First weekly claim shows 'disqualified' with no reason - is my entire UI claim denied?

A 'disqualified' weekly claim doesn't necessarily mean your entire UI claim is denied. There are several common reasons this might happen:\n\n1. You answered a question in a way that triggered automatic disqualification (like saying you weren't able and available for work)\n2. You didn't meet the job search requirements (3 activities per week)\n3. You reported earnings that exceeded your benefit amount\n4. There's an ongoing adjudication issue affecting payment\n\nYou should check the 'Decisions' tab in your eServices account - that's where formal disqualification notices appear. Also look at your 'Messages' section for any correspondence from ESD. If there's nothing there, you definitely need to speak with an ESD agent to find out why.

Thanks for explaining! I checked both the Decisions and Messages tabs but there's nothing there at all. I'm pretty sure I answered that I was able and available for work, and I definitely reported my 3 job search activities. I didn't report any earnings since I haven't worked. Should I file my next weekly claim while trying to figure this out or wait until this is resolved?

Happened to me last month!!! My first 2 weeklys got disqualified then suddenly got fixed without me doing anything. ESD system is MESSED UP. Did u answer NO to being able to work? Thats the #1 reason for getting disqualified I think. Or maybe u didnt list enough job search activities?? U need 3 EVERY WEEK no matter what.

I'm pretty sure I said YES to being able to work, and I definitely listed 3 activities (2 applications and 1 workshop). That's why I'm so confused! Did you ever find out why yours were disqualified before they got fixed?

Nope never found out! ESD just fixed it and then I got a random deposit for the back pay. The system is so weird sometimes it just glitches and then fixes itself. Keep filing ur claims tho!!

This is a very common issue. The 'disqualified' status without explanation usually means there's an issue with your claim that requires adjudication, but the specific reason hasn't been properly communicated to you.\n\nImportant steps to take:\n\n1. Continue filing your weekly claims on time while this is being resolved\n2. Check if there are any alerts on your dashboard that need to be addressed\n3. Look in the 'Upload a Document' section to see if they're requesting any verification documents\n4. Call ESD as soon as possible to find out the specific reason\n\nI've seen many cases where a simple explanation from an agent can resolve the issue immediately. Sometimes it's just a matter of clarifying one of your answers. Don't assume your entire claim is denied - it's more likely just an issue with this specific week.

Thank you for the detailed advice. I've checked everywhere in my account and don't see any document requests or alerts. I've been trying to call ESD for two days now but keep getting disconnected due to high call volume. Is there any other way to reach them besides the main unemployment number?

When I had this exact problem getting through to ESD was impossible until I used Claimyr. It's a service that holds your place in the ESD phone queue and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me from spending hours redialing. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) and decided to try it after two weeks of failed call attempts. Got through to ESD in about 45 minutes instead of days of trying. In my case, the disqualification was because I accidentally checked a box saying I refused work - the agent fixed it right away once I explained. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

is that service legit? seems sketchy to use some random service when dealing with unemployment stuff

It's completely legit. They don't access your ESD account or anything - they just connect you with ESD's phone system when an agent is available. It's basically just a sophisticated call-back service.

Thanks for the suggestion. At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might help me talk to an actual person at ESD. Two days of constant redialing is driving me crazy.

just want 2 say dont panic yet. my husband had 3 disqualifieds in a row last year and it turned out he wasnt filling out the job search correctly. they want REAL specific info for each application. once he called and found out what he was doing wrong and fixed it they actually paid him for all those weeks retroactive. ive heard the esd phones r impossible tho good luck

That's reassuring to hear. I thought I was being detailed with my job search entries, but maybe I missed something specific they're looking for. Really hope I can reach someone to explain what's going on.

The ESD system is deliberately designed to disqualify as many people as possible!!! Don't let them get away with it. They WANT you to give up. I had to appeal THREE TIMES before I finally got my benefits last year. The whole system is rigged against workers and they hope you'll just go away rather than fight for what you deserve. The \

While I understand your frustration, I don't think the system is deliberately designed to disqualify people. It's more that the antiquated computer systems and understaffing create these issues. In most cases I've seen, there's a legitimate reason for the disqualification that can be resolved once you reach an agent. The OP should definitely keep pursuing this, but understanding it's likely a technical or communication issue rather than intentional obstruction will help approach it constructively.

You're being naive. I WORKED WITH 6 different people who all had similar experiences. Wake up! They denied my coworker for 4 months with no explanation until she got her state rep involved then MAGICALLY it was fixed in 2 days. That's not a \

One more thing to check - look at your monetary determination letter in your eServices account (usually under \

I found my monetary determination letter and it shows I qualify for $754/week, so that seems OK. You make a good point about my employer - maybe they're contesting it? I was told it was a layoff due to department restructuring, but who knows what they told ESD. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims. Thanks for the advice.

my sister works for a bank and they laid her off and said the same thing but then contested her unemployment claiming

Oh no, I hadn't even considered that possibility. I had good performance reviews, but who knows what they might say to avoid the unemployment claim. How did your sister find out they were contesting it?

she got a letter from esd saying her employer disputed the claim reason and then she had to do a phone interview with an adjudicator to explain her side. check ur esd messages and mail

Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like one of two things is happening:\n\n1. Your claim has an adjudication issue that hasn't been properly communicated to you (possibly employer-related)\n2. There was a technical error or misunderstanding in how you completed your weekly claim\n\nEither way, speaking with an ESD representative is your best next step. Continue filing weekly claims, document everything carefully, and keep all evidence of your job search activities. If this does turn into an appeal situation, having thorough documentation will be crucial.\n\nOnce you speak with ESD, if they tell you there's an adjudication issue, ask for the specific issue code and estimated timeframe. This will help you understand what's happening and when to expect resolution.

Thank you so much for all this information. I'm going to try reaching ESD again tomorrow morning right when they open. If I can't get through after a few more attempts, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update here once I find out what's going on with my claim.