ESD claim stuck on 'processing' for 2 days after regular payments - should I worry?
I've been claiming unemployment for about 7 weeks now and everything has been going smoothly with regular payments. However, my most recent weekly claim has been stuck on 'processing' for 2 full days, which hasn't happened before (normally it processes overnight). My eServices account doesn't show any alerts or messages about problems. I've been paid consistently the past few weeks, so I'm getting a bit worried something's wrong with my claim. Is a 2-day processing delay normal? At what point should I start to worry? I really need this payment to cover rent next week.
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Noah Ali
mine was stuck on processing for 3 days last month and then suddenly went thru. sometimes their system just gets backed up especially at end of month. i woudn't worry yet.
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Aria Park
•Thanks for the reassurance. Did you do anything to make it go through or it just processed on its own eventually?
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Chloe Boulanger
This happens from time to time. ESD systems occasionally experience delays, especially after software updates or during high-volume periods. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Check if there were any changes to your claim situation (different employer, worked part-time hours, etc.) 2. Make sure you answered all weekly claim questions correctly 3. Verify you completed all job search activities (3 per week) If it goes beyond 3-4 days or your payment status changes to something other than 'processing,' then it might be worth contacting ESD directly. But based on your consistent payment history, this is likely just a temporary processing delay.
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Aria Park
•That makes me feel better. I didn't change anything about my claim and definitely did my job search activities. I'll give it another day or two before panicking!
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James Martinez
I had this EXACT same issue in February! Was getting paid fine for weeks then suddenly stuck on processing. Turned out they randomly selected me for an eligibility review where they verify your job search activities. It eventually processed after 4 days but then I got a letter in my eServices inbox asking for proof of my job search activities for specific weeks. Just keep an eye on your eServices messages.
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Aria Park
•Oh that's good to know! I'll definitely check my eServices inbox regularly. I do keep detailed records of my job search activities just in case, so hopefully I'll be prepared if that's what's happening.
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Olivia Harris
processing delays = red flag!!! happened to me and then BAM! got hit with a disqualification claim out of nowhere! they said i didnt report some income from 2 months ago (which i 100% did). took me 6 WEEKS to resolve. ESD systems are a freaking mess.
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Alexander Zeus
•Yeah, this right here. The system is designed to trip people up. 'Processing' often means someone is manually reviewing your claim for problems. I wouldn't be surprised if OP gets an adjudication notice in the next day or two. ESD is always looking for ways to deny benefits or create overpayment situations.
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Alicia Stern
I've been through the ESD system multiple times over the years. Two days in processing is actually pretty normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. Their system often has delays, especially if there's a holiday, system update, or high volume of claims. However, if you're concerned and want peace of mind, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold for hours. I used their service when my claim got stuck for a week and they got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes who fixed the issue immediately. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. Definitely worth it when you need answers right away.
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Aria Park
•Thanks for the recommendation. If it's not resolved by tomorrow, I might try that service. I've heard the ESD phone lines are nearly impossible to get through otherwise, and I really need to know what's happening with my payment.
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Gabriel Graham
Not to piggyback but somewhat related question - do processing times vary depending on what day of the week you file your claim? I always file Sunday morning and mine usually processes by Monday night, but last time I waited until Tuesday to file and it took until Friday!
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Chloe Boulanger
•Yes, filing day definitely affects processing time. Monday-Wednesday filings typically process fastest. Later in the week tends to roll into the next week's processing batch. Sunday filings usually process quickly because the system has lower volume over the weekend. Best practice is to file as early as possible in your filing window.
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Aria Park
UPDATE: My payment just went through this morning! Looks like it was just a system delay after all. Thanks everyone for the reassurance and advice. I'm going to keep documenting all my job search activities carefully just in case I get selected for one of those random reviews mentioned above.
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James Martinez
•Great news! Glad it was just a delay. And yes, ALWAYS keep detailed job search records. I save screenshots of everything now - job applications, confirmation emails, even LinkedIn messages to recruiters. ESD can request proof up to a year later from what I've heard.
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