


Ask the community...
You really need to be persistent with calling ESD. I'm in the same situation right now - been trying for 2 weeks to find out why I was disqualified. The automated system is a nightmare and doesn't tell you anything useful! I've sent 3 messages through eServices and haven't heard back. This system is broken!
Make sure you're sending messages through the secure messaging system, not the general contact form. Also be specific in your subject line (Example: "Disqualification explanation needed - Claim #12345"). Generic messages often get overlooked in their backlog. Follow up every 3-4 business days if you don't receive a response.
UPDATE: We finally got through to ESD this morning! Turns out his former employer disputed the claim saying he was fired for attendance issues, which is completely untrue. He was part of a layoff with 5 other workers when the project lost funding. The ESD agent said we need to submit documentation showing it was a layoff (we have the layoff notice email from his supervisor). We've started the appeal process and uploaded the documentation. The agent said we should expect a fact-finding interview in about 3 weeks. At least now we know what happened, even though it's frustrating the employer would lie. Thank you everyone for your help!
Great update! Make sure you keep all communication with the supervisor about the layoff. Also, if any of the other laid-off workers are willing to provide statements confirming it was a group layoff, that would strengthen your case significantly. Continue filing weekly claims during this process, and you should receive all back payments if the appeal is successful.
Just wanted to add - make sure you're on time for the hearing (actually, be early and ready 10-15 minutes before). If you miss it, it's very difficult to get a new hearing scheduled and the judge will likely rule against you by default. Also, if you've found new evidence that supports your case, you can sometimes submit it up to 5 business days before the hearing. Check your notice for the exact deadline.
Update: I tried that Claimyr service and actually got through to ESD! The agent looked at my file and said there was confusion about some income from a side gig I did last year. They're still making me do the hearing, but at least now I know exactly what weeks they're questioning and what documentation I need. I've got everything organized and ready for Tuesday. Will update after the hearing to let everyone know how it went!
just wondering - how much was the retro pay if u dont mind sharing? our union is negotiating something similar right now
I'd rather not share the exact amount publicly, but it was a few thousand dollars total spread across two checks. It was for a 3% retroactive raise going back about 9 months. Hope your union negotiation goes well!
Based on everyone's feedback and my own experience with ESD, I'd suggest the following steps: 1. Report the retro pay as earnings for week ending 2/23 2. Enter the gross amount (before deductions) 3. Keep copies of both checks and any explanation letter from your employer 4. If your weekly claim gets flagged for review, be prepared to explain it's retro pay from a union settlement 5. Remember this only affects the one week - your claim continues normally after Glad you got this figured out! ESD's system doesn't handle special situations like this very clearly.
Thank you for the step-by-step! I just filed my weekly claim and reported it exactly as you suggested. I did get a message saying my benefits would be reduced for this week, but that's fine as long as my ongoing claim isn't affected. I appreciate everyone's help - this community is amazing!
Jessica Nolan
anyone else notice that payments always get delayed right before holidays or the 1st of the month when rent is due? seems fishy to me...
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Leo McDonald
•I've tracked ESD payment patterns for nearly two years now as part of my work helping claimants, and there's no statistical correlation between payment delays and rent due dates or holidays. What does happen is that system maintenance is often scheduled midweek during lower usage periods, and sometimes bank holidays can affect direct deposit timing. But ESD doesn't intentionally delay payments based on calendar dates.
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Vincent Bimbach
Update: Mine just switched from pending to paid! Check your accounts - they might be processing a batch of claims right now.
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Molly Hansen
•Just checked and mine switched to paid too! Thanks everyone for the reassurance. The payment date shows tomorrow, so hopefully it hits my account by Friday morning. Really appreciate all the responses!
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Skylar Neal
•mines still pending 😠gonna call them tomorrow i guess
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