I just went through this last month!!!! The key is you HAVE to call between 8:00am-8:15am. Any later and you'll never get through. And yes, it's 1 → 4 → 7 → 9. I got my adjudication cleared up after 7 weeks of waiting. Hang in there!

I've been dealing with ESD for months and want to add something important - if you're calling about adjudication specifically, there's actually a separate option that might help. After you press 1 for language and 4 for claim questions, try pressing 2 instead of 7 - this goes to the adjudication department directly. Sometimes this line has shorter wait times than the general claims agents. Also, keep detailed notes of every call - date, time, who you spoke with, and what they told you. ESD agents don't always have access to previous call notes, so you might have to explain your situation multiple times. Having your own record helps you stay consistent and shows you've been actively trying to resolve the issue if you need to escalate later. The 5-week wait you mentioned is unfortunately pretty normal for adjudication cases, but don't give up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with ESD.

Something similar happened to me last year. My employer waited almost 3 weeks after I started getting benefits to file their protest. The stress was unreal! But here's what I learned - even if they do protest, you still have rights in the process. You'll get to present your side at a hearing if it goes that far. That text message about downsizing is GOLD - it directly contradicts any claim that you were fired for cause. Make sure you have multiple copies saved. Also, if you have any other documentation from your time there (performance reviews, emails, etc.) that shows you were a good employee, gather those too. The worst part is the waiting and not knowing. But don't let them intimidate you - if you were truly laid off due to downsizing like that text shows, you have every right to those benefits. Stay strong and document everything!

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. My employer waited until I had received 4 weeks of payments before filing their protest. The whole process was nerve-wracking, but I ended up keeping my benefits because I had clear documentation that I was laid off for business reasons, not fired for cause. Here's what helped me: I immediately gathered every piece of evidence I could find - emails, text messages, even my original layoff paperwork. The appeal hearing was conducted over the phone and lasted about 45 minutes. Both my employer and I got to present our sides, and the administrative law judge asked specific questions about the circumstances of my separation. Your text message about downsizing is exactly the kind of evidence that makes a huge difference. In my case, I had an email from HR confirming the layoffs were due to "restructuring and budget constraints" and that was basically game over for my employer's appeal. The key is don't panic if they do file a protest. You'll get proper notice and time to prepare your case. And remember, the burden of proof is on THEM to show you were fired for misconduct, not on you to prove you weren't.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent said I was disqualified because I accidentally marked that I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off due to reduced hours (I misunderstood the question). She said they're sending me a form to fill out explaining the circumstances, and once I return it, they'll review my case again. She said this happens ALL THE TIME and told me to keep filing my weekly claims like someone here suggested. Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about continuing to file weekly claims while this gets sorted out!

Just want to add for anyone else dealing with this - when you get that Fact-Finding form, make sure to return it within the deadline they give you (usually 10 days). I learned this the hard way when I missed the deadline on my first claim years ago and had to start the whole appeal process over. Also, if you have any text messages or written communication about your hours being reduced, include copies of those too. The more documentation you can provide showing it wasn't your choice to leave/reduce hours, the better your chances of getting approved quickly.

I wanted to add one more resource that might be helpful for both of your questions - ESD's Handbook for Unemployed Workers is available online and has detailed explanations of what needs to be reported and the school/training rules. It's pretty comprehensive and might give you more confidence about what you're dealing with. Also, I've found that when you're in adjudication like your husband is, it's actually a good time to get all these other questions sorted out (like the PTO reporting and school situation) so you don't run into issues later. You're being really proactive by asking these questions now. One small thing - when he does report the PTO payout on his weekly claim, there should be a section asking about "other income" or "earnings" for that week. Make sure to put the full amount there, not just a portion of it. ESD's system is pretty automated for calculating benefit reductions, so accuracy is key. Hang in there with the adjudication process - from everything you've described, it sounds like a straightforward performance issue rather than misconduct, which should work in your favor. The fact that your husband is being honest about it being "his fault" actually shows good character, but remember that fault doesn't automatically equal disqualifying misconduct in ESD's eyes.

I just want to say how helpful this entire thread has been! I'm not in the exact same situation, but I've been worried about some similar issues with my own unemployment claim. The clarity everyone provided about PTO payouts being reported in the week they're received (not when earned) is something I never would have figured out on my own. And all the detailed advice about community college classes while on unemployment - especially the documentation tips and being prepared to quit school for full-time work - gives me confidence about some training I've been considering. @Anastasia Sokolov - I hope your husband's adjudication goes smoothly! From everything people have shared here, it sounds like you're handling everything exactly right by being proactive and transparent. The fact that so many people have successfully navigated similar performance-related terminations is really encouraging. This community is such a valuable resource when ESD's phone system seems impossible to navigate. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it makes such a difference to hear from people who've actually been through these situations!

this thread was super helpful, i'm in the same boat and was starting to panic. sounds like 10 days is still normal processing time

I'm in a similar situation - filed about 8 days ago and still showing "claim under review" status. Reading through all these responses is really reassuring though! I had no idea about checking for additional forms in the eServices account, so I'm going to log in and make sure I haven't missed anything. The tip about continuing to file weekly claims even while waiting for approval is really important too - I almost stopped filing thinking I should wait for approval first. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!