ESD claim stuck in processing for days - normal wait time?
I filed my unemployment claim on Sunday and it's STILL showing as 'processing' in my eServices account. Is this normal?? I thought it would be done by now. My previous job laid me off due to budget cuts and I need this money for rent next week. The ESD website says something about 'up to 3 weeks' but that seems ridiculous. Anyone know how long processing actually takes these days? The anxiety is killing me!
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Libby Hassan
chill...its only been a couple days lol. took mine like 8 days to process last month
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Levi Parker
•8 DAYS?!? I can't wait that long. My landlord isn't exactly the understanding type.
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Hunter Hampton
The initial processing time varies quite a bit. While the ESD website says up to 3 weeks, I've noticed most claims are processed within 7-10 business days if there are no issues requiring adjudication. Make sure all your information was entered correctly and that you've submitted all required documentation. Also, keep filing your weekly claims on time even while waiting for the initial approval - this is important!
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Levi Parker
•Thank you, that's helpful. I'll keep filing weekly. What kind of issues typically require adjudication? I'm worried since my employer contested a previous claim (different job) a few years ago.
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Sofia Peña
my claim took 3 MONTHS to process because they had questions about my work history... seriously the most stressful time of my life. hope yours doesn't get stuck in adjudication hell like mine did!!!
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Levi Parker
•Oh god that's terrifying. What did you do for money during those 3 months???
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Sofia Peña
•credit cards + family loans + side gigs... it was rough. eventually got backpay for all those weeks but the damage was done
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Aaron Boston
If your claim has any potential issues (employer dispute, availability questions, job separation reason, etc), it will get flagged for adjudication, which can add significant time. But simple processing for a straightforward claim typically takes 5-10 business days in my experience. Look for a "Decision Status" tab in your eServices account - that will tell you if there are any pending issues that need resolution.
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Levi Parker
•Thanks! I checked and there's nothing under Decision Status, so I hope that's a good sign? I'm just going to keep checking daily I guess.
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Sophia Carter
Try calling ESD directly at 800-318-6022 to check on your claim status. I know it can be almost impossible to get through, but I used this service called Claimyr that helped me actually reach an agent after weeks of trying on my own. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. I was skeptical but it actually worked and the agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim and how to fix it.
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Libby Hassan
•those call services actually work? figured they were all scams tbh
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Levi Parker
•I'll check it out if my claim doesn't move forward in the next few days. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get this resolved.
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Chloe Zhang
The big issue is that ESD systems are STILL operating on ancient technology despite all the promises to upgrade after the pandemic disaster. My buddy works in state IT and says their systems are held together with duct tape and prayers. Don't expect efficiency from a system that was overwhelmed in 2020 and never fully recovered!!
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Levi Parker
•Great, that makes me feel so much better about my chances 🙄
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Hunter Hampton
•While there have been system issues, many claims do process smoothly within the expected timeframe. Let's not unnecessarily worry the OP when their claim may be just fine and processing normally.
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Brandon Parker
just went through this last month! mine was processing for 6 days then suddenly switched to paid. make sure your direct deposit info is correct NOW before it processes so you don't have any delays once approved. also start doing your job search activities now (you need 3 per week) even tho your claim isn't approved yet!!
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Levi Parker
•Oh that's a good point about the job search activities. I wasn't sure if I needed to start those while still processing. Thanks!
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Hunter Hampton
Any updates on your claim? It's been a few days since your original post - has the status changed at all?
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Levi Parker
•Yes! It finally switched to approved yesterday. Taking your advice about keeping up with weekly claims and job search activities. Thanks everyone for the help and calming my anxiety!
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