Have you tried contacting the Office of Administrative Hearings directly? Sometimes they can give you updates on your appeal status when ESD won't. Their number should be on your appeal paperwork. Also, while waiting, make sure you're keeping detailed records of ALL your job search activities - more than the minimum 3 per week if possible. This helps if they question your job search later.

Just to add one more thing to think about - do you have your hearing scheduled yet with OAH? If not, you might want to check if your appeal was actually received and processed. Sometimes paperwork gets lost in the system. Call the OAH directly (not ESD) to confirm they have your appeal in their system.

mine took like 6 weeks from when i appealed till hearing then another 2 weeks to get decision in mail. but i heard they backpay u for all weeks if u win so just keep doing weekly claims

One final piece of advice: during your hearing, stick to the facts and timeline. Don't get emotional or make accusations about your employer's motives, even if you believe they're acting in bad faith. The judge wants to hear what happened, not how you feel about what happened. Keep your statements clear and factual: "I was on approved FMLA until [date]. I communicated with HR on [dates] about my return. I have email evidence showing I intended to return to work. I never resigned or abandoned my position." Good luck with your appeal! Based on what you've shared, you have a strong case.

I had the same thing happen last month but it wasn't even a holiday. Sometimes the banks just take longer to process. Mine showed paid on Monday but didn't hit my account until Wednesday that week. ESD has already done their part once it says paid, it's just waiting for the bank transfer system to do its thing.

UPDATE: My payment just hit my account this morning! So it was definitely the Presidents' Day holiday causing the delay. Thanks everyone for the help - I feel silly for panicking now, but it's such a relief to see the money in my account.

I'm experiencing a similar issue, but I think there might be something larger happening with ESD's payment system this week. I have a coworker who's also on unemployment, and she mentioned her payment was delayed as well. She filed early Sunday morning, so I don't think it's related to when during the day you filed. One thing to check - did you receive any correspondence in your ESD account? Sometimes they'll send a notice if they need additional information for your claim. If there's nothing in your account correspondence and your claim still says "processing," it's likely just a system delay.

UPDATE: My payment finally changed from "processing" to "paid" this morning (Friday). Looks like it was just delayed by a day or two. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is experiencing the same thing and checking this thread!

Just wanted to say I'm really sorry you and your family are going through this. The system is absolutely broken, and it's infuriating that there's no clear communication during adjudication. Have you looked into emergency assistance programs while you wait? Most counties have emergency rental assistance and food banks that don't have the same wait times as ESD.

I just went thru this nightmare!!!! What finally worked for me was emailing my state senator AND representative on the same day explaining my hardship (I was about to be evicted). Got a call from ESD within 48 hours after WEEKS of nothing!!! The lady said my claim was just sitting there basically waiting to be assigned to an adjudicator. So frustrating!!! They backdated everything once it was approved though. Hang in there and DEFINITELY contact your elected officials!!!