dont forget to keep doing ur weekly claims even while waiting for the initial claim to process!!!! i messed up and missed 2 weeks of filing while waiting for my claim to be approved and they wouldnt let me backfile those weeks even tho my claim was still pending!!

One more tax tip since we're on the subject: When you do start receiving unemployment benefits, remember that the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits are NO LONGER tax-free at the federal level. That was a one-time exception for 2020 during COVID. For 2024 and 2025, all unemployment benefits are fully taxable as income. Many people don't realize this and end up with a surprise tax bill.

One thing no one has mentioned - if his hours were just reduced and not completely eliminated, he might still qualify for partial unemployment benefits even with the base year requirement. It's a common misconception that you have to be completely unemployed to get benefits.\n\nWhen I worked retail and had my hours cut from 40 to 20 during slow season, I was able to get partial benefits. But again, you still need to meet that 680 hour requirement in your base year.\n\nDefinitely worth calling and asking specifically about partial benefits for reduced hours AND the alternate base year option. But be prepared that if he truly didn't work enough hours during either calculation period, he might not qualify regardless of his current situation.

Yes, that's exactly what we're trying to figure out - the partial benefits for reduced hours. Good to know it worked for you! We'll definitely ask about both the alternate base year and partial benefits when we call.

my bank is ALWAYS slow with these deposits!!! esd will say paid and then i wait 2-3 days EVERY TIME! i think the banks hold the $ on purpose to make interest or something tbh. i started using cash app direct deposit and its way faster, usually next day after esd says paid. just an option if ur tired of waiting

Does anyone know if this delay happens with the ReliaCard too? I'm thinking about switching to the card option if it's faster than direct deposit.

One more important tip: During your hearing, be concise and stick to facts rather than emotions. I understand this is a stressful situation, but administrative law judges respond best to clear timelines and specific evidence. Prepare notes beforehand with dates, percentages, and key points you want to make. The hearings typically last 30-45 minutes, and you want to make sure you cover all your essential points. Also, if your former employer participates in the hearing, remain professional regardless of what they say. Arguing or showing anger can undermine your case.

Yes, if you believe there was a pattern of your employer trying to force you to quit, that's relevant to your case. However, focus on specific actions they took rather than just your impression of their intent. Did they make negative comments about your performance only after you requested time off? Did they suddenly change your schedule to hours they knew would conflict with your childcare or education? Those kinds of specific details are much more persuasive than general statements about feeling pushed out.

i had this same prob and it turned out they needed wage verification from my last employer but nobody told me until i talked to somebody

Good to hear you finally got through and discovered the issue. For identity verification, make sure you upload clear, readable copies of: 1. Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) 2. Social Security card 3. Birth certificate (if you have it) Submit multiple forms of ID if possible, not just the minimum. This increases your chances of quick verification. Also, continue to file your weekly claims while waiting - if approved, you'll receive all back payments for properly filed weeks. After uploading documents, I recommend calling back within 5-7 business days to confirm receipt and ask if anything else is needed. Sometimes a second set of documents is required if the first submission was unclear or incomplete.