ESD keeps denying my weekly claims for 8 weeks - need urgent help contacting a real person

This happened to me too. After investigating my account, I found out my disqualifications were because my former employer contested my eligibility (something about job performance they never mentioned before). The system won't tell you this automatically - you have to dig into the 'Decisions' tab on eServices to see the specific reason. Check there for any letters or determinations that might explain the disqualifications. If there's nothing there, it could be a job search compliance issue or an identity verification problem.

ur supposed to get a letter in the mail explaining any disqualifications!! check ur mailbox maybe?? or maybe they sent it to wrong address?? my roommate had same prob and it turned out ESD had his old address from like 3 years ago lol

You need to file an appeal ASAP. There's a 30-day deadline from when the determination was issued, but you can still request a late appeal if you can show good cause for missing the deadline (like never receiving proper notification). Go to the Decisions tab, find that determination letter, and there should be an option to appeal right there. You'll need to explain clearly why the employer's claim is false and provide any documentation showing you were laid off - termination letter, emails about the restructuring, etc. While that's processing, you absolutely need to keep filing your weekly claims even though they'll show as disqualified. If you win the appeal, you'll get backpay for all those weeks, but ONLY if you've been consistently filing claims.

The same exact thing happened to me last month! I was going CRAZY trying to figure out why I kept getting denied. Turns out my former employer told ESD I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off with 20 other people. Unbelievable.

You really need to talk to an ESD agent directly to get this sorted out quickly. After dealing with similar issues and spending days trying to get through their main line, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a game-changer. They got me connected to an actual ESD representative in under 2 hours when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Even though you've filed an appeal, I'd still recommend talking to someone directly because they can sometimes resolve these issues faster than the formal appeal process, especially if it was just a mistake or misunderstanding with your employer.

The ESD system is completely broken. They DELIBERATELY make it difficult to contact anyone because they're trying to reduce their workload. Notice how they don't even bother sending proper notifications anymore? That's by design! They WANT people to miss deadlines and give up. I've been dealing with them for 3 years off and on and it gets worse every time.

While you're waiting for your appeal, make sure you gather ALL documentation related to your layoff. The hearing judge will want to see proof that contradicts your employer's claim. This includes: 1. Any official layoff notice 2. Emails discussing the department restructuring 3. Contact information for any colleagues who were laid off in the same round 4. Any performance reviews showing you were in good standing 5. Severance paperwork if you received any Also, when you do get through to an ESD agent (whether through regular channels or using a service), ask them to check if there are any OTHER issues on your claim besides the voluntary quit determination. Sometimes there can be multiple problems that need addressing.

btw don't forget to keep doing your job search activities even while your claims are being denied!! my cousin didn't do this and when he finally got his appeal approved they wouldn't pay him for the weeks he didn't log his activities

One more thing - when you do connect with an ESD agent, ask them about possibly being placed on standby status while your appeal is processing. If you're expecting to be recalled by your former employer or have a definite job starting within 4 weeks, you may qualify. This would temporarily exempt you from job search requirements. Also, after you've filed your appeal, you should receive information about your hearing date within about 2-3 weeks. The hearings are currently being conducted by phone due to the backlog. Make absolutely sure you're available for that call - missing it almost always results in losing your appeal.