Just started my ESD waiting week - are claim problems really this common?

Don't panic! Most claims actually DO process normally, but people don't come to forums when everything's working fine - they come when they have problems. I've been through 2 unemployment periods and both were completely smooth. Just make sure you: 1. File your weekly claims on time EVERY week 2. Document your job search activities thoroughly 3. Report ANY earnings accurately 4. Respond immediately to any requests for information The people having the most issues usually have some complicating factor like working for multiple employers, having been fired rather than laid off, or having worked in multiple states. Straightforward layoffs with a single employer tend to be pretty routine.

lol welcome to ESD hell! maybe you'll be fine but i was on "waiting week" for like 6 weeks last time cuz they "needed to verify something" and never told me what!! good luck!!

I'm in week 5 of my claim and everything has been COMPLETELY FINE. Filed online, did my waiting week, got payments on time every week since. Job search requirements are easy - just do networking events and applications. The ONLY people I know who had issues either: - Were fired for misconduct (not laid off) - Had unreported side gigs - Didn't do their job search activities - Worked for multiple employers - Had complicated wage situations If you're a straightforward layoff, you'll probably be fine!

Don't listen to the doom and gloom - lots of claims process just fine, especially for straightforward layoffs. BUT be prepared just in case. Document EVERYTHING. Save confirmation numbers. Take screenshots. Keep a journal of all job search activities with detailed notes. And most importantly, if you DO end up with an issue and need to call ESD... good luck getting through. After 78 attempts over 3 days, I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to a live ESD agent in about 20 minutes. Their service basically keeps dialing for you until they secure a place in line. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Saved my sanity during my adjudication period.

I process payroll for a small business and see dozens of former employees go through the unemployment system each year. Here's what I can tell you with certainty: 1. About 80% of claims process without any issues if they are straightforward layoffs 2. The most common problems happen when: - The employee and employer report different separation reasons - The employee has worked for multiple employers in the base year - There are wage discrepancies - Job search requirements aren't met The fact that you already received your monetary determination with a specific weekly benefit amount is a very good sign. This means they've already verified your wages and work history. The waiting week is standard for everyone - it's just the first week you're eligible but don't get paid. As long as you file your weekly claims on time and do your job search activities, you should be fine. And remember, most people posting here are experiencing problems. The thousands having a smooth experience aren't typically posting!

my roomate just went on unemplymint and hes gettin paid no problem every week. but my cousin got stuck in somethin called "adjutation" for like 2 months and almost got evicted. i think its just random tbh

I HATE to be negative, but I would prepare for the worst. I had what I thought was a simple layoff claim in 2025 and ended up in 'adjudication' for 11 WEEKS!!! The problem? My employer checked 'lack of work' instead of 'layoff' on their form - WHICH MEAN THE SAME THING!!! But the system flagged it as a 'discrepancy'!!! ESD is BROKEN and UNDERSTAFFED and NOBODY ANSWERS THE PHONES!!! I'm not saying you'll have problems, but have a financial backup plan just in case. Not trying to scare you, just being realistic based on what I and at least 6 of my former coworkers experienced.

Thank you everyone for the responses! Sounds like I shouldn't panic but should be prepared just in case. I'm going to: 1. Keep detailed records of everything 2. Make sure my job search activities are thoroughly documented 3. File my weekly claims consistently 4. Respond immediately to any ESD communications Fingers crossed I'll be one of the straightforward cases! I'll update if I hit any snags.