ESD adjudication for performance-based termination - stuck waiting since 8/15
I got laid off due to 'not meeting targets' at my sales job, and filed for unemployment on August 2nd. Been faithfully submitting my weekly claims since then. When I filed initially, there was an upload section asking for my side of the termination story. I explained honestly that I was let go for job performance issues - couldn't hit the crazy new quotas they implemented. My claim has been sitting in adjudication since August 15th with zero movement. Has anyone dealt with performance-based terminations before? How long should I expect to wait before I get a determination? My savings are getting dangerously low and rent is coming up soon.
18 comments


QuantumQuasar
adjudication for performance issues can take 6-10 weeks sometimes. they have to contact ur employer and get their side of the story too. if theres any disagreement it takes even longer.
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Andre Dupont
•SIX to TEN weeks?! That's insane! I'll be completely broke by then. Is there any way to speed it up?
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Zoe Papanikolaou
Performance-based terminations are actually fairly common, so you're not alone. The process is taking longer than usual right now because ESD is still catching up with their backlog. They need to determine whether your performance issues were within your control or if the employer's expectations were unreasonable. Some important things to know: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims even while in adjudication 2. Make sure you're completing your 3 job search activities each week 3. If they rule in your favor, you'll get backpay for all weeks claimed 4. If your employer contests it, you might receive a questionnaire or interview request In my experience, the current wait time is 4-8 weeks, though some cases resolve faster.
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Andre Dupont
•Thank you for the detailed info! I am doing my job searches and filing every week. Do you know if there's any way to check the status beyond just seeing "adjudication in progress" on my account?
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Jamal Wilson
I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired because I 'wasn't meeting expectations' but really they just hired too many people and needed to cut staff. My adjudication took almost 7 weeks, but I eventually got approved because they determined the performance standards weren't reasonable. Keep documenting everything and stay on top of your weekly claims. You might want to upload any performance reviews you have that were positive to counter what your employer might say.
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Andre Dupont
•That's a great idea about the positive reviews. I did get decent reviews until they doubled our targets after losing a big client. I'll dig those up and upload them right away.
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Mei Lin
Has anyone else noticed that ESD seems understaffed lately??!! I've called TWENTY SEVEN times in the last two weeks and NEVER got through to a human being. Just automated messages saying 'high call volume' and then it hangs up on me! How are we supposed to get any help with our claims when they won't even pick up the phone?!? The system is completely BROKEN!
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Liam Fitzgerald
•I had the same issue with calling! Just endless busy signals or getting disconnected. I finally got through using Claimyr.com - it's this service that waits on hold for you and then calls you when they get an actual ESD agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I was skeptical but it actually worked when I needed to check on my adjudication status last month.
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Amara Nnamani
adjudication is soooooo frustrating!! mine took 9 weeks for a similar reason (performance issues). what helped me was sending a message through the eServices portal every 2 weeks asking for an update. i dont know if it actually did anything but it made me feel better lol. just make sure ur answering ur phone even if u dont recognize the number cuz they might call for a fact-finding interview. good luck!
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Giovanni Mancini
•Sending messages through eServices is pointless in my experience. I sent 12 messages during my adjudication period and got exactly ZERO responses. ESD is completely overwhelmed and understaffed. The only thing that works is getting through on the phone, which is nearly impossible unless you call literally the moment they open at 8am.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
I want to clarify something important: While performance-based terminations CAN be disqualifying, they aren't automatically denied. The key factor is whether the performance issues were within your control. If your employer significantly changed expectations or set unrealistic goals (like suddenly doubling quotas as you mentioned), that often results in approval. Also, regarding communication with ESD during adjudication: 1. The eServices message portal can work, but be very specific and include your claim ID 2. If you call, try early morning (8:00-8:30am) or late afternoon (3:30-4:00pm) for slightly better odds 3. Keep an eye on your "Notices/Letters" section daily for any time-sensitive requests
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Andre Dupont
•That's really helpful, thank you. I'm hoping they'll see that the targets were unreasonable - literally no one on my team was meeting them after they doubled. I'll try calling during those time slots, and I'm checking for notices multiple times daily. This waiting is just so stressful.
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Liam Fitzgerald
I tried that Claimyr service mentioned above when my claim was stuck in adjudication, and it actually worked. Got through to an agent who explained exactly what was holding up my claim (missing employer response) and what I could do about it. The agent was able to expedite things once I explained my financial situation. Might be worth it if you're really in a bind with rent coming up.
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Andre Dupont
•Thanks, I might have to try that. At this point I'd do just about anything to get some movement on my claim. Did the ESD agent seem annoyed that you used a service to get through instead of waiting on hold yourself?
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Liam Fitzgerald
Not at all! The agent was actually really nice. They're used to people using different methods to reach them because of how hard it is to get through. They just seemed focused on helping with my claim once I got connected.
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Andre Dupont
•That's good to know. I'm going to try calling one more time tomorrow morning right at 8am, and if that doesn't work, I'll check out that service. I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions!
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Jamal Wilson
Quick update - I just checked and my claim has been approved! Got the determination letter this morning after 6 weeks and 3 days in adjudication. They ruled that the performance standards were unreasonable since they were changed mid-quarter without proper training. All my back payments should be coming through in 48 hours. Don't give up hope!
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Andre Dupont
•That's amazing news! Congratulations! That gives me some hope since our situations sound pretty similar. I'll keep waiting (somewhat) patiently and will update this thread once I get a determination.
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