the whole thing is just another hoop to jump thru. they make it complicated on purpose so people will mess up and they can deny benefits. just answer everything exactly how they want and keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them!!!

I help claimants with UI issues regularly, and this type of availability verification is standard procedure. Don't panic! Here's what you need to know: - This is not an audit or indication of a problem with your claim - Responding completely and promptly is key to avoiding payment interruptions - Your response should be a formal letter addressing your full availability for work in labor relations positions - Include information about your willingness to accept suitable work, transportation reliability, and any relevant qualifications Most importantly, submit your response at least 24-48 hours before the deadline shown in eServices. ESD processing times have improved in 2025, but giving them extra time helps ensure your benefits continue without interruption. If you're concerned about the status of your claim after submitting your response, you can always call the ESD claims center at 800-318-6022, though wait times can be long.

dont worry to much about the job search stuff when ur going back to work. just put that u looked at the union job board and checked indeed and ur good

Update: Finally got through to ESD this morning after trying the different browser suggestion (plus using that Claimyr service someone mentioned). They confirmed I should select 'temporarily laid off' and enter my return date. The agent submitted a backdate request for my Christmas week too! She said standby status is now mainly for employer-requested situations with special circumstances, and most construction workers with 1-2 week gaps should just do the job search requirements. Thanks everyone for your help!

im in the same boat!!! been trying to call for 3 weeks and nothing!! this is my 1st time on unemployment and its been a NIGHTMARE. let me know if u find a way to get thru please!!!!

Just checking back - were you able to get through to ESD? I'm curious if any of the suggestions worked for you.

my friend works at esd (not saying more than that) and says they're supposed to respond to governor inquiries within 48hrs but nobody gets in trouble when they don't. its all about which agent gets assigned to your case. some are good some dgaf

Quick update for everyone following this thread: ESD recently changed their processing priorities. They're now responding to governor's office inquiries within 3-5 business days for simple issues, but employer disputes like yours are taking 7-10 business days because they need to contact the employer for their side. This change happened in February 2025, so some older posts about getting immediate results after contacting the governor's office are no longer reflecting current timeframes.

Based on what you've shared, you have a potentially strong case for appeal. This sounds like a classic constructive dismissal situation where your employer made working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to quit. For your appeal, focus on: 1. The fact that Amazon initially agreed to accommodations then essentially revoked them by placing you in PIVOT 2. The incompatibility between your documented medical restrictions and the PIVOT requirements 3. Evidence showing the PIVOT metrics were unattainable given your medical condition Make sure to specifically use the phrase "constructive dismissal" in your appeal. This legal concept recognizes that employers sometimes force resignations rather than firing people outright. If you can prove the PIVOT program was used this way, you have a good chance of winning. I'd strongly recommend getting a free consultation with an employment attorney who handles unemployment cases. Many offer this at no cost, and even if you don't hire them, they can give you valuable guidance.

off topic but anyone else notcie that ESD decisions are taking WAY longer in 2025?? used to be like 2-3 weeks now everyon waiting 5+ weeks?? budget cuts or something???

After thinking about this more, I realized there's one more thing to consider - if you waited until January to file, the Oct-Dec quarter would become part of your base year, but you'd lose the earliest quarter (which might be lower anyway). If your wages were significantly higher in October, that might actually help.\n\nHowever, this only makes sense if:\n1. You can financially manage without unemployment until January\n2. Your October wages were high enough to offset losing a quarter from the previous year\n3. You don't risk exceeding the earnings limit for any weeks you might try to claim in November/December\n\nJust something to consider as an alternative approach.

That's a really interesting strategy I hadn't considered. I'd lose January-March 2024 wages, which were decent but not great. And October 2025 was actually very strong with lots of overtime as we rushed to finish projects before winter. \n\nI have some savings I could stretch through December if needed. Definitely going to run the numbers on this option. Thanks for the creative thinking!

maybe check ur correspondence tab on eservices to see if theres more info? sometimes they send messages there that dont come as emails

One last piece of advice: when you upload your documents to the new claim, be very explicit in your explanation letter. Write something like: "This documentation is for the separation issue on my new claim beginning 11/15/2025. ESD has already made a determination on this same separation issue for my previous claim (ending 11/14/2025), finding that I am eligible for benefits despite my employer's misconduct allegation. The determination number is [insert if you have it]. Please reference this previous determination when reviewing my new claim." Being super clear and connecting the dots for them can save weeks of processing time.

i had similur thing happen but it was becuz my boss said he fired me when i was actualy laid off. took 3weeks to fix. you shuld call ur old boss and make sure they told ESD the same thing you did about the layoff

Update us when you figure out what caused the adjudication. One other thing worth knowing: adjudication time frames have increased lately. ESD's current estimate is 3-6 weeks for resolution, though it can be shorter if your issue is simple. While waiting, make sure you continue to file weekly claims by the deadlines - if you're eventually approved, you'll receive back payments for all eligible weeks you claimed.

hey did u ever solve this? im having the same issue now and wondring if any of this advice worked for u

UPDATE: I got through! Combining a few approaches worked for me. I called ESD and specifically requested an escalation due to financial hardship (got a ticket number). I also emailed my state rep as suggested above. Not sure which one did it, but 4 days later I got a call from an adjudicator who reviewed my documentation while on the phone with me. She approved my claim on the spot and I received backpay for all weeks yesterday. If you're struggling, definitely try both the escalation request AND contacting your state rep!

Just wanted to follow up based on all the comments. Here's what I believe is the correct approach for your situation:\n\n1) Answer NO to the question about being paid for periods after your last day of work (since your severance isn't tied to specific weeks)\n\n2) Continue filing weekly claims as normal\n\n3) For the specific week in January when you receive your severance payment:\n - Report it as income for that week\n - Select \

This is exactly what I needed - a clear step-by-step plan! I really appreciate everyone's help. The ESD website and materials just aren't clear on these specific situations. I'll follow these steps and hopefully everything will go smoothly.