on multiple occasions." This factual approach strengthens your case.
This is really helpful advice, thank you. I'll be careful about how I phrase things in my weekly certifications and make sure I'm documenting my job search activities properly. Is there a specific place in the ESD system where I should be keeping track of my job search efforts?
Yes - in your eServices account, there's a "Job search log" section where you should document all activities. Enter them as you complete them rather than waiting until the end of the week. Each entry should include the employer name, contact information, position, application method, and outcome. Even if your job search is waived initially (which sometimes happens in the first weeks), continue documenting everything as if it were required.
One other thing to keep in mind - if you were eligible for those backdated weeks but they deny them just because they were filed late, you have the right to appeal that decision. ESD can waive the "timely filing" requirement if you had "good cause" for filing late. Things like illness, confusion about eligibility, or technology issues can sometimes qualify as good cause. So even if they initially deny those backdated weeks, don't give up if you were actually eligible during that time!
That's really helpful to know. I think I might have good cause since I genuinely misunderstood the rules about partial benefits. I thought any work at all disqualified me, but I learned later that I could have claimed partial benefits for those weeks. I'll definitely appeal if they deny them for being late.
Sophia Gabriel
This is EXACTLY why the ESD system is so frustrating!! They make it impossible to get basic information that any normal payroll system would provide automatically. I spent THREE HOURS last year trying to reconcile my payment records because I needed the info for a mortgage application. The system is designed to be confusing on purpose I swear.
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Gabriel Ruiz
•omg yes trying to get unemployment info for my apartment application was a nightmare!!! ended up having to get a 'proof of income' letter from them which took like 2 weeks
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Adaline Wong
Just something to be aware of - make sure you're setting aside additional money for taxes if needed. The 10% withholding might not cover your full tax liability depending on your tax bracket and other income. I got caught by surprise last year when I still owed additional taxes even though I had withholding on all my UI payments.
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Tate Jensen
•That's a good point I hadn't considered. I assumed the withholding would cover everything. I'll definitely set some extra money aside just in case. Thanks for the warning!
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