My cousin was making around $1600 monthly and I think he got about $225 weekly when he was on unemployment last year. But more importantly, don't forget that you'll also qualify for the EBT food benefits while on unemployment which helps a lot with groceries. You should apply for that right away too!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the ESD online calculator, try calling the TeleCert line at 800-318-6022 - sometimes it's easier to get benefit estimates over the phone than trying to navigate their website. Also, since you mentioned you worked in a restaurant, make sure you have all your pay stubs handy when you apply because they'll want to see documented proof of your wages and any reported tips. The whole process can feel overwhelming at first but it sounds like you're being smart about planning ahead!

Here's what might be happening based on my experience working with claimants: 1. If your benefit year has ended, you won't see the weekly claim option until you file a new initial claim 2. If you have an adjudication or identity verification issue pending, sometimes the system restricts weekly filing until that's resolved 3. If you reported earnings over your benefit amount for several consecutive weeks, the system sometimes automatically stops offering the weekly claim option 4. There could be a technical issue with the phone system - they do sometimes have glitches I'd recommend checking your claim status on eServices if possible (maybe at a library or friend's house since your internet is down). If that's not possible, you need to speak with an agent directly. Be prepared with your claim ID number and personal identification information when you call.

UPDATE: I finally got through! Turns out my claim had been flagged for an eligibility review because of my part-time work. That's why the weekly claim option wasn't showing up. The agent was able to reset something in the system and now I can file again. For anyone else having this issue - keep trying to reach an agent! Sometimes the system has issues that only they can fix on their end.

That's good news! Make sure to keep detailed records of all your job search activities while this is being resolved. For your job search log, include: - Full company name and contact info - Position applied for - Date of application/contact - Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) - Any follow-up actions Having complete documentation will help prevent future holds. And remember, you need 3 job search activities per week - mixing up the types of activities (applications, workshops, networking) can help strengthen your claim.

I'm glad you got through to someone and were able to file your weekly claim! That Claimyr service sounds like it's worth the cost when you're stuck like this. I'm dealing with something similar right now - my claim has been under review for 2 weeks after they questioned one of my job contacts. It's so stressful not knowing when you'll be able to file again or get paid. Did the agent give you any sense of how long the adjudication process typically takes? I keep hearing different timeframes from people and it's making me anxious about my rent payment next month.

Last thought - check if you answered any questions differently on your recent weekly claims. Sometimes even small changes in how you answer can trigger a disqualification review.

I'm going through something similar right now! My claim got disqualified last week out of nowhere too. From what I've learned reading through all these responses, it sounds like reporting work income for the first time often triggers an automatic review that can lead to temporary disqualification. The key things seem to be: 1) Keep filing your weekly claims even while disqualified to preserve backpay rights, 2) Look for any determination letters in your account or mail, 3) Check your job search log to make sure all contacts are properly recorded, and 4) Be prepared to appeal if needed. The 30-day appeal window is crucial! Hope you get answers soon when you call tomorrow morning.

Any update on your situation? Were you able to get through to ESD and find out what happened?

So glad to hear you got this resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep calling - these system glitches seem way too common with ESD. It's ridiculous that you had to spend days stressing about this when it was just an error on their end. For anyone else reading this thread who might face similar issues, it sounds like persistence really pays off. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!