ESD application submitted in November 2025 - still pending after 2 months?

I applied on November 3rd and just got approved last week, so about 8 weeks total. There was zero communication during that time except one automated email asking me to verify my identity through ID.me. Did you check your spam folder? They might have sent you verification requests that you missed. Also, make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even while pending - that tripped me up at first.

applied in december still waiting its been 6 weeks no updates just says pending... this is my first time filing so idk if thats normal but seems crazy long. can barely pay rent at this point

Current processing times are definitely longer than normal due to the seasonal layoff surge. ESD is currently processing applications from November-December in about 7-9 weeks on average. However, if your claim has any issues that require adjudication (like employer contest, work history verification, or voluntary quit determination), it can take 10-12 weeks. A few recommendations: 1. Check your ESD online account for any alerts or "pending issues" - these often don't trigger notifications but can show why you're delayed 2. Look at the "Notifications" tab for any correspondence requiring action 3. Verify that your last employer is correctly listed and has responded to ESD's inquiry 4. If you previously collected unemployment in the past 12 months, the system sometimes flags this for manual review 5. Keep filing those weekly claims - they'll back-pay approved weeks once your claim processes If you've verified all the above and are still stuck, you might need to speak with an agent to identify the specific hold-up on your claim.

I know how frustrating the waiting game is! Applied Oct 29 and got approved Jan 16, so about 11 weeks for me. What finally worked was sending a secure message every single week asking for a status update. Eventually someone actually responded and my claim moved forward the next day. Keep being persistent!

After waiting 7 weeks with ZERO response from ESD, I was completely desperate. I finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) after seeing it mentioned here. They got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for WEEKS with no success. The agent found that my claim had been flagged for a previous employer verification that never got resolved. She fixed it on the spot and my claim was approved 3 days later. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Seriously worth it when you're at your wit's end. Just having someone tell me exactly why my claim was held up made a huge difference.

The ESD is a JOKE!!!! Honestly they expect us to wait MONTHS while bills pile up?? What planet are they living on where people can just not have income for 8-12 weeks?? The system is BROKEN and nobody seems to care!!!

Something to check - have you verified if your claim might be in adjudication? Sometimes the system shows "pending" but it's actually in adjudication, which is a specific review process. If that's the case, you might need different steps to resolve it. To check, log into your eServices account, go to your dashboard, and look for any messages about "fact-finding" or "adjudication" in your notices. Also check if there's an "Upload Documents" option that might be waiting for you to provide information.

After speaking with an ESD agent yesterday (finally!), I learned something important that might help others. Apparently, the recent system update in December 2025 has created a backlog specifically for claims filed in November-December. The agent told me they're prioritizing claims based on financial hardship now. If you're facing imminent eviction, utility shutoffs, or other severe financial hardships, you should: 1. Send a secure message with the subject line "HARDSHIP REQUEST - [your claim ID]" 2. Specifically detail the hardship you're facing and any deadlines 3. Attach documentation if possible (eviction notice, utility shutoff notice, etc.) The agent said these are being reviewed within 3-5 business days and can expedite your claim if your situation is severe enough. Hope this helps someone!

my friend applied back in october and just got approved last week so looks like theyre SUPER behind right now. hang in there man

UPDATE: For anyone following this thread, ESD just published an official notice on their website about current processing times. They've acknowledged the delays and stated they're currently working through November applications, with most December applications expected to be processed by the end of February. They've also temporarily added 45 additional claims processors to address the backlog. If your claim has been pending for more than 8 weeks with no issues identified, they recommend submitting a claim escalation request through your eServices secure message center.