ESD claims I didn't work 680 hours despite having 791 hours in alternate base year - help!

This is actually pretty common with multiple employers. The most likely explanation is that one of your employers didn't properly report your wages/hours to ESD. Here's what you should do: 1. File an appeal immediately - you only have 30 days from the denial date 2. Get your pay stubs and any documentation showing your hours worked 3. Contact both employers and ask them to verify what they reported to ESD 4. Request your wage verification form from ESD if you haven't already The alternate base year should include your most recent 4 completed quarters, so make sure you're calculating the correct timeframe. What specific quarters were in your alternate base year?

ya this same thing happened to me last year! turns out my 2nd job didnt report any of my hrs to esd AT ALL. i worked there for like 5 months too! had to file appeal and send in all my paystubs. took forever but eventually got approved. definitely appeal!

There are a few reasons this could be happening: 1. One of your employers may have misreported your hours/wages to ESD 2. Your hours might have been reported in different quarters than you think 3. If you were paid under the table for any work, those hours won't count 4. Some employers misclassify workers as independent contractors instead of employees 5. There could be a clerical error in ESD's system The appeals process is straightforward but does take time. With your appeal, submit ALL documentation: paystubs, timecards, hiring/termination letters, tax documents, and anything else showing your work hours. The burden of proof is on you to show you worked those hours. Also, double-check that ESD is using your alternate base year (ABY) rather than standard base year. They don't automatically use the ABY unless requested or if you don't qualify under the standard base year. If you need to speak with an ESD agent about this (which I recommend), try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that helps you get through to ESD much faster than calling directly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I was on hold for days before using them.

ESD IS THE WORST!!! They did the EXACT same thing to me and it took 3 MONTHS to fix!!! They somehow didn't count ANY of my hours from my second job even though I had W2s proving I worked there!!! Don't waste time with their stupid phone system - FILE THE APPEAL IMMEDIATELY and send COPIES (not originals) of EVERYTHING!!! Paystubs, W2s, tax returns, EVERYTHING!!! They're probably just hoping you'll give up and go away. DON'T!!! If you have the proof, you'll eventually win but it takes FOREVER!

Just a side note, but make absolutely sure your calculations are correct. The base year and alternate base year are specific time periods, not just any recent 12 months. The alternate base year is the last 4 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. For example, if you filed in April 2025, your alternate base year would be January - December 2024. If you filed in May 2025, your alternate base year would be April 2024 - March 2025. Also, different types of employment may calculate hours differently. For example, if you were paid salary rather than hourly at either job, ESD calculates hours differently (usually 40 hours per week of full-time work). If you've verified all this and you're still confident about your 791 hours, then definitely appeal and provide all your documentation. But double-check your math and understanding of which quarters actually count first.

when i got denied i just reapplied instead of appealing and it worked lol. sometimes they just mess up the first application. worth trying both ways

Quick update question - have you checked your "Wage Verification" form on your ESD account? It should show exactly which employers and how many hours ESD has on record for you. That would tell you immediately if there's an employer missing or if hours are underreported. You can find this in your eServices account under "View my UI claim information," then look for "wage verification."