ESD claim shows 'active' with max weekly benefit - how long until actual payment?

Active status is definitely a good sign! Generally, if a claim shows as active with benefit amount already calculated, you're looking at 1-2 weeks for the first payment, assuming he files his weekly claims properly. The system often processes faster for people who've had previous claims because their wage info is already in the system. As for PFML vs UI - they're really for different situations. UI is for when you're able and available to work but unemployed, while PFML is for when you need time off for medical/family reasons. If he qualifies for both, UI typically processes faster. PFML applications are taking around 2-3 weeks right now from what I've seen.

my claim went active last month and it took 9 days to get first payment. make sure he does the weekly claim thing every single week even if no payment yet!!! thats super important

The timeline really depends on whether there are any issues that trigger adjudication. If everything is clean and there's no employer dispute, you should see payment within 7-10 days after filing the first weekly claim. Regarding backdating: ESD can backdate claims up to 4 weeks, but he'll need to contact them directly to request this. It's not automatic. He'll need to explain why he didn't file immediately after separation. As for PFML vs UI - they serve entirely different purposes. PFML requires medical certification and is for when you cannot work due to your own serious health condition or to care for a family member. If he's simply unemployed, UI is the appropriate program. Trying to switch between them without proper qualification could actually delay things further.

Good luck calling ESD about backdating! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through to them about my claim issues. Their phone lines are ALWAYS jammed and they disconnect you after waiting for an hour!!! It's absolutely RIDICULOUS how they expect people to contact them when it's literally IMPOSSIBLE to reach a human being there. The system is BROKEN!!!

I had a similar situation last month where my claim went active right away. After my first weekly claim, it took about 10 days to see the money in my account. I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an ESD agent directly. It costs a bit but saved me hours of frustration trying to get through on my own. The agent I spoke with was able to process my backdating request on the spot. Check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - their website is claimyr.com. Seriously made the whole process so much easier, especially when dealing with backdating requests which can be tricky to handle through the online system alone.

Wait, can you even get UI and PFML at the same time? I thought that was illegal or something. Like double-dipping benefits? Someone told me you have to choose one or the other.

By the way, I had to contact them about backdating because I was in the hospital when I lost my job and couldn't file right away. Make sure your fiancé has documentation showing WHY he didn't file immediately. They rejected my first backdating request because I didn't provide enough proof! So frustrating!

dose he have his eServices account all set up?? thats where youll see the money coming. also check if he needs to do that ID.me thing. my brother got stuck on that part for like a week

One more thing to be aware of - if his claim shows active but doesn't reflect his most recent employment, he might need to call and have them add missing wages. This is especially important if he worked for a different employer since his last claim. The system sometimes doesn't automatically pick up all employers. If the wages and benefit amount look correct based on his recent work history, then you're probably good to go and just need to wait for processing.

Just went through this same process in January! My claim also showed active immediately with the benefit amount calculated. I got my first payment exactly 8 days after filing my first weekly claim. One tip - make sure he's checking his eServices account regularly for any messages or requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll ask for clarification on something and if you miss it, it can delay the whole process. Also, since he's had previous claims, the system should have most of his info already which definitely speeds things up. Just keep filing those weekly claims on time every week - that's the most important thing right now!