ESD denied my claim but shows 'open until November' - how to switch from alternate to regular base year?

This is actually a common issue - the 'open claim' just means there's a claim in the system, not that you're eligible to receive benefits. The alternate base year looks at your most recent completed quarters, while the regular base year looks at the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. You need to call ESD to request them to reconsider your claim using the regular base year. They won't automatically do this. It's in their rules that they'll use whichever base year qualifies you (if either does), but you have to specifically ask them to check the other option if the first one they tried didn't work. Unfortunately, you'll need to speak directly with an agent to make this happen - there's no way to request this change online.

i had almost EXACT same problem lol. applied in january got denied. my claim said open till december but couldnt get any $$$. so frustrating!!!!!

I had this exact issue last year. The system is really confusing. Here's what happened: when you apply, the system automatically checks the alternate base year first if you select that option. If you don't qualify with the alternate year, they're supposed to automatically check the regular base year too, but sometimes their system doesn't do this correctly. You need to call and speak with an agent who can manually review your work history and switch your claim to use the regular base year. Make sure you have your employment history for the past 18 months ready when you call. Keep in mind that the "open claim" just means there's an application in their system - it doesn't mean you're approved for benefits. Once they switch it to the regular base year (assuming you qualify), you'll get a new determination letter showing your weekly benefit amount. I'd recommend trying to call first thing in the morning (right when they open at 8am) for the best chance of getting through. Good luck!

After dealing with similar issues, I finally got through to an ESD agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available instead of you sitting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 When I finally got through, the agent was able to review my work history and switch my claim from alternate to regular base year in about 15 minutes. My claim was approved the next day. Definitely worth it after spending weeks trying to get through on my own.

The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN. I went through this EXACT scenario last year and wasted TWO MONTHS trying to get it fixed!!! The fact that they auto-select alternate base year without clearly explaining the consequences is disgusting. Then they make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone to fix THEIR mistake. I filed a complaint with my state rep's office and MAGICALLY got a call back from ESD within 48 hours. Funny how that works!!! Try contacting your local representative if you can't get through - they have special channels to ESD.

I work in HR and deal with unemployment issues regularly. Let me clarify a few things: 1. A claim being "open" just means there's an active application in the system, not that you're eligible for benefits. 2. The regular base year looks at the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. The alternate base year looks at the 4 most recently completed quarters. 3. You cannot modify your application online - you need to speak with an agent. 4. By law, ESD is required to consider both base years and use whichever one qualifies you, but sometimes their automated system misses this step. 5. When you reach an agent, specifically ask them to "reconsider your claim using the regular base year instead of the alternate base year." Be prepared with your work history details. If you worked at Amazon for 18 consecutive months before being laid off, you should definitely qualify under one of the base year calculations unless your earnings were very low.

are u sure u selected alternate year? sometimes the system just does that automatically. happened to me in january

Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? For anyone else with this issue, here's a quick explanation of the base years: If you applied in April 2025: - Regular base year: January-December 2024 - Alternate base year: April 2024-March 2025 So if most of your work hours were in early 2024, the regular base year would be better. If most were more recent, alternate might be better. The system should check both automatically, but sometimes it doesn't.