ESD claim status confusion: Pending vs. Adjudication - what's actually happening with my UI?

These are actually two different statuses in the ESD system. When your claim is 'pending,' it means ESD has received your application but hasn't started processing it yet. It's essentially sitting in a queue waiting for review. When it moves to 'adjudication,' it means they've spotted something in your claim that needs further investigation or verification. Adjudication typically means a claims specialist needs to review documentation or interview you about a specific issue - could be employment separation reason, availability for work, earnings verification, etc. Unfortunately, adjudication usually takes longer to resolve than simple pending status.

Oh no, that sounds worse! Do you know what might have triggered the adjudication? I answered everything honestly on my application. Does this mean there's a problem??

Adding to what the previous person said - pending means you're in line, adjudication means you've been flagged for review. Common things that trigger adjudication: quitting a job, being fired for cause, refusing suitable work, reporting earnings incorrectly, or inconsistencies in your work history. Even if you did everything right, an employer can dispute something and trigger adjudication. Right now adjudication is taking about 8-12 weeks in most cases. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims during this time!

8-12 WEEKS??? That's insane! I can't wait that long! My boss actually contested my claim saying I quit when I was actually laid off due to downsizing. Could that be it?

Yeah that sounds like exactly what triggered the adjudication. Your employer is trying to avoid their UI tax rate going up. Happened to me too last yr... took 9 weeks but i finally got approved and got ALL my backpay at once. hang in there

9 weeks is so long though... did you just wait it out or did you do anything to speed up the process? I'm seriously stressing about bills.

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!! They hope you'll just stop filing claims because the wait is too long. I waited 14 weeks in adjudication and then they denied me for some BS reason about

This happened to my cousin too. System is totally rigged against workers. Employers have all the power to lie and ESD believes them first.

If you're in adjudication because of an employer dispute, you'll definitely want to gather evidence for your side. Look for any layoff notices, emails discussing downsizing, communication with your manager, etc. When the adjudicator calls (they will eventually), you'll want all this documentation ready. I went through this last March and was approved after about 7 weeks in adjudication. \n\nOne thing that helped me get through to ESD faster was using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you skip the phone queue (claimyr.com). There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked and I was able to get an update on my claim status. The agent couldn't speed up my adjudication but at least explained exactly what was happening with my claim which gave me peace of mind.

Thank you for the tip! I'll look into Claimyr - at this point I just need to talk to someone who can tell me what's going on. I have emails from my manager about the layoffs so hopefully that helps my case. I just wish there was a more transparent process.

pnding = ur claim is in the system\nadjudiction = somethings wrong they need 2 check\n\nthey dont tell u whats wrong tho lol its stupid

Yeah, that's exactly what's driving me crazy! Like at least tell me what the issue is so I can address it!

One important thing to know is that even while in adjudication, you need to continue filing your weekly claims and completing your job search activities (3 per week). If you stop filing during adjudication and then get approved later, you won't get paid for weeks you didn't file claims. This is a really common mistake people make.\n\nAlso, make sure your contact information is up to date in the system. Sometimes adjudicators will try to call you and if they can't reach you after a couple attempts, they might make a decision without your input.

Thanks for that reminder - I've been filing weekly claims but wasn't sure if I needed to since nothing is getting paid out. I'll double check my contact info is current too. Really appreciate everyone's help!

my claim was in ajudication for 5 weeks then i got paid everything at once it was like $4800 so hang in there! but yeah its totally different from pending. pending = waiting. ajudication = investigating. if your boss is lying about why you left that will definitely trigger it but you'll win if you have proof of layoff.

This is correct - and to add some clarity: if the OP wins their adjudication, they'll receive all back payments from eligible weeks in one lump sum, exactly as you described.