ESD claim filed 4 weeks ago with no updates - can't reach anyone by phone

This is completely normal in 2025, unfortunately. ESD is STILL understaffed and overwhelmed despite them claiming they fixed everything post-pandemic. My claim took 6 weeks to process earlier this year. The trick is to keep filing weekly claims even though you aren't getting paid yet. If your claim gets approved, they'll backpay you for all the weeks you certified. The phone system is a complete joke - I tried for THREE WEEKS straight before I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually get through to an agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was seriously worth it to finally talk to someone and find out my claim had a simple identity verification flag that took the agent 5 minutes to clear.

same thing happend to me last month the system is garbage tbh

One important thing to know is that your claim might be in adjudication, which is when ESD investigates specific eligibility issues. This is very common but doesn't always show clearly in your online account. You can sometimes get more information by checking the "Notices/Letters" section in your eServices account - they occasionally send determination letters there without notifying you by email or text. Also, make sure you've completed your job search activities (3 per week) and are recording them properly, as this can hold up payments even if your claim is approved.

I was in the exact same boat last month! Try calling exactly at 7:59am right before they open at 8am. Sometimes you can get in the queue before everyone else starts calling. Also, have you checked if your former employer is contesting your claim? That happened to me and it put me into adjudication for 5 weeks with zero communication from ESD.

I experienced similar delays with my claim processing earlier this year. Here are some specific steps you can take: 1. Contact your state representative's office. They have special liaisons who can inquire about your claim status with ESD directly. I emailed mine and had a response within 48 hours. 2. If you have access to a WorkSource office nearby, go in person. Sometimes the staff there can help check on your claim status or at least give you better information than what's available online. 3. Make sure you don't have any identity verification issues. This is a very common holdup. Check if you received any secure messages requesting additional documentation. 4. Keep detailed records of all your call attempts, weekly claim filings, and job search activities. If you need to appeal or request backpay later, this documentation will be essential. The system is frustrating, but persistence usually pays off eventually.

Don't waste your time with the regular phone lines! I filed in February and couldn't get through for weeks. My claim was stuck because of an employer response issue, but I had no way of knowing. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at ESD. Their video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) shows exactly how it works. The agent I spoke with was able to see that my former employer hadn't responded to ESD's inquiry, which was holding everything up. She expedited my case and I was approved within 3 days after weeks of silence.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the ESD system is INTENTIONALLY designed to be difficult to navigate. They make it nearly impossible to reach anyone by phone because they WANT people to give up on their claims. I went through this nightmare twice and both times had to involve my state representative to get any movement. The whole system is broken beyond repair. Keep calling, keep documenting everything, and don't let them wear you down!!!

Has anyone else noticed that the estimated processing times ESD gives are complete fiction? My claim in January said "2-3 weeks" and ended up taking 7 weeks to process. My friend who filed in March was told 3-4 weeks and got approved in 10 days. There's zero consistency.

Update: I took several of your suggestions and have progress to report! I visited my local WorkSource office yesterday and they confirmed my claim is in adjudication due to "employment separation issues" - apparently my employer didn't respond to ESD's initial inquiry. The WorkSource staff couldn't fix it directly, but at least now I know what's happening. I also reached out to my state representative's office by email. Not giving up on trying to reach ESD directly. Thank you all for the help and suggestions!

That's great progress! Now that you know it's an employer response issue, you can be more specific when you do reach an ESD agent. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while this gets sorted out. The good news is that once your adjudication is complete (assuming it's decided in your favor), you'll receive all back benefits for the weeks you've claimed. One additional tip: If you can locate any documentation about your separation (layoff notice, emails, etc.), have those ready to provide if asked. This can sometimes speed up the adjudication process.