Missing several weekly ESD claims - can I backdate and will it affect my benefits?

You're right that the rules can be confusing. If you miss filing for more than two consecutive weeks, your claim becomes inactive. You'll need to reopen your claim, but you won't have to completely reapply with a new application. Log into your eServices account, select "Restart my claim" option. For the missed weeks, you'll need to call ESD directly to request backdating for those weeks - they may or may not approve it depending on your reason. Family emergency with hospitalization is a legitimate reason, so make sure to explain that situation clearly when you talk to them.

I missed 4 weeks last summer and lemme tell u it was a NIGHTMARE!! had to call like 50 times before i got thru. when i finally did they were like "sorry cant backdate that many weeks" but then the next person i talked to said they could do it as a "one-time courtesy" so i think it depends on who u get. definitely have ur moms hospital paperwork ready cuz they might ask for proof of the emergency. good luck!!

I tried calling the ESD number for 2 weeks straight and couldn't get through, so frustrating!!! Finally used Claimyr.com to connect with an agent same day. They have a video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) of how it works. Not gonna lie, it saved me hours of redial hell when I needed to get my backdated weeks approved. My situation was similar - missed filing because I was caring for my dad after surgery.

Current ESD policy (as of 2025) states that claimants must file weekly claims even if eligibility is in question, payment is denied, or an appeal is pending. Missing more than two consecutive weekly claims without contacting ESD means your claim becomes inactive. To restart: Go to eServices > Click "Restart my claim" > Answer all questions accurately. For missed weeks: You must speak with an agent directly. They may allow backdating if you have good cause (family emergency qualifies). Be prepared to provide documentation of the hospitalization. NOTE: ESD will never automatically backdate missed weeks - you must specifically request this when speaking with an agent.

my cousin works at esd and she says they're actually pretty lenient with the family emergency stuff especially if it's for a parent being hospitalized. just make sure you tell them it was unavoidable and you weren't able to access a computer or phone to file. they're mostly trying to weed out people who just forgot or didn't bother, not people with genuine emergencies.

i missed 3 weeks last fall when i was in the hospital myself and i just called and explained and they backdated my claims with no problem at all. took like 10 minutes once i got through. dont stress too much, they understand that life happens. just be honest about why you missed filing.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure when you restart your claim that you answer the question about why you stopped filing weekly claims truthfully. If you say you were working when you weren't, it could create problems. And when you do get through to an agent about backdating, be prepared with specific dates of your mother's hospitalization. Having that information ready will help your case significantly.

wait i'm confused... if u miss filing ur weekly claim doesn't that mean u were working that week anyway? why would u need to get paid for weeks u didn't claim??

THIS SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I had a similar issue last year and spent WEEKS trying to get it fixed. Different agents told me different things EVERY TIME I called. One said I could backdate, another said no way, a third one said maybe but needed supervisor approval. It's like they make up the rules as they go along. I ended up having to go to my state representative's office for help getting it resolved. RIDICULOUS!!

Update to my previous comment - I want to clarify that my experience is primarily with appeals, not direct ESD claims management. While family emergencies can qualify as good cause, the documentation requirements and approval process may vary by individual case examiner. The key is to restart your claim promptly and then request backdating with as much supporting evidence as possible.