ESD adjudication updated date after answering questionnaire - how much longer to wait?

Ugh this happened to me back in Feburary. I answered their questions right away (like literally within an hour) and my adjudication date updated but then nothing happened for almost three weeks. So annoying! And then they had MORE questions after that. The whole thing took over 6 weeks for me.

The updated adjudication date is actually a good sign - it means your case is being actively reviewed. Typically after you respond to questionnaires, an ESD adjudicator needs to review your answers, possibly verify information with your employer, and then make a determination. This process can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks, depending on their current workload and the complexity of your case. The new date you're seeing is likely when they've assigned someone to review your responses. Keep checking your online account daily and make sure you continue filing your weekly claims during this waiting period, even though they're in adjudication status.

I went through something similar in January 2025. After I answered their questions, my adjudication date updated and then I waited about 10 days before getting a decision. What helped me was calling ESD directly to check on my claim status. I know their phone lines are impossible to get through, but I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an ESD agent. It saved me hours of redial hell, and the agent was able to tell me exactly where my claim was in the process and gave me a timeframe for resolution. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Just knowing what was happening with my claim reduced my stress level significantly.

WHY does ESD make everything SO COMPLICATED??? The fact that they just update a date with ZERO explanation is SO typical of them. They keep people hanging for WEEKS with no income and expect us to just deal with it. I had THREE different adjudication periods last year and each one was a complete nightmare. They asked for documents I'd already submitted TWICE. The system is BROKEN.

my adjudcation took 2 weeks after i answered their questions

To answer your follow-up question - beyond checking your online account, you can also check your correspondence inbox for any notices, and make sure you're checking both your email and physical mail regularly. ESD sometimes sends notices through one method but not the other. If your financial situation is critical with rent coming due, you might want to look into emergency assistance options while waiting. Many counties have rental assistance programs specifically designed for situations like this. Some local WorkSource offices can also direct you to emergency funds while your unemployment claim is being processed.

Based on recent patterns, the timing really depends on what kind of issue triggered your adjudication. If it's something simple like verifying your last day of work, it might be resolved in 1-2 weeks. If it involves employer disputes about your separation reason or eligibility questions, it can take 3-4 weeks or longer. Also worth noting that when you responded to their questions, your claim was likely moved from one queue to another, which explains the date update. I recommend continuing to check your online account daily and continuing to file your weekly claims on time. When a decision is made, you'll usually see a notification in your online account before you receive official correspondence.

Has anyone tried contacting their state representative? My friend did that when her claim was stuck in adjudication for like 2 months and suddenly ESD called her within 3 days of her contacting the rep's office.

UPDATE: I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended and actually got through to ESD! The agent told me that my claim is currently assigned to an adjudicator and they're aiming to have decisions made within 10-14 days from when they receive responses to questionnaires. She said my case looks straightforward and I should hopefully hear something by the end of next week. Such a relief to at least know what's happening!