Just filed my ESD claim - when should I call vs. wait to hear back?

Based on my experience from filing in January 2025, the initial claim processing is taking about 10-14 days if there aren't any issues requiring adjudication. You don't need to call right away - the system will notify you through your eServices account if there's any additional information needed. Make sure you've uploaded all your identification documents and continue filing your weekly claims while you wait. The most important thing is to start completing your three job search activities each week and documenting them properly.

DO NOT WAIT!!!! Call them NOW!!! I waited 2 weeks and my claim got stuck in limbo for 2 MONTHS because of some stupid identity verification issue that could have been fixed in 5 minutes!!! The ESD website is USELESS for telling you if there are problems. The online status stayed at "pending" the whole time even though there was a flag on my account!!!

I recommend giving it about 5-7 business days before trying to call. In the meantime: 1) Keep an eye on your eServices account for any alerts or messages 2) Start doing your required job search activities immediately (you need 3 per week) 3) File your weekly claims on time even if your initial claim is still pending 4) Check that your contact information is correct in the system If nothing happens after a week, or if you see any messages about "adjudication" or "pending issue", then try calling. Just be aware that the ESD phone lines are incredibly busy. I've had luck calling right when they open at 8:00am.

When I tried calling ESD last month it was IMPOSSIBLE to get through. I tried for 3 days straight and either got disconnected or was on hold forever. Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - totally worth it for me since they resolved my issue right away instead of waiting weeks.

I filed in December and mine was processed in 9 days without having to call. BUT my coworker who got laid off at the same time had hers stuck for 3 weeks because she had worked in 2 states during the past 18 months, which triggered some interstate verification thing. So it really depends on your specific situation. Btw one tip nobody told me: if you're on standby (meaning you expect to return to your employer), there's a different process and you might not need to do the job search activities. Did your employer mention anything about that?

wat bout ur work search requirements??? u gotta do those even while waiting for approval!!!

Another thing - check your spam folder EVERYDAY! I missed an important ESD email asking for additional documents and it delayed my claim by 3 weeks. Their emails sometimes get filtered out by Gmail and Outlook.