thanks for all the insights everyone. at least now I know what to expect and that the waiting is normal. will try to be patient a bit longer before freaking out completely 😅

I'm in a similar boat - filed 3 weeks ago for a restaurant layoff and still pending. Reading through everyone's experiences is actually really reassuring. Sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty normal for straightforward cases like ours. I've been stressed thinking something was wrong, but it seems like this is just how long the process takes. Going to keep filing my weekly claims and give it another week or two before I start worrying. Thanks for asking this question - exactly what I needed to see today!

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.

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!

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.