ESD adjudication timeframe for reopened claim after missed weekly filings
Hey all, I'm in a bit of a situation with my unemployment claim. I completely spaced out and missed filing several weekly claims (thanks executive dysfunction). When I tried to catch up, the system forced me to reopen my claim. I managed to get through to an ESD agent last week (10/21) who helped me submit both a 'Reopen claim for benefits' and 'Failure to reopen' filing. My online portal now shows 'Adjudication in progress' for these items. The weird thing is, I've successfully filed and gotten paid for a weekly claim SINCE this reopening process started, but I'm still anxious about those missed weeks and whether my claim will stay active. Does anyone know the typical wait time for adjudication specifically for reopened claims? I've set up calendar alerts and a whole routine now to make sure I file every week (my ADHD brain needs the structure), but I'm worried about how long this pending situation might drag on. Should I be calling ESD every week to check on this, or is that overkill? Any experiences would be super helpful!
21 comments


Keisha Williams
I went through almost the exact same thing about 2 months ago. My adjudication for reopening took about 3 weeks from start to finish. The good news is that if you're getting paid for new weekly claims, that means your claim is active again - the adjudication is just determining if you'll get those missed weeks paid retroactively. I wouldn't call every week - that's probably overkill. Maybe check in once every 10 days or so if you don't hear anything. The ESD online messages system works too, but responses can take 5-7 business days.
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PixelPioneer
•That's really reassuring to hear that your claim was active even while the missed weeks were in adjudication. 3 weeks isn't bad at all! I was worried it might be months. I'll try the message system first and then maybe call in 10 days if I don't see any updates. Thanks!
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Paolo Rizzo
adjudication can take FOREVER sometimes. mine took 8 weeks last year for missed filings!! and i called like 20 times and got different answers every time. so frustrating. good luck
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PixelPioneer
•Oh no, 8 weeks?? That's what I'm afraid of. Did you eventually get paid for those missed weeks?
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Paolo Rizzo
•yeah i did get paid but they only approved 2 of the 4 weeks i missed. said i waited too long for the others something about a time limit. def keep trying to call
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Amina Sy
The adjudication timeframe really depends on their current workload. Right now it's averaging 4-6 weeks for most types of adjudication issues. The fact that you're still receiving benefits for current weeks is a good sign - it means your claim is active despite the pending adjudication. Regarding those missed weeks, here's what you should know: 1. There's a limit on how far back they'll pay missed weeks (typically no more than 4 weeks) 2. You'll need to prove "good cause" for missing those filings - medical issues including documented ADHD can sometimes qualify 3. The "Failure to reopen" issue is standard procedure when manually reopening a claim I'd recommend calling only if you hit the 6-week mark with no updates. Be sure to continue filing your weekly claims on time while you wait.
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PixelPioneer
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I think I only missed 3 weeks, so hopefully I'm within that 4-week limit. And yes, I've definitely learned my lesson about consistent filing - I've set up multiple reminders and a Sunday filing routine.
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Oliver Fischer
Getting through to ESD is the hardest part!! I had to wait on hold for 4+ hours multiple times during my adjudication process. After trying for weeks, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me SO much time and frustration. There's a demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Seriously worth it for peace of mind.
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Natasha Ivanova
•I've heard of this service but wasn't sure if it was legit. Has anyone else tried it? I'm in adjudication too and would do anything to avoid those 3+ hour hold times.
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PixelPioneer
•Thanks for the recommendation! I might try this if I end up needing to call back. The one time I got through, I just got lucky after only about 45 minutes on hold, but I've heard horror stories about multi-hour waits.
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Oliver Fischer
•@profile3 Yes it's totally legit - I was skeptical too but it worked perfectly for me. They just hold your place in line and call you when it's your turn. Saved me from having to stay glued to my phone all day.
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NebulaNomad
Listen, the ESD system is BROKEN!!! I waited 11 WEEKS for my adjudication last year!!! And they expect us to just sit around with no money while they take their sweet time?? It's ridiculous. The whole system is designed to make you give up. DON'T give up!! Call them every few days and keep detailed notes of who you talk to and what they say. Half the time the agents don't even know their own rules!!!
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Javier Garcia
•This is a bit dramatic... most adjudications don't take 11 weeks. The average is more like 3-5 weeks in my experience. Calling every few days is just going to clog up the phone lines and make it harder for everyone to get through.
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NebulaNomad
•Maybe YOU got lucky but everyone I know has had problems. And yes you SHOULD call because otherwise they just let your claim sit there forever. I've had them "lose" my documents twice!
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Emma Taylor
i have adhd too and missed filings are the worst. what helps me is i set an alarm for every sunday at 2pm and dont dismiss it until im actually on the website filing. also wrote it on my bathroom mirror lol. for the adjudication my experience was about 4 weeks wait time.
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PixelPioneer
•The bathroom mirror idea is brilliant! I might steal that. I've set up calendar alerts and a recurring task in my task manager app, but having a physical reminder would be even better. 4 weeks seems to be about average from what everyone's saying, so I'll try to be patient.
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Natasha Ivanova
One thing to be aware of - make sure you can document why you missed those filings. When I went through adjudication for missed weeks, they asked for evidence of why I missed filing. I had medical documentation which helped my case. Do you have anything from a doctor about your ADHD? That might help if they ask for proof of 'good cause' for missing the filings. Just something to have ready.
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PixelPioneer
•That's really good advice. I do have documentation from my psychiatrist about my ADHD diagnosis and treatment plan. I'll make sure I have it ready if they request it. Did you have to upload the documentation somewhere or just have it ready when they called?
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Natasha Ivanova
•In my case, they called me for an interview and then sent a secure link where I could upload the documents afterward. Having everything ready definitely sped up the process.
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Javier Garcia
I know waiting for adjudication is stressful but theres som good news in your situation. If youre still able to file and get paid for current weeks, that means your claim is active and in good standing overall. The adjudication is just for those specific missed weeks. In my experience with a similar situation, it took about 25 days for the adjudication to complete. Just keep filing on time while you wait!
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PixelPioneer
•Thank you - that's really reassuring! I'll definitely keep up with my current claims and try not to stress too much about the adjudication.
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