Can I get ESD benefits after being let go from 2 jobs in same year? Need quick approval answer
Hi everyone, I'm in a tough spot and trying to figure out if applying for unemployment is even worth my time. I was let go from my job back in April after working there for a year. Honestly, I was pretty burnt out so I took a few months off to focus on my mental health (definitely needed it). Started a new job in August, but just got let go again because they're "not very busy" according to management. I've been applying for jobs every single day with zero luck so far. My big worry is - will ESD even approve my claim with this history? I'm concerned both former employers will contest it. I've heard horror stories about people waiting months in adjudication limbo, and I honestly can't afford to waste time on paperwork if there's no chance of approval. Has anyone been in a similar situation with two job losses in one year? Did you get approved? How long did it take? Thanks in advance for any insights.
17 comments


Fatima Al-Hashimi
The real question is why did they let you go from both jobs? If you were fired for misconduct, then no, you probably won't get benefits. But if you were laid off due to lack of work both times, then yes you should qualify. They dont care that you took time off between jobs.
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Giovanni Conti
•The first job said it was due to "performance issues" but honestly I think they were just cutting staff. The second one definitely said it was because business was slow and they couldn't keep everyone on. So maybe there's hope for the second job period at least?
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NeonNova
You should absolutely apply right away. Here's why: 1. The qualification is based on your base year earnings, which would include that first job if you worked there long enough 2. For your most recent employment, being let go due to "not busy" is basically a lack of work situation, which typically qualifies for benefits 3. Even if your first employer contests, your second employer's reason (lack of work) is usually qualifying 4. You won't know if you qualify until you apply - the system is designed so you have to apply first Don't wait! The application date affects when your benefits can start. And make sure to be 100% honest about both separations. The "performance issues" from the first job might need explanation, but the lack of work from the second job sounds qualifying.
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Dylan Campbell
•this is BS advice, ESD will put them in adjudication forever. I got let go from 2 jobs last year and waited 14 weeks!!!! They investigate EVERYTHING and if the first employer says performance issues they'll deny benefits. system is rigged
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Sofia Hernandez
I had a somewhat similar situation last year. Got laid off in March, found new job in June, then that company had cutbacks in September. My first employer didn't contest but the second one did (even though they told me it was budget cuts!). It took about 5 weeks in adjudication to get approved. The key thing was documenting EVERYTHING. Save any emails about the layoff, especially if they mention business being slow. When you apply, be very specific that you were laid off due to lack of work at the second job. And definitely apply ASAP. You can always appeal if denied, but you can't get back the weeks you didn't apply for.
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Giovanni Conti
•Thank you! I do have the text messages from my manager at the second job saying they had to let people go because they didn't have enough work. Hopefully that helps my case. Did you have to do a phone interview during adjudication?
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
u should just apply anyway. worst they can say is no lol. but yeah being laid off for no work is usually fine for getting benefits. the gap between jobs doesnt matter as much as why u left each one. good luck!!
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Ava Thompson
I work as an employment counselor and can tell you that the main factor ESD looks at is WHY your employment ended, not how many jobs you've had. Based on what you've shared: 1. First job: If they claim performance issues, this might be contested. However, if you can demonstrate these were not misconduct but simply not meeting expectations, you may still qualify. There's a difference between misconduct and performance issues. 2. Second job: Being let go due to lack of work is a qualifying separation. Make sure you use that exact phrase in your application. My suggestion is to apply immediately and be honest about everything. You'll likely go through adjudication where both employers will be contacted. This can take 3-6 weeks currently, but if approved, benefits are retroactive to your application date. Don't forget the job search requirements - you'll need to document at least 3 job search activities each week while claiming.
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Giovanni Conti
•Thank you! This is super helpful. I'll apply today and make sure to clearly explain both separations. I'm already doing way more than 3 job applications per week so that part should be easy.
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Miguel Ramos
One thing nobody mentioned - when I was in adjudication trying to reach someone at ESD was IMPOSSIBLE!!! I'd call 50+ times and couldn't get through. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It really helped because I was able to explain my situation directly to someone instead of waiting weeks for them to call me. The agent was able to see my file and tell me what additional info they needed to process my claim faster.
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Giovanni Conti
•That's good to know! I'll bookmark that in case I need it. The ESD phone system is notoriously bad from what friends have told me.
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
I think everyone here is being WAY too optimistic. My cousin got fired for "performance" last year and ESD denied him because the employer said he wasn't meeting standards. ESD almost ALWAYS sides with the employer on those cases. The second job might qualify but they'll probably deny the whole thing because of the first job.
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NeonNova
•This isn't accurate. Each job separation is evaluated separately. If the most recent separation (the second job) was due to lack of work, that's typically qualifying regardless of previous separations. While the first job's separation might be questionable, OP should absolutely apply. The worst outcome is denial, which can be appealed. The best outcome is receiving benefits they're entitled to.
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Dylan Campbell
APPLY NOW!!! if u wait ur only hurting urself!! even if it takes long to get approved theyll backpay to when u first applied. dont listen to ppl saying u wont get it, nobody here knows ur exact situation. its FREE to apply so why not do it????
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Giovanni Conti
•You're right - there's no real downside to applying! Just submitted my application today. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Ava Thompson
One important detail to remember: when you file your weekly claims while waiting for a decision, make sure you accurately report any job search activities. ESD has become stricter about verifying these, and you need at least 3 qualifying activities each week. Keep detailed records including company names, contact information, job titles, and application methods. This will save you headaches later if they audit your job search activities.
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Giovanni Conti
•I've started keeping a spreadsheet of all my applications already, so I'll just continue with that. Is there a specific format ESD prefers for logging job search activities?
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