Has anyone noticed how ESD seems to be pushing people into lower wage jobs faster than they used to? Back in 2020 they were way more understanding about waiting for the right job match. Now they're just trying to get everyone off the system asap!

One more thing to consider: If you've been in your industry for a long time, you might qualify for Training Benefits or Commissioner-Approved Training that would allow you to maintain benefits while seeking work exclusively in your field or even while retraining. Worth looking into if you're concerned about being forced to take unsuitable work.

my brother had this problem with his claim when the restaurant he works at closed for renovations last month. he had to file an appeal but while waiting for the hearing he called esd and they fixed it over the phone once they saw he was on valid standby. took him forever to get through tho

To address your concern about backdating: Yes, when ESD corrects a standby-related disqualification, they will typically backdate the fix and release any held payments once they confirm your standby status was valid. Be sure to continue filing your weekly claims during this process, even though they'll show as "disqualified" until the issue is resolved. This ensures you'll receive all payments once the standby status is verified. For your weekly claims going forward, remember to: 1. Answer "No" to job search question 2. In the notes/comments section, type "ON APPROVED STANDBY UNTIL 9/15/2025" 3. If asked for work search activities, enter "STANDBY" for each required slot This properly documents your standby status each week and helps prevent future flags.

I successfully resolved this exact issue last month. Here's what worked for me: 1. When calling 800-318-6022, press options for an existing claim, then payment issues (not new claims) 2. If you get through, immediately ask for a claims specialist or supervisor who can handle claim reactivation 3. Be prepared to explain that you had an appeal in process when you accidentally filed a new claim 4. Have your original claim ID number ready In my case, they were able to withdraw the new claim and restore my original claim with all weekly certifications transferred over. The key is getting to the right department - regular agents often can't help with this specific problem.

Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the phone menu options that @helpful_user suggested and got a claims specialist after about 35 minutes. They confirmed they can fix this by withdrawing my new claim and reactivating the original one. They're transferring all my weekly claims back to the original claim too. For anyone who finds this thread later with the same problem - be very specific that you need a claims specialist who can handle claim reactivation. Regular agents will just transfer you. The specialist said this happens pretty often because of the automatic system prompts. Thanks everyone for your help!!

One thing to keep in mind - when this happened to me, my claim got selected for review about a month later. Make sure your PDF job search log is SUPER detailed. Include everything: full company names, website links if you applied online, contact info, position titles, application dates, follow-up actions, etc. I almost got denied because I didn't have enough details on my log.

Just to add a bit more technical information: This job search reporting change usually happens when your claim reaches a certain point in its benefit year or if your benefit type has been modified (like switching from regular UI to extended benefits, etc.). For the weekly certification, the system will still ask your job search confirmation question ("Did you make at least 3 job search contacts and/or participate in job search activities as required?") - you should answer "Yes" as long as you're actually doing them, even though you can no longer enter the details online. The safest approach is to maintain complete records in both digital and physical formats. I personally keep a spreadsheet backup of my job search log as well as the official PDF, plus I save application confirmation emails in a dedicated folder. It might seem excessive, but it's saved me more than once during reviews. Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder to complete your job search log the same day you do the activities - waiting until the end of the week makes it easier to forget important details.

Good news is that even if there is a delay in processing, you'll still receive all the benefits you're entitled to, including for the weeks when your claim was processing. As long as you keep filing your weekly claims on time (even while the first one is still processing), you won't lose any eligible benefits.\n\nAnd just to set expectations - your first payment will likely be delayed compared to future payments. Once your claim is fully established in the system, weekly claims typically process much faster. Many people see their weekly claims move from submission to paid status within 48-72 hours after the initial claim is fully processed.

Update: My claim status finally changed to \

Update: I filed the police report this morning and contacted my state representative's office. The police were actually pretty helpful - they took all the information about my car and belongings and said they would send an officer to the property. The state rep's office took all my claim info and said they'd submit an inquiry to their ESD liaison today. Still haven't been able to reach Northwest Justice Project (their line is busy), but I'll keep trying. I'm still sleeping in my car but at least feel like I'm taking steps forward. Thanks everyone for the guidance - will update when I hear anything.

im so sorry ur going thru this!!! i had to wait 6 weeks for my claim and it was horrible but at least i had a place to stay. have you tried any of the shelters? some of them have special programs for people who just lost jobs. also do you have your ID and social security card? you might need those for the housing assistance stuff

Try calling early in the morning like 7:55am right before they open. That's the only way I ever got through when my claim went pending for no reason. Waited on hold for 2 hours but at least got answers. They told me mine went pending because my employer submitted something late but they never bothered telling me!

UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning! Turns out it WAS a quarterly review thing. The agent told me they're doing extra verification on claims that cross into Q2 2025. My claim should be back to paid status by next Wednesday. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!

I'm dealing with something similar right now. The waiver paperwork is pretty extensive - took me nearly a week to gather everything they asked for (bank statements, bills, pay stubs, etc). Whatever you decide, start collecting all your financial documents NOW so you're ready. Also important: if you withdraw your appeal to apply for a waiver, get confirmation IN WRITING that your waiver application will be processed. I've heard horror stories of people withdrawing appeals based on verbal promises that weren't kept.

After reading through all these comments, I'd suggest one more thing: check if you qualify for free legal help through the Unemployment Law Project (unemploymentlawproject.org). They can give you personalized advice about your specific situation and might be able to help navigate this appeal vs. waiver dilemma. Also, document EVERYTHING. Keep records of all communications with ESD, take screenshots of your eServices account, and save copies of all documents you submit. If you speak with someone on the phone, write down their name, ID number, date, time, and what they told you. The system is complex and contradictory at times, so having detailed records can make a huge difference if there are disputes later.

I had the same issue trying to reach ESD about my standby status last month. After wasting days trying to get through, I used Claimyr and got connected to an ESD agent in less than 20 minutes. They were able to look at my standby request while I was on the phone and tell me exactly what was happening with it. Saved me so much time and stress. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It's seriously the only way I was able to get answers about my standby status.

just keep filing ur weekly claims no matter what!!! even while waiting for standby. thats the most important thing

One thing to watch for - if they do call you after the governor's office escalation, it will likely come from a blocked or private number. Make sure you're answering all calls right now, even unknown ones. I missed their first call and it delayed things by another week.

I work with unemployment cases (not for ESD), and I can tell you the governor's office escalation does help, but there's another factor that affects timing: the specific issue your claim is stuck on. Some adjudication issues are quicker to resolve than others. If it's a simple employer verification, that might be resolved quickly after escalation. If it's something more complex like availability for work, voluntary quit determination, or earnings verification across multiple quarters, those take longer even with escalation. Did they give you any indication what the adjudication issue is about?