ESD website claim processing delays - anyone else waiting longer than usual?

ESD is DEFINITELY slower than usual right now. I filed my claim three weeks ago and just barely got it processed yesterday. The agent I finally spoke with said they're dealing with some kind of system update plus higher-than-normal claim volume. If you need to talk to someone quickly, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent after weeks of trying on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Seriously saved me from missing another mortgage payment.

The ESD website processing times fluctuate based on claim volume and staffing. Currently they're taking about 10-14 days for initial claims to move from pending to processing, especially if you filed online. This is different from weekly claims, which are usually processed within 48 hours. Make sure your claim doesn't have any "issues" or "decisions pending" that require additional documentation or information from you. Those statuses require you to take action - just checking your eServices account daily isn't enough, you need to check the "Notices/Letters" section too. If your claim shows no issues but isn't moving, it's likely just in the queue for processing. You can still file your weekly claims while waiting for the initial claim approval.

ya theyr slow af rn... took almost 3 wks for mine to go from pending to adjudication last month... but keep doing ur weekly claims anyway

I don't understand why ESD keeps having these processing delays!! This is my third time on unemployment since 2020, and EVERY time there's some new excuse for why it takes forever. First it was COVID, then it was "system upgrades," now it's "higher volume." Yet they expect us to file weekly claims perfectly on time or lose benefits! The hypocrisy is infuriating. I had to raid my daughter's college fund last month because my claim was stuck in "pending" for FIVE WEEKS with zero explanation. And don't bother with their message system - they never respond. The whole system is designed to make people give up.

I submitted my claim on a Friday afternoon (bad timing on my part) and it took 12 days to process. What worked for me was making an appointment at my local WorkSource office. The staff there have direct lines to ESD and they helped identify that I had answered a question incorrectly on my application (I said I was a student when I'm just taking one continuing ed class). Once that was fixed, my claim was approved within 48 hours. Definitely keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the initial approval! You'll get back-paid for all eligible weeks once your claim is approved.

anyone know why my claim status changed from pending to adjucation??? is that good or bad?? been waiting 3 weeks already!!

Quick update - I tried that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier and it actually worked. Got through to an agent in about 20 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. The agent told me they're processing claims from April 12th right now (as of yesterday), so if you filed after that, there's a backlog. They recommended continuing to file weekly claims while waiting.

UPDATE: My claim finally moved from pending to processing this morning! That's 6 business days total. I went ahead and submitted my first weekly claim yesterday even though the initial claim wasn't approved yet. Thanks everyone for your advice and reassurance that the delays are normal right now.