ESD denied benefits after winning appeal - old COVID 'not able and available' issue from 2021 blocking my claim

This happens more than people realize. The system links old determinations to new claims and creates these impossible situations. You need to specifically request a "Determination Review" - it's different from an appeal and doesn't have the same time restrictions. Call and explicitly ask for this. Tell them you need a determination review to correct an erroneous finding that you were unavailable due to COVID. Make sure they understand this isn't a normal appeal.

omg this SAME THING happened to me last month!!! old covid stuff from 2021 blocking my new claim. i spent WEEKS trying to fix it. kept getting different answers every time i called. so frustrating!!

The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN when it comes to these linked claims! I bet they're still using the same outdated software from the pandemic. It's ridiculous that they expect us to magically know about determinations from years ago that are suddenly affecting new claims. The whole "30 days to appeal" rule should be thrown out when THEY are the ones who failed to notify you properly. This makes my blood boil because I went through something similar (not COVID related but another old issue) and had to fight for months to get it fixed.

You need to request what's called a "good cause" exception to the 30-day appeal deadline. ESD can grant extensions when there's good cause for filing late, and not being notified of the determination is definitely good cause. Call and specifically request to speak with an adjudicator about filing a late appeal with good cause. Explain that you were never properly notified of the 2021 determination and only learned about it now. Make sure to document the name of everyone you speak with and the date/time. Alternatively, you can submit a written request through your eServices account. Go to your account, click on the "Upload a Document" link, and submit a letter explaining the situation and requesting the good cause exception to file a late appeal.

I tried getting through to ESD for THREE WEEKS about an adjudication issue. Couldn't get anyone on the phone. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth checking out if you're desperate to get someone on the phone without calling 30 times.

ok so here's what's probably happening... the computer system flags things as 'continuing issues' even when they shouldnt be. i work for a different state agency and we use similar systems. what you need is called a 'redetermination' which is different from an appeal. what happens is they need to mark that old 2021 covid issue as 'resolved' in their system so it stops blocking your current claim. keep saying 'redetermination' not 'appeal' when you talk to them.

wait so u won ur appeal but theyre still not paying u?? thats so messed up! i thought once u win thats it they have to pay

I had a somewhat similar situation last year. What fixed it for me was going to my state representative's office. They have constituent services staff who can cut through ESD bureaucracy FAST. I was stuck for 2 months trying on my own, representative's office fixed it in 4 days. Google your district and state rep and send them an email explaining the situation.

Update us on what ends up working! These stories help others who run into the same ridiculous issues with ESD's broken system.