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how are u doing on the job search stuff? make sure ur still doing ur 3 activities every week even with this appeal stuff going on. my friend got caught up in an appeal and forgot to do her job search log and ended up with an overpayment later
One more piece of advice - arrive at the hearing at least 15 minutes early. If it's a phone hearing, make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception. Have all your documents organized and in front of you. The hearing officer will appreciate your preparedness, and it helps you stay calm and respond effectively.
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.
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...
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.
Update: Mine just switched from pending to paid! Check your accounts - they might be processing a batch of claims right now.
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!
Sean Fitzgerald
my cousin works for ESD (not saying where) and she says they're dealing with a huge backlog right now because they switched some computer system in August and it's created all kinds of problems. she said especially claims with short work history are getting stuck. might explain why so many people here are having the same issue recently!
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Ravi Patel
•that explains ALOT actually. wish they would just tell us that instead of leaving us in the dark!
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Emma Johnson
Update: I finally managed to get through to ESD this morning after calling right when they opened at 8:00am! The agent confirmed my claim is in adjudication specifically because of my short employment period. They need to verify with my employer that I was laid off and not fired for cause. The agent said this typically takes 4-6 weeks to resolve but can sometimes take longer if they have trouble getting information from the employer. She advised me to keep filing weekly claims and assured me that if approved, I'll receive all backdated payments. She also mentioned they're dealing with higher than normal volume right now, so wait times are longer than usual. Just wanted to share this info in case it helps anyone else in a similar situation!
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Astrid Bergström
•Thanks for the update! This is exactly what I suspected was happening. The adjudication process for work separation issues can be time-consuming, especially when it involves a short employment period. The good news is that you now know what's happening and can plan accordingly. Make sure you keep a copy of any correspondence from your employer about the layoff being due to restructuring - that will be valuable evidence for your claim.
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