First claim showing 'pending' for days after IVR filing - normal wait time in 2025?

Yes, this is pretty normal these days. ESD claims take 7-10 business days for initial processing even without any issues. The 'pending' status just means they're reviewing everything. Since you've already submitted your ID verification documents and have a clear-cut layoff, you should be fine. The system will automatically update once they finish processing. Just keep filing your weekly claims on time while you wait. They'll backpay for any eligible weeks once approved.

Thanks for the quick response. So I should go ahead and file my weekly claim this Sunday even though my initial claim is still pending? Will do. I guess 7-10 business days isn't too bad, just different from the old days!

YES alwasy keep filing ur weeklies even when pending!!! I didnt kno this my 1st time and missed 2 weeks pay cause I thought I had to wait for 1st claim to be approved. Big mistake dont do what I did lol

wait so your claim is showing \

I hate to be negative but don't get too excited yet. My claim showed 'pending' for two weeks before suddenly switching to 'adjudication' for no apparent reason. Then it took ANOTHER five weeks to resolve! The ESD system is completely broken these days. Half the time they don't even tell you why you're in adjudication. I had to call 47 times before I got through to anyone who could even tell me what was happening.

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! Did you ever find out why it went into adjudication? Was it something in your application or just random?

It was literally because my employer reported my last day as March 11th and I put March 10th. ONE DAY difference and they put me through weeks of stress. So double-check that your separation date matches EXACTLY what your employer will report.

I was in your exact situation last month. Filed by phone, went to pending, and stayed there for 8 days before changing to paid. The current process is definitely slower than it used to be but fairly predictable if there are no issues with your claim. A couple tips from my experience:\n\n1. Keep filing your weekly claims even while the initial one is pending\n2. Check your notices section daily for any correspondence\n3. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date in case they need to reach you\n4. Start doing your job search activities immediately (3 per week) and log them\n\nThe system works eventually, just much slower than it did years ago. As long as you don't see \

This is reassuring, thank you! I'll keep an eye on the notices section - didn't think about that. And I've already started on my job search activities since I know they require 3 per week now. Good to hear your timeline was only 8 days total. Fingers crossed mine follows the same path!

My brother just went through this last month. His first claim stayed in pending for like 9 days before it switched to paid. But then a few weeks later they randomly put him in adjudication for something about his job search activities! It's so frustrating how they change the rules every year. I remember back in 2020 when they waived job search requirements completely...now they're super strict about it again.

The job search requirements are very strictly enforced now. Make sure you're doing exactly 3 valid activities each week and documenting them properly. Common mistakes I see:\n\n- Counting the same employer twice in one week (not allowed)\n- Not including all required details in your log\n- Using activities that don't qualify (like just looking at job boards without applying)\n- Not keeping proof of your applications\n\nESD is doing more random audits of job search activities in 2025 than they have in previous years, so stay on top of this to avoid adjudication.

This is really helpful info! I've been saving screenshots of all my applications just to be safe. Is attending a WorkSource workshop still considered a valid activity? I see they offer some virtual ones now.

Yes, WorkSource workshops (virtual or in-person) still count as valid activities. Make sure you get documentation of attendance though - either a certificate or email confirmation. They're excellent options because they're verifiable and ESD tends to look favorably on claimants who use WorkSource services.

Just be careful with those workshops though because they limit how many you can count per benefit year now. I think its like 12 total or something? My brother maxed his out and then had to do all job applications after that. The rules are confusing!

Im going on 3 weeks pending!! Called ESD over 30 times and never get thru just the stupid recording saying call volume to high try again later EVERY TIME!! So frustrating I have bills due and cant get any answers!!!

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I used their service last month when I was desperate to reach someone about my pending claim. They basically hold your place in line and call you when they get an ESD agent on the phone. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Definitely worth it when you're in a time crunch with bills coming due.

OMG thank you!!! gonna try this right now, anything is better than what im doing now!!

I tried that service too after seeing it mentioned here. Got through to ESD in like 2 hours instead of spending days redialing. Rep told me they're getting 3x normal call volume this month because of all the tech industry layoffs.

Current ESD processing times (as of March 2025):\n\n- Initial claims: 7-12 business days for standard processing\n- ID verification: 3-5 business days after document submission\n- Adjudication: 3-6 weeks (unfortunately)\n- Appeals: 8-12 weeks to schedule hearing\n\nYour timeline of 4 days is still within normal range. The good news is that phone-filed claims sometimes process a bit faster than online ones because the IVR system captures more information upfront. Since your separation reason is lack of work and you've already submitted your identity documents, you're likely looking at the shorter end of the processing window.\n\nAs others have mentioned, continue filing your weekly claims each week even while waiting for the initial determination. Maintain your job search activities (3 per week) and keep detailed records of all your applications and activities.\n\nOne thing that can help: check your Uploads section in your ESD account to confirm your ID documents show as \

Thank you for this detailed breakdown! I just checked and my documents do show as

This is EXACTLY why I tell everyone to file online instead of by phone! The phone system is ancient and prone to errors. I've been through the ESD nightmare three times in the past five years and online applications ALWAYS process faster. Last time I filed online my initial claim was approved in 6 days. But of course ESD doesn't tell you this because they don't want everyone filing online and crashing their servers. \n\nAnd don't get me started on their \

That hasn't been my experience at all. Phone and online claims are processed through the same system on the backend. The method of filing doesn't impact processing time - it's more about the complexity of your work history and whether there are any flags on your claim. I've worked with hundreds of claimants and haven't seen any statistical difference between phone and online filing times.

Well I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. My cousin works for a company that handles layoffs and they ALWAYS tell people to file online for faster processing. But whatever, the whole system is broken anyway.