There seems to be some confusion about the regulations. While being a union member doesn't waive the 680-hour requirement, there IS something called the "alternate base year" calculation that might help. If you don't qualify using the standard base year (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters), ESD can use the alternate base year (the 4 most recently completed calendar quarters). This might capture more work hours for you and potentially qualify you. But again, you still need 680 hours total - that part doesn't change. Also, check with your union welfare office. Many unions have hardship funds or other assistance programs specifically for members between jobs who've exhausted benefits. The hall should have information about these resources.

Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after using Claimyr) and got confirmation that there's no union exception to the 680-hour rule. The agent checked my account and I only have about 450 hours in my base year. She suggested I look into the Commissioner Approved Training program if I want to take some classes while waiting to build more hours. Thanks everyone for your help - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.

When I got laid off last year I had a similar situation with my side business. Make sure you're super clear about your availability during the application process! I almost got disqualified because they thought I wasn't available for full-time work because of my side gig. Had to appeal and everything. What a headache!

dont forget to apply as soon as u get laid off!!! u cant backdate it and will lose money if u wait

Yes, you should restart your weekly claims immediately. You may have lost those 3 weeks unless you can show good cause for not filing (and 'I didn't know I had to' usually doesn't count as good cause). The requirement to file weekly continues throughout the appeal process - think of it as preserving your potential eligibility while your case is decided.

I had a similar experience but with a different outcome. My overpayment was because ESD initially approved me for $684/week but then recalculated 6 months later and said I should've only gotten $425/week. Had to pay back over $5,000! Judge said since I received more than I was eligible for, even though it was their calculation error, I still had to repay it. I did get a payment plan though. Really depends on the specific reason for your overpayment.

I had a zoom worksource appt back in january. The lady was super nice and mostly just wanted to make sure i was actually looking for work. Didn't even check all my job search logs just asked a few questions. But i hear it depends on which worker you get, some are strict.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better now knowing that Zoom is still a valid option. I'll make sure to prepare my job search logs, test my connection, and be ready 5 minutes early. I appreciate all the advice!

That's great news! Which number did you call to actually get through to someone? I've been trying the main ESD number with no luck.

I called the main number (800-318-6022) but I started calling right when they opened at 8am. I had to try about 7 times before I got in the queue instead of the

my cousin had 2 wait almost 2 months for his claim 2 get approved bcuz it was in adudication or whatever they call it. just be prepared to wait a long time if they have to review ur case specially

Make sure you answer all their questions completely when you file! I got denied at first because I didn't explain my medical situation clearly enough. When I appealed and provided more details they approved me. Also keep filing your weekly claims even while you're waiting for a decision - if they approve you later they'll pay those weeks retroactively but only if you filed them on time!

Has anyone had any luck with the online chat support thing on the ESD website? I tried it yesterday but gave up after being #147 in queue for like 2 hours.

Just an update - after trying all the usual routes with no success, I ended up: 1. Using Claimyr to get through to ESD 2. Finding out my claim was stuck in identity verification 3. Having them escalate it to a specialist They resolved it that day and my payments started processing the next business day. Sometimes you just need to get a real person on the phone who can actually see what's happening behind the scenes.

I work in IT (not for ESD) and wanted to add that sometimes these login issues can be browser-related. If you're using Chrome, try Firefox or Edge instead. Also, I've noticed ESD systems sometimes have issues with password managers and autofill. Try typing your password manually instead of letting it autofill. These little tricks have helped me get in when the system was being finicky.

Update: I just checked the PFML Twitter account, and they've officially announced that weekly claim filing deadlines will be extended by 3 days to accommodate the extended maintenance window. So you won't lose your benefits for this week. They also mentioned they're adding extra call center staff next week to handle the backlog of questions.

my neighbor works for esd (not in claims tho) and she said they're super short staffed right now bc of budget cuts. said best times are actually wed/thurs afternoons and to NEVER call monday mornings bc thats when everyones calling about weekend issues and the hold queue fills up in first 5 mins. also said if u get thru but get disconnected ask for a ticket number right away so u can reference it if u get cut off

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used a combination of the advice here - called on Thursday at 3:15 PM, used the number and menu options that @helpfuladviser posted, and actually spoke with someone after only a 12-minute wait. The agent was able to see that my claim needed additional identity verification (which wasn't showing in my online portal AT ALL). She transferred me to that department, and they cleared the issue while I was on the phone. My claim should be processed within 72 hours! Thank you all for your help - this community saved my sanity.

Update us if you find out what was causing the pending status. It might help others in the same situation. And as others have mentioned, definitely keep filing your weekly claims while you sort this out.

I definitely will update once I figure out what's going on. Thanks for all the help everyone - this situation is stressful but it helps knowing I'm not alone in dealing with these kinds of ESD issues.