ESD claim suddenly pending with zero balance after job search dispute

sounds like a glitch in there system. my cousin had the EXACT same thing happen in January. ESD's computers r constantly messing up. if u can screenshot ur job search entries to prove they were there

This is a fairly common issue with ESD's verification system. What's happening is that their automated system flagged a potential job search compliance issue, and while that's under review, your current week's claim is temporarily set to pending status with a $0 balance as a precaution. Here's what you should do: 1. Don't panic - your claim isn't permanently denied 2. Check your eServices account for any alerts or action items 3. Respond to the job search verification letter immediately (upload documentation of your activities) 4. Call ESD to explain the situation The system sometimes flags job search entries incorrectly if they were entered after a certain time on Sunday, or if there was any internet connectivity issue during submission. In most cases, this can be resolved with a quick phone call to verify your activities were properly recorded.

I had this exact thing happen to me back in February. The zero balance is scary but it doesn't mean they've canceled your benefits. When they put a hold on your claim for any reason (like questioning job search), the system automatically shows $0 until it's resolved. In my case, I tried calling for two days and couldn't get through because of the "high call volume" message. I was desperate so I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 25 minutes. They have this system that keeps redialing for you - you can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent confirmed my job search activities were properly recorded (it was a system error on their end) and removed the hold. My payment processed the next day with the correct balance showing again.

This happened to me twice last year!!! The ESD system is total garbage and constantly makes errors. The first time I had to upload all my job search proof AGAIN even though it was already in the system. The second time they claimed I didn't do enough activities but I DID - I had done 3 activities but one didn't "count" because it was something they decided wasn't a valid job search method even though their own website listed it as acceptable!!!! I'm still mad about it!!

What you're experiencing is actually part of ESD's automated compliance verification process. When the system detects a potential issue with job search activities, it automatically places the current week's claim in pending status and displays a temporary $0 balance until the issue is resolved. The critical thing to understand is that the letter you received is generated automatically, and there's often a lag between when you enter your job search activities and when the system recognizes them during verification. Here's what you need to do: 1. Respond to the letter immediately through your eServices account 2. Upload screenshots or documentation showing your job search activities were completed 3. Call ESD at 800-318-6022 to speak with an agent who can manually verify your job search entries 4. Continue filing your weekly claims as normal during this process In most cases, once an agent reviews your documentation, they'll remove the hold and your claim will process with the correct balance restored. The system should then backpay any missed weeks once the issue is resolved. This happened to about 15% of claimants in 2023 due to system verification issues, so you're definitely not alone.

did u enter ur job search activities after filing the weekly claim? i made this mistake once. u have to enter them BEFORE or WHILE filing. if u enter them after submitting the weekly claim the system doesnt always connect them properly.

Update to my earlier comment: Since you mentioned you're having trouble getting through on the phone, here are some additional tips: 1. Call right when they open at 8:00 AM (be dialing at 7:59) 2. If that doesn't work, try between 4:30-5:00 PM when call volumes sometimes drop 3. Use the online message center in your eServices account - specifically mention that you can prove your job search activities were entered correctly 4. If you have a WorkSource office nearby, visit in person as they sometimes can help resolve issues like this It's important to be persistent as this type of hold won't typically resolve itself without intervention. When you do reach someone, ask them to notate your account showing they've verified your job search activities to prevent this from happening again in future weeks.

any update? did u get thru to them?? im curious what happened cuz im worried this could happen to me too