ESD adjudication timeline - does 6 week count include weeks before adjudication started?
This week marks my 4th claim week and I just got notified that my claim is now in adjudication. Everyone keeps saying 'adjudication takes 6 weeks' but I'm confused about when that clock actually starts ticking. Does the 6-week timeline start from when they put me in adjudication status, or does it include the 4 weeks I've already been claiming? In other words, am I looking at 6 more weeks from today, or just 2 more weeks because I've already been in the system for 4? My savings are getting really low and I need to plan accordingly. My mortgage payment is due soon and I'm getting anxious about this uncertainty.
15 comments


Ethan Anderson
The 6 weeks starts when they actually put u in adjudication, not when u started claiming. So if ur just now in adjudication after 4 weeks of claims, expect to wait another 6 weeks from now. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!
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Ava Kim
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. 6 MORE weeks? I don't know how I'm going to make it that long without income...
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Layla Mendes
The 6-week estimate for adjudication begins when your claim status actually changes to 'adjudication in progress.' It doesn't include the weeks you were filing before that status change. However, I should mention that the 6-week timeframe is just an average - some claims are resolved faster, some take longer. It depends on the complexity of your case and current ESD workload. The good news is that if your claim is approved, you'll receive all back payments for the weeks you've been claiming, including the 4 weeks you've already submitted plus any additional weeks during adjudication.
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Ava Kim
•Thank you for explaining. Do you know if there's any way to get them to expedite the process? I called and left messages but nobody ever calls back.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
my cousin was in adjudication for 8 weeks last year and she never got a single call back when she left messages. its crazy how they expect ppl to survive that long with no money coming in. like we're all just supposed to have 2 months of expenses saved???
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Aria Park
•THIS!!! I've been saying this forever! The whole system is designed to make people give up. They put you through adjudication HOPING you'll find a job before they have to pay you. It's all about saving the state money at OUR expense. I was in adjudication for 9 WEEKS and every time I called it was 'we'll note your account' but NOTHING HAPPENED until I contacted my state representative. Try that - it actually worked for me.
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Noah Ali
I was in the same boat back in January. Adjudication actually took about 5 weeks for me, and yes, the clock starts when they officially move your claim to adjudication status. One thing that helped me get through to ESD was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that gets you through to an actual ESD agent instead of waiting for callbacks that never happen. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 I couldn't get through for weeks, then used this and actually spoke to someone who explained what was happening with my claim. Didn't speed up the process dramatically but at least I got some peace of mind knowing what was going on.
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Ava Kim
•I've never heard of this service. Did it cost money? At this point I'd be willing to pay something if it means I can actually talk to a real person at ESD.
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Noah Ali
•Yes, there is a fee, but for me it was worth it compared to spending hours redialing and never getting through. They basically navigate the phone system and get you in the callback queue, then connect you when ESD calls back. The actual call with ESD is just between you and them - Claimyr isn't involved in the conversation part.
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Chloe Boulanger
I've worked with many unemployment claimants, and I can clarify this timeline confusion. The 6-week adjudication period starts when your claim status changes to 'adjudication in progress' - not from when you first began filing weekly claims. Here's what's important to know: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication 2. Answer any requests for information promptly (this can speed things up) 3. Check your ESD online account AND your physical mail for notices 4. If you have a financial hardship, you can request an expedited review by calling ESD and specifically mentioning the hardship (eviction risk, utilities being shut off, etc.) For most claimants, adjudication does take the full 6 weeks, but if your case is straightforward, it might resolve sooner. The current average is about 5-6 weeks, but this fluctuates with ESD's workload.
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Ava Kim
•Thank you so much for this detailed information. I didn't know about requesting an expedited review for hardship! I'll definitely call and mention that. I was planning to continue filing weekly claims but wasn't sure if that would complicate things. Good to know I should keep doing that.
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James Martinez
mine took 7 weeks back in november and i have a straightford claim!!! it's all about how backed up they are honestly. some weeks they process faster and sometimes slower. just keep filing your weekly claims and eventually it will process. sucks but thats how it is with esd
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Olivia Harris
•yep same exp here! was told 6 wks ended up being almost 9!! the system is totally broken
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Layla Mendes
One additional piece of advice - if you've been in adjudication for more than 6 weeks, you should contact the Office of the Unemployment Insurance Ombuds. They can often help get things moving if your claim has exceeded the standard timeframe. Their contact form is on the ESD website under 'Customer Service'. Also, document every attempt to contact ESD (date, time, who you spoke with if anyone). This can be helpful if you need to escalate your case later.
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Ava Kim
•I hadn't heard about the Ombuds office before. I'll definitely keep them in mind if this stretches beyond 6 weeks. I appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone. It's still frustrating to be looking at such a long wait, but at least I have a better understanding of the process now and some options to try. I'll update this thread if anything changes with my claim status.
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