ESD claims showing disqualified after PFML ended - can't get benefits restarted
I'm in a desperate situation and need advice. I initially filed for UI on September 21st, 2023 and received one week of benefits. Then I started getting Paid Family Medical Leave benefits instead, which I collected until January 6th, 2024. During this entire time, I continued filing my weekly UI claims as required. Now that my PFML has ended, I expected my UI to kick back in, but all my claims are showing as "disqualified" in the system. I've tried calling ESD multiple times but just get disconnected. I have no income coming in right now and bills are piling up fast. Has anyone dealt with a situation where they transitioned from PFML back to regular UI? Is there something specific I need to do to reactivate my claim? I'm completely broke and panicking.
17 comments
Jamal Harris
Ugh this happened to me too, but going from UI to PFML and back. The problem is that when you started PFML, your UI claim probably got flagged as having other income. You need to talk to an actual person at ESD to fix this. They have to manually review your claim and remove the disqualification. Keep calling!!!
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Zoe Stavros
•Thanks for responding. Did you eventually get it fixed? I've been calling literally every day for a week but can't get through. How long did it take you to resolve this?
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GalaxyGlider
The disqualification status is likely because the system detected you received PFML benefits, which needs manual intervention to correct. Here's what you need to do: 1. You'll need to speak with an ESD agent directly to explain your PFML ended 2. Have documentation ready showing your PFML end date 3. Request they remove the disqualification flag and reactivate your UI claim 4. Ask them to review any weeks that were incorrectly disqualified after your PFML ended If you applied for both programs properly, you should be eligible to resume UI benefits after PFML ends, but it requires manual review by an agent.
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Zoe Stavros
•Thank you for the detailed response. This makes sense. My main problem is actually getting through to someone at ESD. I've called over 40 times and either get disconnected or told the queue is full.
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Mei Wong
the ESD system is totally broken!!1! i had something similar happen and was BROKE for almost 2 MONTHS waiting for them to fix it. they expect us to keep filing every week even though they know were not getting paid! its ridiculous
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Liam Sullivan
•Two months?! I can't wait that long. Did you eventually get back pay for all those weeks once they fixed your claim?
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Amara Okafor
When I was dealing with ESD last year I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person at ESD after weeks of trying on my own. It's at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Basically they keep calling for you until they get through, then connect you. Was worth it for me since I needed to resolve an issue with my benefits and couldn't afford to wait any longer.
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Zoe Stavros
•I hadn't heard of this service before. At this point, I'm desperate enough to try anything that might help me reach a real person. Thanks for sharing!
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Giovanni Colombo
•I tried Claimyr last month and it worked, but just FYI you still might wait on hold for a while once they connect you. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready when they do get you through.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
I work with UI claims frequently, and this is a common issue when transitioning between benefit types. The disqualification is happening because the system flagged your UI claim when you started receiving PFML benefits (which is considered reportable income). You need to do the following: 1. Continue filing your weekly claims even while disqualified 2. Contact ESD directly to explain your PFML has ended 3. Request they review and reactivate your UI claim 4. If you're eligible for UI again, they can backdate payments to when your PFML ended For your specific situation in 2025, make sure you have documentation showing your PFML end date of January 6th and any correspondence you've received about your UI claim.
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Zoe Stavros
•Thank you! I've been continuing to file weekly claims despite the disqualification notices. Good to know I'm doing that part right at least. I'll gather all my PFML documentation to have ready when I finally reach someone.
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Giovanni Colombo
Have you tried going to a WorkSource office in person? Sometimes they can help you get through to ESD or at least give you the right forms to fill out. That's what I did when my UI got messed up after coming back from medical leave.
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Zoe Stavros
•I didn't even think about going to WorkSource! There's one about 30 minutes from me. I'll try going there tomorrow morning. Thank you for the suggestion.
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Mei Wong
Just so you know they'll probably aska bunch of questions about WHY you were on PFML and if you could work now...they always look for excuses not to pay people... make sure you've got doctors note saying your cleared to work again!!! Thats what tripped me up!
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Zoe Stavros
•That's really helpful advice - I do have documentation from my doctor clearing me to return to work. I'll make sure to bring that with me to WorkSource tomorrow.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? If you went to WorkSource, they should have been able to help you submit the right documentation to get your claim reactivated. The key with transitioning from PFML back to UI is proving that: 1. Your PFML benefits have officially ended 2. You're able and available for work again 3. You've been continuously filing weekly claims If you're still having issues, you might need to request a formal determination review.
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Zoe Stavros
•I went to WorkSource yesterday and they were helpful! They couldn't fix it directly, but they helped me submit a secure message through my ESD account with all the right documentation attached. They said someone from ESD should contact me within 5-7 business days. I'll keep filing my weekly claims in the meantime. Thanks everyone for your help!
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