ESD adjudication dragging on for 3+ weeks - normal timeline or problem?

3 weeks is unfortunately not that unusual these days. ESD is reeeeally backed up, especially for contested claims. When my boss fought my claim last year, I was in adjudication for almost 2 months! I almost lost my mind waiting.\n\nTry calling right when they open at 8am. Like literally start dialing at 7:59. That's how I finally got through.

2 MONTHS?? I can't survive that long without income. This is insane. I've tried calling at opening multiple times but it just says \

yeah thats normal dont worry but keep filing ur weekly claims while u wait! even if u dont get paid now they'll back pay u once approved

Thanks, I've been filing weekly claims but wasn't 100% sure that was right. At least I'll hopefully get backpay.

Three weeks is within the normal timeframe for adjudication, especially for contested claims where your former employer is disputing your eligibility. The current average is 4-6 weeks for standard adjudications, though some cases are resolved faster.\n\nTwo important things to do while waiting:\n\n1. Continue filing your weekly claims without fail, so if your claim is approved, you'll receive all back payments.\n\n2. Make sure you've submitted all requested documentation. Check your secure message center in eServices to see if there are any information requests you might have missed.\n\nIf it extends beyond 6 weeks, that's when you should start exploring additional options for getting your claim prioritized.

Thank you for the detailed response! I've been checking messages daily and haven't missed any requests. I guess I just need to keep waiting and hope it doesn't go beyond 6 weeks. The uncertainty is the worst part.

The whole system is RIGGED to make people give up! They DELIBERATELY make you wait hoping you'll just stop filing. I was in \

this is so true they did the same to my cousin making him wait forever and asking for like a million documents

While frustration is understandable, there's no evidence the system is deliberately designed to make people give up. Extended wait times are typically due to high claim volume and staffing limitations. That said, contacting your state representative can sometimes help with severely delayed claims.

I went through adjudication last month after my healthcare job ended. Here's what worked for me after waiting for 4 weeks with no movement:\n\nI used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent directly. They have a system that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works.\n\nThe agent I spoke with was able to see that my case hadn't been assigned to an adjudicator yet, and she escalated it. Got a decision (approval) within 3 days after that call. Sometimes you just need to get someone to look at your file.

Thank you for the suggestion! I hadn't heard of Claimyr before. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some movement on my claim. I'll check out that video.

my adjudication took 5 weeks in january so yeah probably normal? but also depends on what type of issue they're investigating. what does your eServices account show for the issue? is it separation-related or something else?

It just says \

ok yeah thats definitely because your employer contested it. those always take longer because they have to investigate both sides of what happened. might be another 2-3 weeks honestly

I actually work in HR and deal with unemployment claims frequently from the employer side. When we contest a claim, I can tell you that ESD typically takes 4-6 weeks to resolve the adjudication. The adjudicator has to: \n\n1. Review all statements from both parties\n2. Possibly schedule and conduct phone interviews with both you and your former employer\n3. Evaluate any documentation submitted by either side\n4. Make a determination based on employment law\n\nYour case about reduced hours leading to you giving notice is very common. Make sure you have documentation of your schedule changes if possible, as that will strengthen your case significantly. \n\nAlso, just to clarify something I've seen mentioned - even if your former employer contests your claim, they don't have the power to deny your benefits. Only ESD can make that determination. Many claims that employers contest still get approved.

Thank you for explaining the process! I do have screenshots of my work schedule showing how they gradually reduced my hours over about a month. I submitted those with my initial claim, but I haven't had any interview scheduled yet. Is that unusual? Shouldn't they be talking to both me and my former employer?

Not necessarily. If your documentation and initial statement are clear enough, they might not need an interview. They may have already spoken with your employer or determined they have enough information. ESD doesn't always conduct interviews for every case, especially if the documentation is strong. The screenshots of your reduced hours are exactly the kind of evidence that strengthens your case.

My sister just went through adjudication last month and it took almost exactly 4 weeks. But she had a completely different issue (something about missing job search activities) so I don't know if that's relevant to you. I just remember her complaining about how long it was taking lol.

Has anyone actually received a decision after EXACTLY 21 days? I swear I've heard a rumor that 21 days is some kind of internal ESD deadline for adjudication cases, but then they almost always go over it...

While ESD does have internal processing goals, there's no strict 21-day rule. Some simple adjudications are resolved within 1-2 weeks, while more complex cases (especially those involving employer disputes) typically take 4-6 weeks in the current environment. Case assignment and processing depends on current workload, staffing, and the complexity of the issue being adjudicated.

UPDATE: Just wanted to share that I tried the Claimyr service that someone suggested here, and I actually got through to an ESD rep! They told me my case was assigned to an adjudicator last week and is

That's great news! At least now you know it's in process and not just sitting forgotten in some digital pile. When you get that peace of mind that your claim is actually being worked on, it makes the waiting a little easier. Hope you get your approval soon!