Getting stuck in ESD identity verification limbo - anyone else waiting 8+ weeks?

I was stuck in ID verification for 6 weeks before mine finally cleared. What worked for me was messaging them every 3 days through eServices with the exact same message: "Still waiting for identity verification since [date]. This is causing severe financial hardship. Please process my verification documents submitted on [date]." Be super consistent with the wording. Eventually someone processed it. Don't give up hope!

sounds like regular ESD bs lol. they did the SAME THING to me back in november!!! kept saying they needed to verify my identity but then nobody would actually LOOK at the docs i sent. i ended up having to contact my state rep's office and magically my claim was fixed 2 days later. coincidence??? i think NOT!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to ESD on the phone? After six weeks of getting nowhere with my identity verification issue, I used their service and actually got connected to a live agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to review my documents while I was on the phone and cleared the verification flag right then. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. It was honestly such a relief to finally talk to a real person who could help.

just wonderign did you upload BOTH sides of your ID? cuz thats what got me stuck for like a month. had to show both sides and they never told me until i finally got thru

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. Unfortunately, the identity verification backlog at ESD has been TERRIBLE since they implemented the new system in late 2024. I work with a non-profit that helps people with unemployment issues, and we're seeing 6-10 week delays regularly. Here's what I recommend: 1. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM 2. Use the Spanish option and then ask for English when an agent answers (controversial but works sometimes) 3. Send a secure message WITH the word "HARDSHIP" in the subject line 4. Contact your state representative as someone else suggested 5. If you've worked in construction, check if your union has an ESD liaison who can help The system is absolutely overwhelmed right now. Hang in there.

i had the same problem back in december my neighbor told me to try calling at exactly 3:55pm right before they close and somehow I got through! worth a try maybe?

To add some clarity to what's happening: ESD implemented a new identity verification system in October 2024 that's causing major backlogs. The system is flagging about 40% of new claims for manual review (compared to about 15% in the old system). They're aware of the problem but severely understaffed in that department. If you're in construction, make sure you check the "seasonal work" option if applicable, as that can sometimes put you on a different processing track. Also, double-check that your name on your ID EXACTLY matches what's in the ESD system - even minor differences like having a middle initial in one but not the other can cause problems. And yes, legislative district offices have been extremely helpful for these issues lately. They can often get things resolved within 3-5 business days.

Quick update for those following this thread: ESD just announced yesterday they're bringing in 45 temporary workers specifically to address the identity verification backlog. They're estimating it will take 3-4 weeks to get back to normal processing times. So there is some hope on the horizon! In the meantime, definitely follow through on contacting your state rep and trying the other suggestions here.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! After trying everything suggested here, what finally worked was using Claimyr to get through to an agent (thanks for that suggestion!). Once I got a real person on the phone, they told me the issue was that my driver's license had my middle initial but my ESD account had my full middle name. Such a small thing! The agent was able to override the verification on the spot since I was on the phone with them. My status changed to approved about 2 hours later, and they said I should expect payment within 48 hours for all the back weeks. I'm so relieved! Thank you all for your help during this stressful time.