ESD denied my claim after being laid off while on medical leave - what can I do?

Yes, you absolutely CAN appeal this decision! I had almost the exact same thing happen in January. You need to request a hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) within 30 days of your determination letter date. Make sure you include your doctor's release note showing you were cleared to return to work. The key is proving you're NOW able and available even if you weren't at the exact moment of layoff. During my hearing, the judge focused a lot on my willingness to accept suitable work immediately after being cleared.

what a nightmre!! esd did something similar 2 me last summer. they make everything so complcated on purpose i swear. have u tried calling them directly? maybe if u talk to an actual person they can fix it without going thru all the appeal stuff

I went through this exact scenario in 2025! The key thing you need to understand is that "standby status" means you're temporarily attached to an employer but not currently working. But in your case, since you were permanently laid off, standby doesn't apply - you need to focus on the medical availability issue. For your appeal, gather these documents: 1. Doctor's note with exact return-to-work date 2. Layoff notice showing the termination date 3. Any job search records since being medically cleared And YES, absolutely continue filing weekly claims during your appeal. If you win, they'll pay all those weeks retroactively. If you stop filing, you won't get paid for those weeks even if you win your appeal.

Ugh this system is BROKEN!!! My cousin got denied for almost the same reason after her surgery. ESD doesn't care about people actually trying to work. They just find any excuse to deny benefits. So frustrating!!!!!

If you're struggling to reach ESD to discuss your case (which is critical before your appeal), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual agent after weeks of failed attempts. Their system holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) and decided to try it. Got connected to an ESD agent who helped clarify my similar medical availability issue before my appeal. Check them out at claimyr.com - saved me so much frustration.

To directly answer your weekly claim question - yes, continue answering that you ARE able and available to work (assuming that's truthfully your current status). This doesn't contradict their decision because their denial was based on your status AT THE TIME OF LAYOFF, while your weekly claims reflect your CURRENT status. Be prepared that at your appeal hearing, the judge will likely ask specific questions about: 1. The exact date you were medically cleared 2. Any work restrictions you might still have 3. What types of jobs you can now perform 4. Your job search efforts since being cleared And regarding representation - most people successfully handle these appeals without attorneys. Just stick to the facts, bring your documentation, and answer questions directly. If you're nervous, you can ask a friend to role-play some practice questions with you before the hearing.

sry to go off topic but did anyone elses esd account get locked after they updated the website last month?? i cant even log in to file my weekly claim now and when i call it just disconnects me

Just wanted to follow up - how are you doing with your appeal? Have you requested the hearing yet? Remember there's a strict 30-day deadline from the date on your determination letter!