First-time ESD claim submitted - how long until eligibility determined?

For a straightforward claim with no issues, you should get your eligibility determination within 7-10 days. However, if there's anything that triggers an adjudication (like your employer contesting your claim, unusual separation circumstances, or identity verification), it can take 3-6 weeks. Check your ESD account daily - look for any alerts or messages requesting additional information. If your claim goes into adjudication, they'll notify you through your online account.

mine took like 3 weeks lol. they never tell u the real timeline. just keep filing ur weekly claims even while waiting to hear back

The 48 hours they mention is ONLY for processing payment after you've already been approved and filed a weekly claim. Initial eligibility determination is completely different. For my claim in February 2025, it took exactly 12 days for the initial eligibility determination. Make sure you complete your weekly claims during this waiting period - you'll get paid retroactively for those weeks once approved. Also, check your Notices/Letters section in your ESD account daily for any requests for information that could delay your claim.

I've been through the ESD system three times in the past couple years and it's ALWAYS different. First time was 5 days, second time was 4 weeks (went to adjudication), third time was 9 days. It's completely unpredictable. And good luck trying to call them - I spent HOURS redialing only to get disconnected. I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 40 minutes. Cost some money but saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it if you're stuck waiting and need answers from an actual person.

My sister just went thru this last month. She got her eligibility letter in the mail after 2 weeks but then it took another week before money showed up in her account. ESD is super backed up right now from what i heard.

The whole system is broken by design. They WANT people to give up. I waited 5 weeks for my determination, then they denied me for a typo in my employment history, and I had to appeal. The appeal took ANOTHER 6 weeks. Meanwhile they expect you to keep filing weekly claims with no income. It's criminal how they treat people who are already struggling!

One more important thing: eligibility determination and identity verification are two separate processes that happen simultaneously. Many first-time claimants get caught up in ID verification issues that can delay benefits. Make sure you've uploaded clear photos of your ID documents in your ESD account, and respond immediately to any requests for additional verification. This alone can save you weeks of waiting.

when i filed last month it took 9 days exactly!!! just waiting was so stressful tho!!!!! hang in there!!!