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Evelyn Kelly

ESD claim status changed from 'pending issue' to just 'pending' after 4 weeks - good sign?

I've been stuck in ESD limbo for almost a month now. My claim initially showed 'pending issue' for about 3 weeks, but I just checked today and now it only says 'pending' without the 'issue' part. Does anyone know if this means they've resolved whatever the problem was? I'm starting to stress about bills since I haven't received any payments yet. My last employer was in healthcare and I left voluntarily (with notice) due to scheduling conflicts with my classes. I've been submitting my weekly claims religiously and doing all the required job search activities. Just wondering if this status change is progress or just more waiting... My anxiety is through the roof!

Paloma Clark

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same thing happened to me last month! went from pending issue to just pending then got approved like 3 days later. hang in there!

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Evelyn Kelly

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That's reassuring! Did you do anything to make it happen? Call anyone or submit extra documentation? Or did it just randomly change?

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Heather Tyson

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The change from 'pending issue' to 'pending' usually indicates that one level of review has been completed, but your claim is still being processed. It's generally a positive sign, but doesn't guarantee immediate payment. Since you mentioned voluntary separation, that often triggers adjudication. Healthcare positions sometimes have different considerations when it comes to 'good cause' for leaving, especially if it involves education that would advance your career in that field. I would recommend checking if there are any new 'Upload Documents' requests in your eServices portal. Sometimes the status changes but they need additional verification that isn't clearly communicated.

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Evelyn Kelly

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Thanks for explaining! I just checked and don't see any document requests. I uploaded my resignation letter and class schedule when I first filed, hoping that would help. Do you know how much longer 'pending' typically takes after moving from 'pending issue'?

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Raul Neal

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my claim got stuck 4 MONTHS last year!!! the esd system is garbage, they probably lost your paperwork or something. you need to call them ASAP and don't take no for an answer!!!!!

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Jenna Sloan

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While I understand your frustration with ESD, four months is definitely not the norm. Most adjudications are completed within 4-8 weeks, especially for straightforward cases. The change from "pending issue" to "pending" does suggest movement in the system. The delay is likely due to the specific circumstances around voluntary separation, which requires more thorough review. Calling can help, but remember that claims are processed in order, and calling repeatedly typically won't change your place in line unless there's an actual error or your claim has exceeded the normal processing timeframe.

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I've helped quite a few people navigate this exact situation. The status change from "pending issue" to just "pending" typically means they've completed the initial review of your separation circumstances and now your claim is in the general processing queue. Since you left voluntarily for education reasons, they're likely evaluating whether your situation meets the "good cause" criteria for voluntary quits. The standard waiting period after this status change is approximately 7-14 days, but it can vary based on current claim volume. Two things that might help speed things up: 1. Check your Notices/Letters section in eServices - sometimes they send questions or requests that don't trigger an obvious alert 2. If it goes beyond 6 weeks total (from initial filing), you should definitely contact them directly as that exceeds their normal processing timeframe And do continue filing your weekly claims during this period, as those will be processed retroactively once your main claim is approved.

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Evelyn Kelly

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Thank you for the detailed explanation! I've been filing weekly claims consistently and will keep doing so. I checked the Notices section and don't see anything new there. I'm at 4 weeks total now, so I'll give it another 2 weeks before trying to contact them. Do you know what evidence they typically look for to determine "good cause" for education-related quits?

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Sasha Reese

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Have you tried calling them? I spent 3 weeks trying to get through the phone lines with no luck, constantly getting the "call volume too high" message. I finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an ESD agent in less than an hour. They were able to tell me exactly what was happening with my claim and what I needed to do to get it moving again. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it when you're stuck in pending purgatory!

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Raul Neal

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is that a real thing?? sounds sketchy to me

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Jenna Sloan

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To provide some clarity on the "good cause" evaluation for education-related voluntary quits: ESD typically looks for evidence that: 1. The job genuinely conflicted with your established class schedule 2. You attempted to resolve the conflict with your employer before quitting 3. The education is career-related or part of an established degree program The fact that your status changed from "pending issue" to "pending" suggests they may have received verification from your employer confirming your stated reason for separation. When you left healthcare for education purposes, this actually works in your favor if the education relates to healthcare advancement. In my experience working with claimants, this status change typically indicates you're moving toward approval, though there may still be processing time remaining. Keep an eye on your dashboard for any status changes, particularly early morning when the system often updates.

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Evelyn Kelly

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This is incredibly helpful! Yes, my education is healthcare-related (nursing program), and I did try to work with my employer on scheduling before resigning. I documented all of that in my initial application, so hopefully that's working in my favor. I'll start checking early mornings for updates. Thank you!

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Paloma Clark

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btw did u get the letter about job search requirements? make sure ur doing those even while pending or they might deny u later

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Evelyn Kelly

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Yes! I've been logging my 3 job search activities every week. I actually have two interviews lined up next week, so fingers crossed something works out soon. Thanks for the reminder though - I've heard horror stories about people getting denied retroactively for missing job searches.

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i waited 6 weeks total and mine went from pending issue to pending then approved in 10 days. the thing is every case is different depending on why you left. my cousin quit her job and got denied and had to appeal. it all depends on your specific situation.

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This is an important point. The adjudication timeline varies significantly based on the complexity of your case and the specific separation reason. Voluntary quits for education can go either way depending on the details and documentation. The status change is promising, but preparing for either outcome is wise. If your claim is denied, you'll have 30 days to file an appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Make sure you're checking both your eServices messages and your physical mail, as denial notices can sometimes arrive by regular mail even if you've opted for electronic communication.

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Heather Tyson

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I've seen claims move from "pending issue" to "pending" and then to "paid" within a week, while others take longer. Based on your situation (voluntary quit for education), the key factor will be whether your case meets the "good cause" threshold. For education-related quits, ESD typically considers: 1. Was the education necessary for career advancement? 2. Did you attempt reasonable accommodations with your employer? 3. Is the education program approved/accredited? Since you mentioned it's a nursing program and you tried to work with your employer on scheduling, this strengthens your case. The documents you already have (resignation letter, class schedule, communication with supervisor) are exactly what you need if you face denial and need to appeal. Regarding timeframes: if you don't see movement in the next 10-14 days, I would recommend trying to contact ESD directly. The 4-week mark is typically when they should be finalizing these decisions.

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Evelyn Kelly

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Thank you for breaking this down so clearly! My program is definitely accredited, and I did try multiple schedule options with my employer before resigning. I'll give it another two weeks before trying to contact them. Hoping for good news soon!

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