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ESD claim shows disqualified status after filing - how to fix this error?

I just filed a new unemployment claim with ESD last week and was so sure I did everything right. Filled out all the employment history, answered all the questions honestly, uploaded my ID documents... but when I checked my account today, it says I'm DISQUALIFIED! No explanation, just that status showing on my claim. I'm freaking out because I really need these benefits. Did I accidentally hit a wrong option somewhere? Has anyone else had their claim suddenly show as disqualified? Is there a way to appeal this or get it fixed quickly? I can't afford to wait weeks for this to get sorted out.

Fatima Al-Farsi

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yep this happens all the time with esd. theres like 100 questions and if u mess up just 1 ur screwed. check ur notices tab to see if they sent u a letter explaining why

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Giovanni Greco

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I just checked the notices tab and there's nothing there yet! Just the disqualified status with no explanation. Should I wait for something to show up or try to call them now?

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Dylan Wright

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The disqualification could be due to several common reasons: 1. Separation reason issues (if the system flagged your job separation as potentially being a quit or termination) 2. Able and available questions (if you indicated limited availability for work) 3. Wage/hours reporting discrepancies 4. Identity verification issues You need to call ESD directly and ask why specifically your claim was disqualified. While waiting, also check if you received a determination letter in regular mail (sometimes these don't show up in the online portal right away). You have 30 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal.

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Giovanni Greco

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Thank you for the detailed explanation! I think it might be #1 - I left my job because they reduced my hours by 60%, but maybe I didn't explain that clearly enough? I'm going to try calling tomorrow.

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Sofia Torres

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I had EXACTLY the same problem last month and it was maddening! Turned out I checked "No" on the question about being able to work all days/shifts because I have childcare limitations on weekends. That single answer triggered an automatic disqualification. I had to file an appeal explaining I'm available for full-time work Monday-Friday, which is standard in my industry. The most frustrating part was trying to call ESD. I spent DAYS getting busy signals and disconnects. Seriously thought I was going to lose my mind.

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OMG this same thing happened to me!!! I checked no on that question bc I can't work nights (medical reasons) and they disqualified me too. So stupid how the system works. Did your appeal work out??

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Sofia Torres

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Yes, my appeal was approved after about 3 weeks, but it was stressful waiting. Make sure you're super specific about what shifts/hours you CAN work in your appeal letter. Just saying you have limitations isn't enough - you need to show you're still available for full-time work during substantial hours of the week.

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Dmitry Smirnov

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After spending three hours getting hung up on by the ESD phone system last week, I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Saved me from pulling my hair out! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with fixed my issue immediately - turned out my employer had reported different wage information than what I entered. These disqualification issues are usually fixable if you can just talk to someone!

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Ava Rodriguez

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i heard about this too but was worried it was some kinda scam. u really got thru to ESD with it?

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Dmitry Smirnov

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Yes, it worked for me! I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after days of trying to get through. The service just helps you bypass the phone queue - you're still talking directly to actual ESD agents who can access your claim.

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Miguel Diaz

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Friendly reminder: Regardless of why you're disqualified, you should CONTINUE FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS while you're trying to resolve this! Many people stop filing once they see a disqualification, but if you win your appeal or get the issue fixed, ESD can only pay you for weeks you've properly claimed. Also, check your correspondence/notices in eServices daily, as some notices require response within specific timeframes. For the reduced hours situation: Make sure you specify this was a "substantial reduction in hours" (that's the specific terminology ESD uses) when you talk to them. Hours reduction of more than 25% typically qualifies you for benefits as long as your earnings are below your weekly benefit amount.

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Giovanni Greco

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This is SUPER helpful, thank you! I definitely wouldn't have thought to keep filing weekly claims while being disqualified. And I'll make sure to use the exact "substantial reduction in hours" language when I get someone on the phone.

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Zainab Ahmed

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THE WHOLE ESD SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They DELIBERATELY make it confusing so people get disqualified for tiny mistakes. I got disqualified for answering honestly about a job interview I had that didn't work out. They said I "failed to accept suitable work" even though I never got a job offer!!! Been fighting for 6 WEEKS to get it fixed and still nothing. Good luck getting through to anyone who actually cares.

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Dylan Wright

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While the system can be frustrating, disqualifications for "failing to accept suitable work" usually require that you were actually offered a position. If you weren't offered the job, you should definitely appeal with documentation showing you only interviewed. Appeals for this reason have a fairly high success rate when the facts are clear.

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Zainab Ahmed

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I DID appeal and uploaded my email showing I was just thanking them for the interview! Still waiting for someone to actually READ it after 6 weeks! Meanwhile I'm about to be evicted. The whole system is designed to make people give up.

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Giovanni Greco

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UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent said I was disqualified because I accidentally marked that I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off due to reduced hours (I misunderstood the question). She said they're sending me a form to fill out explaining the circumstances, and once I return it, they'll review my case again. She said this happens ALL THE TIME and told me to keep filing my weekly claims like someone here suggested. Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about continuing to file weekly claims while this gets sorted out!

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Miguel Diaz

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Great news! For anyone reading this in the future: that form is likely the "Fact-Finding" form for separation issues. Complete it ASAP with clear, specific details about your job ending. Be sure to explain that your hours were reduced by a specific percentage (mention the exact percentage), making it impossible to earn sufficient income. Also mention any attempts to resolve the situation with your employer before leaving. Keep all documentation from your employer showing the hours reduction.

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Giovanni Greco

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Yes, that's exactly what it is - a Fact-Finding form! The agent said to include any documentation showing my hours were reduced. Thankfully I saved the email from my boss explaining the reduction. I'll get this submitted tomorrow. This whole process is way more complicated than I expected!

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