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have u tried going to worksource in person? sometimes they can help with stuff like this when the phone people wont
WorkSource staff don't have access to your submitted forms in the system. They use a different database than the claims center. They might be able to help with general questions but not retrieving documents. I used to work there.
Quick tip: you can sometimes see part of your application info if you start a new claim but don't submit it. The system pre-fills some fields with your last application data. I did this when I needed to check what start date I used for my disability claim. Not a perfect solution but might help in a pinch!
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that the interest should eventually come back too. I'll keep an eye on my account and give it about 6 weeks before I start trying to contact them. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!
just wondering.....how long did it take for them to approve your waiver? i submitted mine 7 weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. getting scared they'll deny it.
FYI - the adjudication doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your work search. It just means they're reviewing it. If your contacts were legitimate and you can document them, you should be fine. And like others said, keep filing weekly claims no matter what.
UPDATE: I just got an email from ESD saying I need to provide additional documentation for the job contacts from that week. They want company addresses and contact names, which I didn't include originally. I'm gathering that info now. Still no answer about whether my current payments will be affected, but at least I know what they need now. Thanks everyone for your help!
Good news! That's a straightforward request. Once you provide that additional documentation, the adjudication should resolve relatively quickly. In my experience, if there's no issue with your current weeks, your payments should continue while they sort out that specific week. Get that documentation in ASAP though!
Just wondering - did you select the right reason for separation when you filed? If you selected "laid off" instead of "business closed" that could be causing the delay. You might need to call and have them correct the separation reason in their system.
I'm pretty sure I selected "business closed" but now I'm second-guessing myself. Is there a way to check what I selected in my eServices account? I don't see that information anywhere in my claim details.
One important thing no one has mentioned yet: if you consistently work part-time but want to maintain your claim until it expires, make sure you're not turning down any opportunities for full-time work. If ESD determines you're restricting your availability or turning down suitable work, they can disqualify you from benefits. When you're on unemployment, you're expected to be seeking and available for full-time work, even if you're currently working part-time.
Based on everyone's feedback, here's a summary for you: 1. Yes, you must complete 3 job search activities weekly while working part-time 2. Your part-time work doesn't count toward job search requirements 3. Various activities count: applications, workshops, job fairs, etc. 4. Report gross earnings for hours worked each week, even if not paid yet 5. Partial benefits = Weekly Benefit Amount minus 75% of your earnings 6. Keep detailed records of all job search activities in case of audit 7. You must remain available for and accept suitable full-time work Hope this helps clarify everything!
I think its always been this way??? ive been on unemplyment 3 times and got different weeks each time. once it was 20 weeks, then 26, then 24. nobody ever explains why lol. just take what u can get i guess
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD after numerous attempts. The agent confirmed what many of you said - they're using a tiered system based on unemployment rates. She also checked my wage records and everything was calculated correctly. Frustrating, but at least I understand now. For anyone else facing this issue, she recommended making the most of WorkSource services to speed up job search. Apparently there are some specialized manufacturing workshops coming up in March that might be helpful for people in my industry. Thanks everyone for your help!
Did they tell you if there's ANY way to get more weeks? Like what happens if you reach the end of your 22 weeks and still haven't found work? Are we just supposed to live under a bridge?
If you exhaust regular benefits and are still unemployed, you might qualify for Training Benefits if you enroll in an approved training program. It's not automatic - you need to apply and be approved, but it can extend your benefits period. There's information on ESD's website under "Training Benefits Program."
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.
Thanks everyone for the responses. This is really helpful (though disappointing). I'm going to start planning for the benefits to end in 3 weeks then. Does anyone know if WorkSource offers any emergency assistance programs for people transitioning off unemployment? I'm still actively interviewing but nothing has come through yet.
Yes, WorkSource does offer transition assistance! Schedule an appointment with a career counselor there - they can connect you with various resources including possible emergency assistance, job training programs, and sometimes grant opportunities depending on your industry. They also can help polish your resume and interview skills which might help land something before your benefits end. Good luck!
The ESD website is super misleading about this. On my account it showed I had a "benefit balance" of like $8k remaining but then just cut me off at 26 weeks with no warning. I ended up getting a random customer service job just to pay bills even though I'm an accountant. The whole system feels designed to confuse people!
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.
Ayla Kumar
one more thing make sure u keep doing ur job search activities!!! now that ur fully unemployed u need to do all 3 job contacts every week. ESD is super strict about that
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Clay blendedgen
•Good reminder! I was still doing the 3 job search activities even with my part-time job (my WorkSource advisor told me I had to), but it's definitely important to keep up with those.
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Lorenzo McCormick
Final tip: After you submit your weekly claim with the job separation, call ESD within 2-3 business days to confirm everything looks good on their end. This proactive approach can save you weeks of waiting if there is an issue. The earlier you catch any potential problems, the faster they can be resolved. You'll want to have your separation details and last day of work ready when you call.
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