ESD claims stuck 'pending' for 3 weeks - can't reach anyone by phone

This is unfortunately pretty common with ESD right now. Initial claims often get stuck in 'pending' status while they verify your information and wages. Three weeks is definitely within the normal processing time, especially if there's anything they need to verify about your previous employment or reason for separation. Make sure you've uploaded any identity verification documents they requested and completed your job search activities each week. Keep filing your weekly claims on time even if you haven't been paid yet - when they do finally process your claim, you'll get all the back payments at once.

have u checked ur eServices account for any alerts or messages?? sometimes theres a issue they need u to fix but they dont tell u by mail or phone. click on the alerts tab when u login

Your claim is probably stuck in identity verification or adjudication. It's a broken system right now - they won't tell you there's an issue until AFTER you call and ask what's going on. And of course, you can't get through on the phones. I went through this exact same nightmare last month. After two weeks of not being able to get through on the phones, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent within 15 minutes. The agent told me my claim was stuck because they needed to verify my last employer's information, but they never bothered to tell me! Once I talked to someone, I got paid within 3 days for all my pending weeks. Check out their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Honestly, it was the only way I could get through to ESD. The regular phone lines are completely useless.

YOUR CLAIM IS IN ADJUDICATION!!!! That's what "pending" almost always means! ESD doesn't bother telling anyone this and it's INFURIATING. I went 7 WEEKS without being paid last year because my claim was stuck in "adjudication" and they never bothered to tell me or ask for the information they supposedly needed! The system is BROKEN and they don't care because they still get paid while we wait for our benefits!!! Keep calling and don't give up!

When I called ESD about my pending payments, they told me there was a huge backlog of claims they're processing from January. The agent said if your claim shows as "active" that's actually a good sign - it means you've been approved for benefits in general. The pending status on your weekly claims is just the processing delay. Keep filing your weekly claims and make sure you're doing your three job search activities each week. Document everything carefully. When they do finally process your claim, you'll get paid for all weeks at once. As for calling them, regular business hours (especially Tuesday-Thursday) between 1-3pm seem to have slightly better luck getting through. But honestly, it's still mostly luck.

I had the same issue back in November. My claim was active but payments pending for almost a month. Found out later it was because my former employer contested my claim (even though I was laid off!). ESD never notified me about this. What worked for me was sending a secure message through the eServices portal. I know it seems like shouting into the void, but surprisingly, someone responded in about 5 business days and explained what was happening. Worth a try while you're also attempting to call. But definitely keep filing your weekly claims! Don't miss any weeks even if you're not getting paid yet.

Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM. That's the only time I've ever been able to get through. Set an alarm, dial the number at 7:59, and hit call exactly at 8:00. It took me 3 mornings of doing this before I got through, but it eventually worked. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above too once when I was really desperate. It worked but seemed expensive for what it is. Still, if you need to talk to someone urgently, it's an option. Also - check your spam folder for emails from ESD. Sometimes their notices end up there and you'll never know they need something from you.

did u upload ur id documents? they make everyone do identity verification now but sometimes they dont tell u until u call. check the document upload section and see if theres anything pending

Just wanted to follow up on your situation. Any luck getting through to ESD or finding out what's going on with your claim? If you're still having trouble, you might want to reach out to your state representative's office. They often have dedicated staff who can help constituents with ESD issues and can sometimes get information much faster than you can on your own. Also, if you're facing financial hardship while waiting for your unemployment benefits, consider contacting local community organizations that might offer emergency rental assistance or other support. Many counties have programs specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits.