
Ask the community...
my brother works at worksource and he said the chat button only shows up when they have enough staff available which is basically never because theyre super understaffed. he said dont waste time looking for it and just keep calling
UPDATE: I tried that Claimyr service that someone suggested and actually got through to ESD this morning! Turns out my claim had a weird flag on it because my former employer reported my separation reason differently than I did. The agent cleared it up immediately and said my payments should process within 48 hours. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
That's great to hear! Employer separation reason discrepancies are common and usually simple to resolve once you actually reach someone. Glad you got it sorted out. Make sure to continue filing your weekly claims while you wait for the payments to process.
just wondering, did the letter say anything about making payments while you appeal? when i got my overpayment notice they said interest would keep adding up even during the appeal process unless i started making payments
Regarding collections during appeals: ESD can begin collection activities while your appeal is pending, but they typically don't move to wage garnishment immediately. Setting up even a minimal payment plan (like $25/month) can prevent more aggressive collection actions. For your situation with PEUC and job search requirements, I'd recommend: 1. File your appeal immediately through eServices (under the Unemployment Claims section, not just from the notice) 2. Explicitly state in your appeal that you understood job search requirements were modified during the period in question, and that you complied with the requirements as they were communicated at that time 3. Request a waiver based on both administrative error (changing/unclear requirements) AND financial hardship 4. Include any emails or screenshots showing the job search information you submitted at the time In your hearing, focus on the unclear guidance during COVID transitions and how you attempted to comply with requirements as you understood them. Success rates for appeals on COVID-era overpayments have been higher than standard overpayments.
Update us when you hear anything! The timelines seem to vary a lot right now - I've seen some claims get through adjudication in just 2 weeks while others take 6+ weeks. Make sure you check your eServices messages daily and respond immediately to any requests for information.
You need to start job searching and logging your activities as soon as you file your initial claim. Each week when you file your weekly claim, you'll need to report whether you completed your required job search activities (which is currently 3 per week). ESD may audit your job search log at any time, so keep detailed records of each application, including: - Company name - Date of application/contact - Position applied for - Contact method (online, in-person, etc.) - Contact person if applicable - Result/follow-up Some people get tripped up on this requirement and lose benefits, so take it seriously from day one.
Yes, interviews absolutely count as job search activities! Here's what counts: 1. Job applications (online or paper) 2. Job interviews (phone, video, or in-person) 3. Creating/updating profiles on employment websites 4. Registering with WorkSource 5. Attending job fairs 6. Taking skills assessments related to job seeking 7. Meeting with career counselors So an interview is definitely a valid activity. Just document all the details as mentioned above. Good luck with your claim and job search!
I think ur overthinking this!! just do what ur boss says and file for standby. if they say theyll bring u back they probably will!!! and if not u just start looking for jobs after 8 weeks. not a big deal.
After reading through all the responses, here's a summary of what you should do: 1. Apply for unemployment with standby status since your employer has indicated they plan to rehire you 2. Make sure your employer knows they need to confirm the standby request when ESD contacts them 3. Ask your employer about requesting the extension to 12 weeks since you're a seasonal worker 4. If they can't/don't get the extension and you reach the 8-week mark without being rehired, simply begin conducting and reporting 3 job search activities per week 5. Your benefits will continue uninterrupted as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements Standby won't delay your initial claim processing, and in fact may make it smoother since there's one less eligibility factor to verify initially.
Here's the official guidance: 1. For Zoom, Teams, or any video interview conducted over the internet: Select 'Website/email' as the contact method 2. For traditional phone calls: Select 'Phone' 3. For in-person interviews: Select 'In-person' The key thing ESD looks for in job search verification is that you can document the activity occurred. So regardless of which method you select, make sure to: - Save the email invitation for the Zoom interview - Note the name and contact information of the interviewer - Record the job title and company accurately - Keep any follow-up correspondence If you're ever selected for a job search review (they do random ones every quarter), having this documentation will prevent any issues with your claim.
I had five zoom interviews last month and havent been working since november when i got laid off from amazon. i put all of them as website contacts and even got the job at one of them! starting monday finally
One more important tip: When you file your new claim, be very consistent with how you described your separation from the previous employer the first time. Any discrepancies, even minor ones, could trigger additional review. Also, while waiting for resolution, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims even if you're not receiving benefits yet.
btw when u file online theres a section where u can add comments about each employer. I put in mine "this separation was previously approved for UI in claim #12345 on [date]" and i think that helped cuz they processed faster than last time
just wondering - did u try getting hired back at the same place b4 applying for benefits? might be faster just to go back to work if they'll take u
Update on my situation - I called ESD this morning using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and it actually worked! Got through to an agent in about 10 minutes who explained that since I'm now medically cleared to work (even with some restrictions), I should apply for regular unemployment instead of TTD. She said I might still qualify since I have a good reason for leaving my last job (child's medical needs is considered good cause in some cases). Going to file my application today and see what happens. Just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else!
Sarah Ali
Im in the exact same boat but 8 weeks now... this is my first time on unemployment and im so confused. did you figure out why yours is stuck?
0 coins
Grace Durand
•Not yet, but I'm going to try some of the suggestions from this thread. I'll definitely post an update if I get it resolved. Hope yours gets fixed soon too!
0 coins
Alice Fleming
Just to add one more important point: make absolutely sure you're meeting the job search requirements while waiting. With the 2025 requirements, you need to complete and document 3 job search activities each week. If you miss documenting these properly, it can add another layer of issues to your claim. The Work Source workshops count as activities too, and they're easy to document.
0 coins
Grace Durand
•Yes, I've been doing this! I've been applying to at least 5 jobs each week and keeping detailed records of everything. I've also attended two WorkSource workshops so far. At least I know I'm doing that part right.
0 coins