ID verification stuck for 5+ weeks - Will I get backpay if I start new job?

I've been in ID verification limbo with ESD for almost 6 weeks now and it's driving me insane! My claim was already approved for payment, but they're holding everything until they finish verifying my identity (even though they confirmed receiving all my documents weeks ago). The kicker is I just got offered a job starting next week, which is great but also frustrating timing.\n\nMy big question: If I accept this job, will ESD still pay me for all those weeks I was eligible but didn't receive payment because of THEIR delay with ID verification? I'll be broke for another 2 weeks waiting for my first paycheck, and I really need those unemployment funds I should have been getting this whole time.\n\nHas anyone dealt with this kind of situation before? I'm worried they'll just close my claim once I report working again and I'll never see that money I'm owed. Any advice would be super appreciated!

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16 comments

Nia Wilson

•26d

Yes, you'll definitely get backpay for all those weeks even after starting work. When you do your weekly claims, you'll report when you started working, and for those previous weeks where you weren't working, you'll still get paid once the ID verification is complete. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims throughout this process, even for the week you start working (though that week you'll need to report your hours/earnings which might reduce or eliminate benefits for that specific week).\n\nID verification has been taking forever lately - I know someone who waited 7 weeks. But the money will come eventually as long as everything checks out.

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Aisha Mahmood

•26d

The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN when it comes to ID verification!!! I had the same problem and had to wait 9 WEEKS before they verified my documents. It's absolutely ridiculous that they make people wait this long when bills are piling up. The worst part is you can never talk to an actual human being to get updates. I bet they're doing this on purpose hoping people give up or find jobs so they don't have to pay out.\n\nBut to answer your question - YES, you will get all backdated payments once they verify you, even if you start working. Just make sure you keep filing those weekly claims and report accurately when you start working. They owe you that money!!

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Ethan Clark

•26d

I had something similar happen last year. The key is to keep filing your weekly claims even after you start working. When you file for the week you start working, you'll need to report your hours and earnings.\n\nOne thing to know - if you can actually get through to an ESD agent, they might be able to expedite your ID verification. I was stuck for weeks too until I finally got someone on the phone who pushed it through in 24 hours.\n\nHave you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents without waiting forever. I was skeptical but it worked for me. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Might be worth it to get your money faster.