Update us when you get your back pay! I'm curious how long it actually takes from approval to payment.

Congratulations on finally getting approved! The 6-week wait must have been incredibly stressful. Just to add to what others have said - make sure you keep detailed records of all your weekly certifications and any correspondence from ESD during this process. If there are any discrepancies with your back pay, having that documentation will be really helpful. Also, once you start receiving payments, double-check that the amounts match what your weekly benefit calculation should be. I've seen cases where people received partial payments due to system glitches. Fingers crossed everything processes smoothly for you!

One more thing to consider - you should apply for standby status if you're expecting to return to work soon or have job prospects. This temporarily waives the job search requirement. Also, prepare yourself mentally for the adjudication process. It can be really stressful and the uncertainty is tough. Make sure you're taking care of your mental health during this time - the ADHD + unemployment stress combo can be really challenging.

I'm a disability rights advocate and wanted to add some important legal context here. The fact that you disclosed your ADHD when hired but weren't provided accommodations could actually work strongly in your favor. Under the ADA, employers have a duty to engage in the "interactive process" once they know about a disability - even if you didn't formally request accommodations. The key question ESD will ask is whether your errors were due to your disability or willful misconduct. Document everything: your diagnosis timeline, any medical treatments, specific ways ADHD affects data entry (like hyperfocus making you miss details or working memory issues), and all the strategies you tried. Also keep records of your job search efforts during adjudication. This isn't just about proving you weren't being careless - it's about showing your employer failed to provide a reasonable workplace accommodation for a known disability.

I think it depends on how they structured your severance? When I got laid off my employers payroll lady said they coded it as "continuation of wages" not "severance" so unemployment treated it differently? i dunno the whole system is confusing af

Update: I went ahead and filed my initial claim. The ESD website had a specific section where I could report the severance arrangement. I also uploaded my separation agreement as supporting documentation. I got an automated message saying my claim was received and that I should continue filing weekly claims even if I'm receiving severance. I'll start my job search activities this week and keep everyone posted on what happens!

Just to add one more important point - there's a time limit for requesting backdates. You generally need to request backdating within a reasonable timeframe after the issue that prevented you from filing is resolved. Since you just got help last week, you should be within this window, but don't delay further. Also, make sure you're very specific about the reasons when you submit your backdate request. Focus on the system issues (unanswered messages in the portal) rather than your uncertainty about how to file. Technical problems and ESD's failure to respond are stronger "good cause" reasons than personal confusion.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Ruby, I really hope you're able to get your backdate approved. The fact that you have documented evidence of trying to reach ESD through their own system should definitely count as "good cause." One thing I wanted to add that might help - when I was researching this issue, I found that ESD's own policy manual states that their failure to respond to inquiries through official channels (like eServices messages) can constitute good cause for backdating. You might want to reference this specific policy when you make your request. Also, don't let that first rep discourage you. Like others have said, different reps give completely different answers. The key is getting someone who actually understands the backdate process and your rights under it. Keep us updated on how it goes - there are probably other people in similar situations who could benefit from hearing about your experience!

Just a tip - make sure you keep doing your weekly claims even while waiting for this to resolve! My cousin missed filing for one week during her adjudication period and then she couldn't claim that week at all when everything else finally got approved.

I went through something very similar last year! My adjudication issue disappeared after about 4 weeks, and I had that same "Processing - Web" status for 6 weeks that were backed up. The good news is that when you see "Processing - Web" with dollar amounts listed, it really does mean you've been approved and the money is coming. In my case, all 6 weeks hit my account at the same time on a Wednesday morning - it was like Christmas! The wait was nerve-wracking but it all worked out. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts on my bank account so I'd know immediately when the deposit came through. Hang in there - from what you're describing, it sounds like you're in the final stretch of waiting for processing to complete.