ESD denied my backdate request for 6 months of benefits - any success stories?

ya this happened to my brother. he waited like 4 months to file and lost all that $$$. ESD is super strict on backdating from what i hear. gl

You actually DO have some options here. ESD allows backdating for "good cause" which includes ESD system issues, their failure to respond to inquiries (which you have documented!), and situations where you were actively trying to resolve issues but couldn't get help. What you need to do: 1. File a formal backdate request if you haven't already (there's a specific form) 2. Include ALL evidence of your attempts to contact them (screenshots of messages, phone records) 3. Write a clear timeline of everything you did to try to resolve this 4. Specifically mention that their failure to respond to your messages in eServices prevented you from filing correctly If they deny the backdate request, immediately file an appeal. The appeal process is actually more thorough and you'll get a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge who can override ESD's decision.

The backdate request isn't a separate form - you need to call and specifically ask for a backdate request to be submitted. Make sure to use the phrase "good cause backdate request" and be ready to explain your situation. Have all your evidence organized before calling. When they create the request, they'll give you a reference number. Write this down! You'll need it to check on the status later.

I was in a similar situation last year and fought for 4 months to get my claim backdated. ESD initially denied me but I appealed and won at the hearing. The key things that helped me: 1. I had documentation showing I tried to file (screenshots of error messages) 2. I had phone records showing I called ESD multiple times 3. I could show that I was eligible during the backdate period 4. I had a clear explanation for why I couldn't file earlier (in my case it was website issues and confusing instructions for my specific situation) The appeals process was actually less painful than I expected. I had a phone hearing with a judge who seemed genuinely interested in understanding what happened, and when I showed the documentation, they ruled in my favor. Don't give up - it's your money and you were eligible for it!

The hearing was less formal than I expected. The judge (they call them Administrative Law Judges) was polite and just wanted to understand the facts. I did prepare by: 1. Making a clear timeline of everything that happened 2. Having all my documentation ready to reference 3. Writing down my main points so I wouldn't forget anything 4. Practicing explaining my situation clearly and concisely They sent instructions before the hearing on how to submit evidence. Make sure you follow those exactly and submit everything by their deadline. My hearing was by phone and lasted about 30 minutes. The judge asked me questions, then asked the ESD representative questions, then made their decision later (I got it by mail about 2 weeks after).

GOOD LUCK getting anyone on the phone to even submit the request!!!!! I've been trying to reach ESD for THREE WEEKS about my claim issue and can't get through. Their phone system is completely broken - either hangs up on you immediately or puts you on hold for 4+ hours and then disconnects. This system is designed to make people give up.

Be careful with backdate requests - there are very specific rules about what counts as "good cause" and ESD is really strict about applying them. The fact that you were confused about how to file probably won't be enough by itself. However, the fact that you sent messages through eServices that went unanswered is potentially a valid reason. Make sure you have timestamps and screenshots of those messages to prove you were actively trying to resolve this. One thing to clarify - when you say the ESD rep "helped you file correctly" last week, did they actually submit a backdate request at that time? Or did they just help you file a new claim starting now? These are very different things, and if they didn't specifically submit a backdate request, you need to call back and get that process started ASAP.

Good! Definitely call back and specifically request the backdating. The rep you spoke with may have been trying to set expectations low (or was poorly trained), but you absolutely have a right to request backdating and appeal if denied. One more important thing - even while you're fighting this backdate issue, make sure you're filing your weekly claims for current weeks. Don't miss any weeks going forward while you're dealing with the backdate request. The system will get extremely confused if you miss current weeks while trying to backdate previous ones.

the esd reps tell u different things depending who u talk to!!!! first lady told me backdating was impossible then i called again and the guy did it no problem!!! keep trying different reps until u get someone helpful

They denied my backdate request even WITH documentation. This system is broken beyond repair. 6 months of benefits is a LOT of money to lose because their communication system doesn't work. Fight this with everything you've got!

No I gave up after the denial. Couldn't deal with the stress anymore. Probably should have appealed but I was just done with the whole system by that point.

Just to add one more important point - there's a time limit for requesting backdates. You generally need to request backdating within a reasonable timeframe after the issue that prevented you from filing is resolved. Since you just got help last week, you should be within this window, but don't delay further. Also, make sure you're very specific about the reasons when you submit your backdate request. Focus on the system issues (unanswered messages in the portal) rather than your uncertainty about how to file. Technical problems and ESD's failure to respond are stronger "good cause" reasons than personal confusion.