ESD keeps asking for Able & Available proof after I've submitted it multiple times - what am I doing wrong?
I'm so frustrated with the ESD system right now! I've been claiming benefits for a few weeks, and suddenly the ESD website flagged my claim saying I'm not 'able and available' to work 40 hours a week (which I absolutely am). I created a document explaining my full availability as someone suggested, and uploaded it through the document upload section. I've actually submitted it THREE separate times now over the past 4 days just to be safe, but the system is STILL showing that I need to provide proof of availability. Does the ESD system just take forever to process uploaded documents? Is there something specific I need to include in my statement that I'm missing? My weekly claim is coming up in 2 days and I'm worried about getting disqualified over this technical issue that I've already tried to resolve. Has anyone dealt with this 'able and available' documentation problem before?
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Fatima Al-Hashemi
The ESD system is notoriously slow with processing uploaded documents. When I had to prove my availability last year, it took nearly 8 days before the request disappeared from my account! Even though you've submitted multiple times, I wouldn't worry too much yet. Their system batches document processing and an actual person has to review it. Just keep filing your weekly claims as normal and answer 'yes' to the able and available question. As long as you've submitted the document, you should be fine even if the request is still showing.
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NeonNomad
•8 DAYS?! That's ridiculous but at least it's normal I guess. I'll keep filing my weekly claims then. Did you get any kind of notification when they finally processed your documents?
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Dylan Mitchell
i had this same problm last month!!!! the system kept asking for my able and available even tho i sent it like 5 times. turns out i was sending it under the wrong category in the upload system. make sure ur selecting "verification of able and available status" not just "general documents" or whatever. that fixed it for me
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NeonNomad
•Oh shoot, I might have been using the wrong category. I'll double check tonight when I get home. That's a really good point - thanks!
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Sofia Martinez
The ESD system has been extremely backed up since they updated their software in December 2024. I work with clients on UI claims, and many are experiencing exactly what you describe - documents taking 7-14 days to process even when uploaded correctly. Make sure your document specifically addresses: 1. Your ability to work (no physical/mental limitations preventing work) 2. Your full weekly availability (days/hours) 3. Your transportation situation (reliable transportation to work) 4. Any restrictions on shifts/locations If you don't address ALL of these points clearly, they'll reject it and you'll have to resubmit.
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Dmitry Volkov
•This is excellent advice. I'd add that formatting matters too - clear headers for each section and a signed statement at the bottom declaring "I am able and available to work 40+ hours per week" makes a huge difference. I've seen ESD reject documents simply because they weren't clearly organized.
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Ava Thompson
When I was going through this whole able and available nonsense last month, I called ESD directly to confirm they got my documents. LOL BIG MISTAKE - was on hold for 3 hours before giving up. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in like 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they had received my documents but they were still in the processing queue. At least I got peace of mind knowing they hadn't lost them. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3
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CyberSiren
•I tried calling ESD directly like 20 times last week and either got hung up on or was on hold forever. Does that Claimyr thing really work? Sounds too good to be true honestly.
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Ava Thompson
•Yeah it actually does work. I was skeptical too but after wasting an entire day trying to get through myself I was desperate. Got connected to an agent who confirmed my documents were in the system just waiting for review. Worth it just to stop the anxiety of wondering if they were lost.
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Miguel Alvarez
As someone who worked with ESD previously, I want to clarify some things: 1. Document processing time is currently 5-10 business days minimum 2. Submitting multiple times actually puts your documents at the END of the queue each time - so stop resubmitting! 3. Your weekly claims won't be affected while this is pending - continue filing normally 4. Make sure your document specifically addresses hours available each day of the week, any limitations, and transportation The system will CONTINUE showing the request until a claims specialist manually reviews and approves your document. This is normal and doesn't mean your submission failed.
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NeonNomad
•Oh no, I didn't realize resubmitting puts me at the back of the line!! That's probably why it's taking so long - I've reset my place in line multiple times. Thanks for explaining how it actually works.
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Zainab Yusuf
this whole system is BROKEN!!!! i had to wait 3 WEEKS for them to process my able and available docs and meanwhile they paused all my payments. had to borrow money for rent and almost got evicted. ESD doesn't care about real ppl with real problems they just hide behind their broken website and never pick up phones!!!
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Fatima Al-Hashemi
•That's terrible! Did they eventually approve your claim and provide back payment for the weeks they missed? I've heard they're supposed to pay retroactively if the delay was on their end.
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Zainab Yusuf
•yeah i got paid eventually but the damage was already done to my credit and relationships. had to borrow from family and friends and pay late fees on everything. and no compensation for all that stress!!!
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Dmitry Volkov
Let me share my experience that might help you. When I had this issue, I discovered there are actually THREE important things to know: 1. Document processing takes 7-10 business days typically 2. You need to use the EXACT document category "Able and Available Verification" in the dropdown 3. Your statement needs specific language about being "ready, willing, and able to accept suitable work immediately" What finally worked for me was calling and having them note in my file that I had submitted documentation. The system still showed I needed to submit documents for almost two weeks, but my payments continued without interruption. This is a very common issue with the 2025 version of the ESD system.
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NeonNomad
•Thank you! I'm definitely going to make sure I use that exact wording in my document and the correct category. It's ridiculous they don't make these requirements clearer on the website.
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