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ESD claim status changed from 'processing' to 'pending' - is this normal?

I filed my initial unemployment claim with ESD last Wednesday and noticed today that the status changed from 'processing' to 'pending'. Is this a normal part of the claim review process? I'm a bit nervous because this is my first time filing for unemployment after being laid off from construction work. The ESD website doesn't really explain what each status means. Does 'pending' mean they need more information from me? Or is it just moving through their system? Anyone know how long it typically stays in 'pending' before a decision is made? Starting to worry about bills piling up...

Zainab Ahmed

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Yes, that's completely normal. The ESD claim system typically goes from processing to pending as they review your information. Mine did the same thing last month. As long as you don't get a notification asking for additional documents, you should be fine. It took about 10 business days for mine to go from pending to approved, but I've heard others take longer especially if you have multiple employers in your base year.

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Miguel Diaz

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Thank you for responding! That's a relief. Did you get any kind of notification when it was approved or did you just have to keep checking the website?

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pneding is normal don't worry. but make sure you still do your weekly claims even if its pending or you'll have to restart the whole thing again

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Miguel Diaz

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Oh! I didn't realize I needed to keep filing weekly while it's pending. Thanks for the heads-up, that would have been a disaster if I missed filing.

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AstroAlpha

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To give you a more complete picture of the ESD claim status flow: 1. Processing - Initial submission is being processed by the system 2. Pending - Claim is being reviewed by ESD staff 3. Adjudication (if there are issues that need resolution) 4. Approved or Denied Pending is absolutely normal and doesn't mean there's a problem. Just keep filing your weekly claims as required and make sure you're completing the 3 job search activities each week. Document everything carefully in case they ask for verification later. Most claims are resolved within 2-3 weeks unless there are complex issues with your employment history or separation reason.

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Yara Khoury

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This is spot on! One small thing to add - sometimes it can bounce back between pending and processing a couple times if they're updating info in the system. Happened to me and freaked me out but was normal.

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Keisha Taylor

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My claim got stuck in pending for over a MONTH!!! The ESD website is completely useless about explaining anything. I called over 100 times and couldn't get through to anyone. Their system is designed to frustrate people until they give up!! Finally I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at ESD. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Turns out there was a small discrepancy with my employer's reported wages that needed to be verified, but no one had bothered to tell me! Got it fixed in one call once I actually reached someone.

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Miguel Diaz

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That sounds awful! I hope mine doesn't get stuck like that. I'll definitely check out that service if I start hitting the 3 week mark with no progress. It's crazy how hard they make it to talk to someone!

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Paolo Longo

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Just to clarify some misinformation I'm seeing here - the progression from Processing to Pending is indeed normal, but the timeframes vary significantly depending on your specific situation: - Clean claims (no issues with employer separation, clear work history) typically resolve in 7-10 business days - Claims with minor issues (multiple employers, slightly complex wage history) usually take 10-21 days - Claims requiring adjudication (quit, fired, availability issues) can take 30+ days As others mentioned, the most important thing is continuing to file your weekly claims each week, even while the initial claim is pending. Each weekly claim must include 3 job search activities unless you have an approved standby status. Also, if your pending status lasts more than 3 weeks, you should try to contact ESD directly as there may be an issue they haven't communicated. The online message center can be useful for this, though phone contact is more immediate if you can get through.

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Amina Bah

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This! So many people don't realize u have 2 keep filing weekly even when it's pending. My cousin lost out on 3 weeks of benefits bc she thought she needed 2 wait for approval b4 filing weekly claims.

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Yara Khoury

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i had the same thing happen last month, went from processing to pending then two weeks later got approved then the $$ came 2 days after that. make sure ur checking the eServices account AND your email cuz sometimes they send important stuff to email only

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Miguel Diaz

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That's good to know about checking both places. I've been obsessively checking the eServices portal but haven't been as diligent about my email. I'll make sure to watch both now.

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AstroAlpha

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Just a quick update for others finding this thread - in 2025, ESD has been making efforts to be more transparent about claim statuses. If your claim sits in 'pending' for more than 14 calendar days, you can now request a status update through the secure message center. Simply select 'Claim Status Inquiry' from the dropdown menu. They're required to respond within 3 business days with at least a general update on where things stand. This new process has helped many claimants identify issues earlier in the process.

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Miguel Diaz

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Thank you for this information! It's day 5 for me now, still showing pending. I've been doing my weekly claims as everyone suggested. Hopefully it changes to approved next week, but if not, I'll definitely use that secure message option at the 14-day mark.

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