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Quick clarification on this situation - what's happening is that your claim is in what's called 'work verification' status, which is different from full adjudication. Work verification typically takes 1-2 weeks rather than 4-6 weeks for adjudication. Make sure when you call to specifically ask about 'work verification status' and request expedited processing due to financial hardship. Also, keep filing your weekly claims throughout this period. Once the verification is complete, you'll likely receive back payments for any weeks you qualified for partial benefits.
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the Claimyr service after getting nowhere for days. The agent confirmed what you all said - my claim was flagged for 'work verification' because I reported hours but no wages. She expedited the review and said I should see payments resume in 3-5 business days, with back payments for the weeks that qualified. For anyone in a similar situation, definitely mention financial hardship when you call - that seems to help get things moving faster. Thanks everyone for your help!
by the way anyone know why they need all these extra docs anyway? i already sent everything when i first applied
When ESD requests additional documentation after your initial application, it's usually because something in your claim triggered an adjudication issue. This could be discrepancies in reported wages, questions about separation from employment, identity verification concerns, or job search compliance. Each type of issue requires specific supporting documents. The best approach is to provide exactly what they request as quickly as possible, then follow up with a phone call to confirm receipt.
UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned below. The agent was surprisingly understanding and gave me a 72-hour extension because of my work schedule. They said the urgent timeline was because my claim has been flagged for potential identity verification (which is ridiculous since I've verified my identity three times already). Anyway, just wanted to update in case anyone else faces the same issue - definitely explain your work situation and ask for more time if you need it.
That's awesome! Glad you got the extension. Did they say how long it would take to process after you submit the new docs?
The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN for trades and seasonal workers!!! I spent 6 weeks trying to get my benefits approved during my last training period and then they wanted all kinds of additional documentation that wasn't listed anywhere on their website. By the time it was approved, my training was almost over. Make sure you start this process EARLY and document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of every page you submit, record the names of every ESD agent you talk to, and follow up constantly. The system is designed to make you give up!!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to: 1. File my initial claim at the start of Christmas break 2. Complete my waiting week during that time 3. Do the required job searches during the Christmas break period 4. Request the Training Benefits application for my February apprenticeship training 5. Get documentation from my training coordinator about the mandatory nature of the training 6. Keep detailed records of everything I submit I really appreciate all the insights and warnings about potential pitfalls. This community has been super helpful!
That's a solid plan! One last tip: when you file your weekly claims during your approved training period, there's a question asking if you were available for work. If your training has been approved, you should answer "Yes" to this question, even though you're in training. This is because under approved training, you're considered available for work by ESD's definition. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing this success story. I've been guiding people through the ESD system for years, and the Governor's office route is certainly effective, though it should be viewed as a last resort after you've tried the standard channels multiple times. One thing I'd suggest adding to your escalation request (whether to the Governor's office or through other channels) is documentation of financial hardship. If you're facing eviction, utility disconnection, or unable to afford medicine, include those details with documentation. This can trigger a special hardship review process that moves even faster than standard escalations. Also, while waiting for resolution, continue filing your weekly claims without fail. Many people stop filing when stuck in adjudication, which can create even more problems down the road.
Has anyone had success going through their state representative instead? My neighbor said her rep's office helped with her claim but I'm not sure if that's better than the governor route or not?
Both can be effective. State representatives often have dedicated constituent service staff who handle ESD issues regularly. In some cases, they may even have specific contacts at ESD that the Governor's office uses as well. The key advantage is sometimes your local rep's office has a lower volume of requests, so they might respond faster than the Governor's team.
Isabella Costa
I should clarify something important about your retirement distribution. If it's a one-time distribution of $220 from a retirement account that's not from a base period employer (as you mentioned it's from 6 years ago), there's a good chance it won't affect your benefits at all. The key factors ESD considers are: 1. Is it from a base period employer? (In your case, no) 2. Is it regular pension/retirement income or a one-time withdrawal? (One-time distributions are treated differently) 3. Did you contribute to the retirement plan or was it entirely employer-funded? Make sure you explain clearly in the questionnaire that this was a one-time small distribution from a non-base period employer. That should minimize any impact on your benefits.
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Emma Thompson
•Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I received the questionnaire this morning and made sure to specify exactly what you mentioned. Such a relief to understand how the system works!
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Chloe Robinson
i had simlar issue bak in January. they sent me a letter about 10 days later asking for more info. my payment was late but i got it all once i sent bank the form. hang in there!
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