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Adjudicator's decision timeline after employer responds to ESD claim?

Just got a call from my case worker saying my former employer finally responded to my unemployment claim (took them almost 3 weeks!). I sent in my response to their statements yesterday through eServices. Now I'm wondering what happens next in this process? Does the adjudicator make the final decision now, or are there more steps? Anyone know how long it typically takes for them to make a determination after both sides have responded? Getting really anxious because I'm on week 5 of no income and my savings are almost gone.

Dmitry Volkov

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Yes, the adjudicator will now review both responses and make a determination. They're looking at the facts from both sides to decide if you qualify for benefits according to state law. Once they make a determination, you'll get a notice in your eServices account and by mail. The timeline can vary - I've seen it take anywhere from 2-10 business days after both parties respond.

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Sofia Martinez

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Thank you! That's helpful to know. Do you think I should call ESD to check on the status or just wait patiently? I'm worried about doing anything that might slow down the process.

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Ava Thompson

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i went thru this in january... waited FOREVER and then found out my adjudicator was on vacation for 2 weeks LOL. seriously tho, dont just wait. call them and keep bugging them or youll be waiting til 2026!!

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CyberSiren

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THIS! Same thing happened with me back in February. My claim sat there for 6 WEEKS and no one bothered to tell me my adjudicator quit and they hadn't reassigned my case! The whole system is designed to make people give up.

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Miguel Alvarez

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To answer your question directly: Yes, the adjudicator makes the decision based on the information provided by both parties. They may also request additional information if needed, which can extend the timeline. There are a few important things to know: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims during this waiting period 2. Check your eServices account daily for any requests for information 3. The decision will appear as a "Determination Letter" in your eServices account 4. If approved, payment typically processes within 48 hours of the determination 5. If denied, you have 30 days to file an appeal In my experience as an employment counselor, most adjudication decisions come through within 7-10 business days after both parties have responded, assuming there's no need for additional information.

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Sofia Martinez

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This is extremely helpful, thank you! I have been filing my weekly claims religiously. If I do get approved, will they pay me for all the weeks I've been filing while waiting?

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Miguel Alvarez

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Yes, if your claim is approved, you'll receive backpay for all eligible weeks you've filed while waiting for the determination, assuming you met all requirements for those weeks (job search activities, able and available for work, etc.).

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Zainab Yusuf

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my neibor got ajudication for 8 weeks and when they aproved him they only gave him 6 weeks backpay cuz they said he didnt do enuf job searchs for 2 weeks... make sure u have 3 activities EVERY week documented!!

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Connor O'Reilly

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I actually just went through this exact situation last month! After both sides responded, it took exactly 8 business days for the adjudicator to make a determination in my case. One thing I recommend - check your spam folder daily too. For some weird reason, ESD sent me an important email requesting additional clarification, but it went to spam and I almost missed the 48-hour deadline to respond.

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Sofia Martinez

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That's such a good tip about checking spam! I just looked and found TWO emails from ESD in there from last week. Nothing urgent thankfully, just general updates, but I definitely need to whitelist their email address. Thank you!

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Yara Khoury

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Wait I'm confused... are we talking about regular UI adjudication or the special adjudication for standby status? Cause those are completely different things and the timelines are not the same at all. I was on standby last year because my employer told ESD I was getting rehired within 8 weeks but then they never did, and that whole process was a nightmare to figure out.

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Dmitry Volkov

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The OP is talking about regular UI adjudication, not standby status. Standby is a specific status where you're temporarily laid off with an expected return date and don't have to do job searches. This sounds like a standard unemployment claim where the employer has contested something (likely the reason for separation) and the adjudicator needs to determine eligibility.

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Sofia Martinez

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UPDATE: Just got my determination letter today! It took 6 business days after my employer and I both responded. I was approved! The adjudicator found that I was laid off due to lack of work despite my employer trying to claim I quit. All my backpay should be coming in the next few days. Thanks for everyone's advice and support during this stressful time!

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Ava Thompson

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congrats!!! thats actually pretty fast for ESD lol

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