ESD pending for weeks due to mysterious CAT status - help!

I found a way to solve unemployment benefits pending issue, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sqLP_mBEzQ

Ugh, I feel your pain. The ESD system is a total mess rn. I was stuck in pending hell for like 2 months before I finally got through to someone. Turns out there was a flag on my account for some random reason. Keep pushing and don't give up!

CAT stands for Commissioner Approved Training. It's a program that lets you keep getting benefits while you're in some kind of approved training or education program. The weird thing is, you usually have to apply for it. If you didn't, there might be a mix-up in the system.

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Here's what you need to do: 1. Document everything. Keep a log of all your calls, emails, and weekly claim submissions. 2. Try to reach ESD through multiple channels. Phone, email, and even social media if you have to. 3. Contact your local state representative. They often have liaisons who can help push your case through. 4. Be persistent but polite. The people answering phones are overworked and dealing with a broken system too. 5. If you're really in a bind, look into local food banks and assistance programs while you wait. 6. Keep filing your weekly claims even if you're not getting paid. Once it's resolved, you should get backpay. Hang in there. The system sucks, but don't give up!

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta jump through all these hoops just to get what we're owed? 🤡 system is a joke fr

Have you checked your spam folder? Sometimes important ESD emails end up there. Also, double-check that all your contact info is up to date in the system.

Oof, CAT issues are the worst. I had something similar happen last year. Turned out it was a glitch in their system. Took forever to fix, but keep pushing!

Pro tip: call right when they open. I mean like, be dialing at 7:59:59 AM. Sometimes you can get through before the queue fills up.

Anyone else feel like they're playing unemployment roulette? 🎰 Spin the wheel, maybe you'll get paid, maybe you'll be pending for 3 months! 🙃