ESD incorrect Benefit Year Begin date - can't reach anyone to fix it

The BYE date correction is tricky but possible. You need to reach an actual claims specialist - the automated system won't help here. Have you tried sending a message through your eServices portal? Go to your account, click on 'Send a message' and specifically request a BYE date correction. Include the correct date you want to use and explain your situation. Alternatively, you could submit the claims for those weeks but report that you were working full-time during that period (assuming that's true). This will deny benefits for those weeks but allow you to move forward with the claim.

omg i had this EXACT same problem last month!!! so frustrating!!! i kept trying to call for like 3 days straight and could never get past the stupid robot voice. finally i just filled out the weekly claims with my actual work info (was still employed those weeks) and it rejected those weeks but my claim still went thru for when i was actually unemployed.

The phone system is a nightmare right now. You're never going to get through using the standard approach. I'd recommend using Claimyr to connect with an ESD agent - it's what worked for me after two weeks of trying. Their system calls ESD for you and navigates the phone tree, then calls you once they have an agent on the line. Saved my sanity! Check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

jst letting u know the BYE date issue is super common, happened to me to. i ended up filing for the weeks they asked for anyway and put that i was working those weeks. didnt affect my benefits for the weeks i was actualy unemployed.

The problem here is that there are two entirely different issues people are confusing: 1. The Benefit Year Begin date - which affects your entire claim period and base year calculation 2. Filing for specific weeks you weren't eligible for - which is a separate issue Changing your BYE date requires speaking to a claims specialist. Period. There's no DIY workaround for this fundamental claim parameter. If you report accurately for those weeks (that you were working), you won't get benefits for them, but your claim will move forward. However, your base year and potential benefit amount may be calculated incorrectly if the BYE date remains wrong. For what it's worth, I've had success getting through to ESD by calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open (not 8:01, exactly 8:00). The queue fills up within minutes.

why is esd so impossibly bad at everything????? ive been on unemployment 3 times and every single time theres some kind of stupid system problem that takes weeks to fix. its like they WANT us to make mistakes so they can deny benefits. absolutely maddening.

I wanted to follow up on this thread. OP, if you get through to ESD, make sure to ask them specifically about a "BYE date adjustment" - using that exact terminology. The claims specialists know this procedure, but some of the frontline agents may not. Also, just to clarify something important: when you file for those weeks before you were laid off, be 100% honest about your work status. Don't try to game the system by reporting you weren't working if you were. That could lead to an overpayment determination or worse, fraud allegations. Lastly, document everything. Keep track of all communications, including dates and times of calls, names of representatives you speak with, and confirmation numbers for any changes made. This will be invaluable if there are issues later.