Update on waiver processing: As of last month, ESD is prioritizing waivers where claimants have received collection notices or where financial hardship is severe. It might help to update your waiver application through your ESD account messaging - explain your current situation and that you're receiving collection threats. For everyone in this thread, be aware that there's also an enhanced hardship waiver option now that has different criteria than the standard waiver. If your standard waiver is denied, you may still qualify for the hardship version.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I finally got through to ESD today (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it actually worked!). The agent confirmed my waiver is still being processed and put a temporary hold on collection activities for 30 days. They said current processing times are 10-12 weeks for waivers, so I probably have at least another month to wait. But at least I know it's in their system and I won't have wages garnished while waiting. I'll update this thread when I finally get a decision. Fingers crossed they approve it - there's absolutely no way I can repay $4,750 with my current financial situation.

wait did u answer all the questions right on the phone? sometimes i accidentally press the wrong button and it seems like it went thru but it didnt actually file. make sure when u call that u stay on until it says "thank you your claim has been filed" or someting like that at the very end

Just checking back - did your claim update in the system yet? It should show as filed by now if you did it yesterday morning.

Btw make sure you reopen your claim the SAME DAY your temp job ends. I waited a week assuming I could backdate it (big mistake) and lost that whole week of benefits. ESD is super strict about this - you have to reopen effective the date you become unemployed again.

Just to clarify for everyone: The current ESD rules state that: 1. Waiting week is served once per benefit year 2. You must complete 3 job search activities each week 3. When reopening a claim, you should do so immediately after becoming unemployed 4. Temporary/seasonal work that ends is not generally subject to additional adjudication if properly reported 5. Your claim will restart with the same weekly benefit amount you had before

To answer your notification question from earlier - ESD doesn't send payment notifications. You'll need to check your bank account or eServices portal to see when payments arrive. I recommend setting up text alerts with your bank for deposits. Also, definitely file your weekly claims on Sunday or Monday. While the initial application timing doesn't matter much, weekly claims are processed in batches, and earlier submissions tend to be in earlier payment batches. I've been tracking mine for months, and Sunday submissions always pay out faster than when I've waited until Tuesday or Wednesday.

One important thing nobody mentioned - if you're applying now in 2025, know that the job search requirements are stricter than they used to be. You'll need to document at least 3 job search activities EVERY week once approved. Missing these or not properly documenting them can delay or stop your payments regardless of what day you filed initially.

My wife just went through a job search review last month and they DID accept her LinkedIn Learning courses but rejected some YouTube tutorials she watched. I think the difference was that the LinkedIn courses had actual assessments and certificates, while the YouTube ones were just passive watching. So make sure whatever course you're taking has some kind of assessment or proof of active participation.

Quick follow-up for everyone in this thread - I just want to clarify something important: While training can count as a job search activity, remember that you still need to be able and available for work while claiming benefits. This means the training can't prevent you from accepting suitable full-time work if offered. As long as your course is flexible enough that you could pause or adjust it if you got a job offer, you're fine. Just something to keep in mind!

my hearing was a total disaster cuz i froze up when the judge started asking me questions!!! practice practice practice ur answers!!!

One more important tip - during your OAH hearing, the judge will ask if you've reviewed the ESD file/evidence. Make sure you and your lawyer request and review the complete ESD file before your hearing! This contains all the evidence ESD used to deny your claim, including any statements from your employer. You have a legal right to see this file before your hearing. If you haven't received it yet, your lawyer should request it immediately. Reviewing it prevents any surprises during the hearing and allows you to prepare responses to any misleading information. If you win your appeal, you'll likely receive all back benefits in one lump sum, so hang in there!

I had to wait 8 weeks last year and no one helped!!!! The governor's office is useless just like ESD! I lost my apartment because of them!!!! Don't get your hopes up, they don't care about regular people AT ALL.

To update everyone in this thread - I just checked the ESD website and they're showing an average adjudication time of 5-7 weeks right now. So while technically they should process claims within 21 days, the reality is very different. Contact the governor's office, your state reps, and try using the phone services others have mentioned. Multiple approaches at once seem to work best.

its criminal how they can just demand thousands back with no warning and then take forever to process waivers!!! my friend had his tax refund seized while waiting for a waiver decision and esd said 'oops sorry' but never gave it back

Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning after calling right when they opened. They confirmed my waiver was received but said there's a 14-16 week processing time currently! The agent was able to put a temporary hold on collections for 30 days, which helps a little. She suggested I send in additional documentation about my financial hardship to strengthen my case. Going to gather more paperwork now.

Just wanted to add - make sure all your banking info is up to date in your ESD account! My friend had his waiver approved but the refund was delayed another 3 weeks because his direct deposit information had changed. If you've switched banks since you received benefits, you should definitely try to get through to ESD to update that.

Just checking in - any luck with your refund yet? I'm curious because the processing times seem to vary so much from person to person.

Update: It's been 3 days now and the status FINALLY changed from "IVR Processing" to "Pending" with a message saying they need to verify my identity. At least it's movement! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - especially about not filing a duplicate claim. I'll follow the identity verification instructions and hopefully things will progress from here.

For anyone else experiencing this issue who finds this thread later: The ESD IVR system was originally designed to handle about 2,000 calls per day, but since the 2024 aerospace industry layoffs, it's been processing upwards of 8,500 calls daily. This is why disconnections happen frequently during peak hours (10am-2pm). Best practices: 1. Call early (7:30-9am) or late (3:30-4:45pm) when volumes are lower 2. Have all your information prepared before calling 3. Use a landline if possible as cell connections can contribute to disconnections 4. If disconnected, wait 24 hours before calling again as your partial information may still be processing 5. Check your online account daily for status changes The system issues are scheduled for a major update in October 2025, which should improve these problems significantly.