For what it's worth, I've compiled some of the most helpful information from various posts (including yours) into a document about navigating common ESD issues. Things like adjudication timelines, required documentation for identity verification, and the appeals process. Would you mind if I shared it here? I've made sure to remove any personally identifiable information. I think a resource like this could help reduce some of the repetitive questions and frustrations people experience.

btw does any1 know if we still have 2 do job search activities if were on standby status? my boss says ill be back in 4 weeks but ESD website is confusing me

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm drafting a detailed statement right now that includes: - My daily availability (specific hours) - Confirmation I have my own car and valid license - Mention that I wasn't out of town or sick during that period - List of the jobs I applied for showing I was actively searching I'm going to try calling early tomorrow, but if I can't get through I'll check out that Claimyr service. Will update once I hear back from ESD!

i had a similar thing but it was cuz i was in school part time. they wanted proof my classes wouldn't interfere with work availability. i had to get a letter from my school showing class schedule. maybe theres something specific they think might be making u unavailable?? sometimes they don't tell u the real reason in the letter

To answer your question about income during adjudication - I was in limbo for those 6 weeks. No benefits while they investigated. I picked up some gig work (DoorDash, etc.) but had to report that income on my weekly claims. Once approved, I got backpay for all weeks claimed minus the partial earnings I reported. Make sure you're claiming every week even if you're in adjudication! That's super important. And be prepared that your former employer will likely contest your claim with their version of events. Stay factual in your responses.

One thing no one has mentioned yet - when you're in adjudication, an ESD adjudicator will contact both you and your employer separately to get statements. This is your chance to clearly explain the retaliation situation. Be ready for that call and have your timeline and documentation handy. They'll typically give you a scheduled time for the call. If they can't reach you during that scheduled time, it can significantly delay your claim or even result in a denial based solely on your employer's statement. So keep your phone handy and check your ESD correspondence regularly. Also - you mentioned being a single parent. Make sure to check into other assistance programs like TANF and SNAP while waiting for UI benefits to be approved.

Update: I took everyone's advice here and sent a detailed secure message with \

That's great news! The system works sometimes, just very slowly. Definitely post when you get the actual refund - it helps others to know the timeline. I've found that ESD is generally honest about these things once you can actually get their attention.

Random question but did you change banks recently? I had an issue where my payment was delayed because I had updated my bank info and it triggered some kind of security review on my account. Just thought I'd mention it!

UPDATE: My payment finally hit my account this morning! Looks like it was just holiday processing delays like many of you suggested. Thanks for helping me not completely lose my mind over this.

For responding to those ESD letters, I've found it helpful to both upload documents AND call in (if you can get through). The key is to make sure your responses are associated with the specific issue ID number on the notice. Each adjudication issue has a unique identifier, and if you don't reference it correctly, your response might not get matched up properly.

That's a great point about the issue ID number! The adjudicator mentioned that one of my uploads wasn't initially connected to my case because I hadn't referenced the specific issue number correctly. Documentation is definitely key throughout this whole process.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD! Turns out there were TWO issues: 1) They were using quarters that included my injury period, and 2) One of my union employers hadn't properly reported all my wages. The agent helped me request an alternate base year calculation AND file a wage correction. She said my benefit amount should increase substantially once these are processed. For anyone having similar issues - check both your base year AND make sure all your wages were properly reported!

so did they let u choose which quarters to use or do they just automatically use the most recent ones for alternate base year?

She had to call once because her claim was in adjudication for almost 3 weeks with no update. The agent was actually really helpful and pushed it through after verifying her documentation. Definitely call if you don't see movement after 2-3 weeks!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to file my initial claim, report my summer payments as wages, answer NO to reasonable assurance, and keep doing my job searches every week. I'll update here if I run into any issues or if I learn anything that might help others in similar situations.

ESD Unemployment Claims Specialist here. Let me clarify the escalation timeframes: 1. Standard UI claims stuck in adjudication/pending: 4 weeks minimum 2. Identity verification issues: 6 weeks minimum (due to third-party verification process) 3. Employer dispute cases: 5-6 weeks minimum (allows employer response time) 4. Benefit year-end issues: 4 weeks minimum To request escalation after the appropriate waiting period, you need to: 1. Call 833-572-8400 (prepare for wait times) 2. Submit a secure message through your eServices account specifically requesting escalation 3. Provide your claim ID number and the exact dates of all pending weekly claims Make sure you've responded to any questionnaires or information requests in your online account, as unresolved items will prevent escalation. The escalation itself typically takes 7-10 business days to process once accepted.

Quick update on my earlier comment - I just checked my records from when I went through this. I had exactly 4 weeks of claims filed when I requested escalation. The specific escalation request process was: 1. I called the main ESD number 2. Specifically used the phrase "I'd like to request an escalation for my claim that has been pending for over 4 weeks" 3. They transferred me to a claims specialist 4. The specialist verified my 4+ weeks of claims and initiated the escalation Make sure you have your claim ID and the dates of all your weekly claims handy when you call. And definitely mention the 4-week timeframe specifically - it seems to be a trigger word that gets you to the right department.

The ESD system is GARBAGE!!!! I had THREE different approval letters that all disappeared and then got a denial for no reason. Had to appeal and wait another 6 weeks!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up. KEEP FIGHTING THEM!!!!

Update us on what happens. There are a few things you can do while waiting: 1. Continue filing weekly claims without fail 2. Check your account daily for new letters or messages 3. Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open (sometimes you can get through) 4. Make sure you're completing your job search activities (3 per week) and documenting them 5. If it's been more than 3 weeks in adjudication, consider contacting your state representative The system is frustrating but hang in there - once they resolve the adjudication, they'll pay all your back weeks at once if you've been filing consistently.