ESD put my claim in adjudication after reporting excess earnings - worried my employer won't respond

ur not alone... my claim went to adjudication in January and it took 5 weeks before it got resolved. ESD gives the employer like 10 days to respond or something. if they dont respond ESD is supposed to make a decision based on just your info but sometimes they drag their feet anyway. hang in there

5 WEEKS?! Omg I can't wait that long. Did you have to do anything during that time? Did you keep filing weekly claims?

The adjudication process typically takes 3-6 weeks, though I've seen cases resolve faster. You should definitely continue filing your weekly claims during this time, even while the status shows adjudication. This ensures you'll receive all eligible payments once your claim is approved.\n\nRegarding your employer's response - ESD gives employers 10 business days to provide information about the separation. If they don't respond within that timeframe, ESD is supposed to make a determination based solely on the information you provided. However, there can still be delays as adjudicators work through their case backlog.\n\nYour best course of action is to:\n1. Continue filing weekly claims\n2. Check your ESD account for any requests for information\n3. Respond to any ESD communications promptly\n4. Document any attempts you've made to clarify your separation with your employer

I had the same issue last month and had to wait almost 7 weeks!! The system is completely broken. My employer never even responded and they STILL took forever to make a decision. So frustrating!

I know this is stressful, but try not to panic yet. Make sure you've uploaded any documentation that supports your claim. If you have any emails or texts related to your separation, those can help your case. If your employer doesn't respond, ESD should base their decision on your information, but sometimes they need to investigate further which is why adjudication happens.\n\nIf you're really struggling to get through on the phone to check your status (which is common), I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an ESD agent after weeks of failed attempts. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It saved me from waiting another month just to ask a simple question about my claim status.

is that service legit? seems sketchy to use a third party when dealing with unemployment...

It's definitely legit. I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after trying to call ESD for two weeks straight. All it does is basically hold your place in line and call you when it gets an agent. Saved me hours of redial hell.

In my experience as someone who's gone through the ESD process multiple times, adjudication happens in almost EVERY first-time claim nowadays. It's practically standard procedure in 2025 with their new verification system. They're reviewing your work history, reason for separation, and verifying your identity all at once.\n\nKeep filing your weekly claims during adjudication! This is absolutely crucial. If you miss filing weeks during adjudication and then get approved, you won't get paid for those missed weeks. Also make sure you're completing and documenting your 3 job search activities each week.\n\nAs for your $978 weekly benefit calculation - be prepared that you might initially get a different amount. ESD often adjusts the final benefit amount during adjudication after they verify all your wages. Don't spend money based on that estimate until you see the actual approved amount.

Thank you so much for this detailed response! I didn't realize adjudication was so common now. I've been documenting my job search activities but wasn't sure if I needed to since my claim is still being processed. I'll definitely keep filing each week.

MY CLAIM WAS IN ADJUDICATION FOR 9 WEEKS!!! The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN. They don't care that people have bills to pay!!! And then they had the nerve to tell me I should have been looking for work that whole time even though I didn't know if I would get benefits. The whole thing is a scam to make people give up.

thats rough. did u get backpay for the weeks u waited at least?

Yes but only after I had to call them 50 TIMES and finally got someone who actually knew what they were doing. By that point I was already behind on my car payment and had to borrow money from family. The stress took years off my life!!

One thing I should clarify about employer responses - in cases where the employer doesn't respond within the 10-day timeframe, ESD policy is to proceed with the determination based on claimant information. However, there are instances where they may attempt additional outreach if the initial separation reason raises questions.\n\nIf your separation was due to lack of work, reduction in hours, or a straightforward resignation with notice, the adjudication process is typically smoother. If there were any disputes or if you were terminated, the process might take longer as they gather more information.\n\nRegarding the weekly benefit amount of $978 - that's actually very close to the 2025 maximum weekly benefit of $986, which means you had relatively high earnings in your base year. Just make sure all your employers from the base period are accurately reported in your application.

I resigned with 2 weeks notice due to a hostile work environment, but I'm worried that my employer might say I was terminated for performance (which is absolutely not true). Is there anything I can do to protect myself if they misrepresent what happened?

That's a valid concern. I recommend you prepare documentation that supports your resignation: copies of your resignation letter, any acknowledgment of receipt, exit interview notes, and any communications about the hostile environment (if documented). If you have performance reviews that contradict their potential claims, have those ready too. You can upload these to your ESD account as supporting documents, or have them ready if ESD requests additional information during adjudication.

i went thru this exact thing last month!!! my employer didnt respond for like 3 weeks and then when they did they gave wrong info!!! i had to appeal and then wait another 4 weeks but i finally got approved and got all my backpay ($864/wk in my case). the whole time your claim is in adjudication make sure you keep doing your weekly claims and job search activities or you'll lose those weeks of pay even if you get approved later!!! \n\nbtw what industry do you work in? some industries are way worse about responding to ESD than others i've heard

I was working in healthcare administration. It was a small private practice and the office manager handled all HR stuff, but she was always disorganized and often 'lost' paperwork. That's why I'm so worried they'll either not respond or give incorrect information. Did you have to attend a hearing for your appeal?

yes I had a phone hearing but it was actually pretty quick like 30 mins. just make sure u have any documentation about why u left. I had saved emails showing I gave notice and why.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - with the new ESD online system implemented in late 2024, you can actually see more details about your adjudication status if you click on the

Thank you! I just checked the Issues and Decisions tab and it says they're investigating

just want to share that my brother had a similar situation where his employer ghosted ESD completely and after about 4 weeks they just approved his claim anyway. so sometimes no news is good news. if your employer doesn't respond it usually works in your favor.

NOT ALWAYS! My employer didn't respond and ESD STILL denied me initially claiming they

sorry that happened to u. i was just sharing what happened to my brother. guess it depends on the adjudicator u get