I'm confused... if someone wasn't eligible for benefits for certain weeks because they worked too much, why do they still have to claim those weeks? Isn't the whole point of unemployment that you're, well, unemployed? The ESD system is so unnecessarily complicated.

I went back to full time for almost 2 months then got laid off again. Had to file for all those weeks I missed (about 8 weeks total). It was tedious but not a big deal. Just entered my full-time hours for each week, got $0 payments for those weeks since I earned too much, then was able to start getting benefits again after the layoff. The system just wants continuity.

If your claim is in adjudication specifically, calling at optimal times helps, but there's also another approach. You can request an expedited adjudication review if you're experiencing financial hardship (like potential eviction or utility shutoff). To do this: 1. Call during mid-afternoon hours as suggested 2. Specifically ask for an "expedited hardship review" of your adjudication 3. Be prepared to provide documentation of the hardship This won't guarantee immediate resolution, but it can move your claim up in priority. Also, continue filing your weekly claims during this time, even while in adjudication.

I work nights so I always call around 3:30pm right before they close at 4pm. Sometimes catch them when call volume is lower. Not foolproof but worked twice for me in March.

For what it's worth, I work in career services and have helped many clients navigate UI while taking classes. The one-hour class shouldn't be a problem, but I strongly recommend reporting it accurately. If your class is job-related training, you might also want to record it as one of your job search activities in your job search log. This creates a record showing that the class is actually helping, not hindering, your employment prospects. Remember that the underlying principle is always whether you remain able and available for full-time suitable work. As long as that's true, and you're honest about your activities, you should be fine.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to make sure I report the class on my weekly claim and explain that it's just one hour per week and doesn't affect my availability for work. I'll also add it to my job search log since it's directly related to skills in my field. Really appreciate all the advice and experiences shared here!

just wondering did anyone elses back unemployment payments get taxed at a weird rate? when i got mine last year it seemed like they withheld way more than 10% for taxes, more like 25% or something?? confused about that too

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Based on what I'm hearing, it sounds like I need to include this on my 2026 taxes rather than trying to amend 2025. I think I'll consult with a tax professional just to be safe, especially regarding potential impacts on credits and deductions. This unemployment appeal process has been so much more complicated than I expected!

Look, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but without written documentation of your layoff, you're fighting an uphill battle. ESD almost always sides with the employer in these disputes unless you have solid evidence. I've seen this play out dozens of times - the burden of proof is on YOU to prove you were laid off, not on them to prove you quit. Your best shot is to write down EVERYTHING you can remember - exact conversations, dates, who was present, any witnesses who can verify you were laid off. If you have any indirect evidence (like texts where you mentioned being laid off and the employer didn't correct you), that can help. Also, did anyone else get laid off at the same time? Their testimony could be crucial. Be prepared for this to potentially go to appeal. If denied, you have 30 days to file an appeal for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

Update: I finally managed to get through to ESD! They said my adjudication is delayed because they haven't been able to reach my former employer for their side of the story. The agent scheduled me for a fact-finding interview next week. She also suggested I upload any text messages or emails that might help my case, which I've done now. Thanks everyone for your advice - fingers crossed this gets resolved soon!