ESD direct deposit - does unemployment automatically use same bank account from previous claim?
I finally got laid off after my boss cut my hours to almost nothing for 3 months. Filed for unemployment last week and my claim is showing 'processing' status. I had unemployment back in 2023 and back then I set up direct deposit to my checking account. Looking through the eServices portal now I don't see ANY section for payment preferences or bank info? Does ESD automatically use the same bank account from my previous claim or do I need to update it somewhere? I've checked every tab in my account and there's nothing about payment methods that I can find. Getting a bit worried since my old checking account is still active but I rarely use it anymore. Thanks for any help!
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Giovanni Colombo
Yes, ESD will use the same direct deposit information that was on file from your previous claim. This is stored in their system and carries over automatically. If you need to update your banking info, you can do it through the 'Payment Method' section in eServices - it's a bit hidden honestly. Go to your claim summary page, then look for the 'Update Payment Information' option. It should be near where you can see your payment history.
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Amara Okafor
•Thank you so much! I swear I looked everywhere but couldn't find that section. I'll check again when I get home tonight. Do you know if I can update it after payments have already started processing or will that delay things?
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Not always! I had a claim in 2022, then filed again last month and NOTHING transferred over. Had to set up my direct deposit all over again and missed a payment cause it went to an old closed account. You NEED to double check this ASAP! Call them to confirm. The website is super glitchy about banking info.
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StarStrider
•same here! my payments went to my old account which was closed and it took 6 weeks to fix the mess. def double check
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Dylan Campbell
For most claimants, ESD will use your previous banking information if you've claimed before, but there are circumstances where you'll need to re-enter it: 1. If you've had a gap of more than 18 months between claims 2. If ESD has done any major system updates 3. If your previous payments had any issues or returns To update banking info: Login to eServices > Claim Summary > scroll down to the Payment Method section (it's below claim status) > Select 'Update Payment Information' If you can't find this option, your claim may need to fully process first. Once your claim moves from 'processing' to 'active', the payment options should appear.
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Amara Okafor
•Super helpful, thank you! I didn't realize I might need to wait for the claim to fully process first. It's been about 10 days now so hopefully it moves to active status soon.
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Sofia Torres
you could try calling but omg good luck... i spend 3 hours on hold last month trying to fix my direct deposit and got disconnected TWICE. the esd phone system is a total nightmare these days
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Dmitry Sokolov
•I had the same issue trying to reach ESD about a direct deposit problem. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. Basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me a ton of time when I needed to update my bank info after my old credit union account was closed.
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Sofia Torres
•woah never heard of that before! might try it next time im stuck in phone hell
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Ava Martinez
My friend just went thru this! She said u have to wait till the claim is approved then the payment method option shows up. Also if its been 2 years the system might make u reverify ur identity before u can update bank stuff. Good luck!!
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Amara Okafor
•Thanks - it's been about 2 years since my last claim so that's probably why I need to wait. Appreciate everyone's help!
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Dylan Campbell
Just to follow up: once your claim goes from 'processing' to 'active', you'll get a notice in your eServices inbox. After that, the payment method options become available. If you need to change your bank information quickly, I recommend calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - that's usually the best time to get through without excessive wait times.
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Amara Okafor
•Update: My claim was approved yesterday and just like you all said, the payment options appeared! The system was using my old bank account so I'm glad I checked. Changed it to my current one and everything seems good now. Thanks for all the help everyone!
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