Reopened ESD claim on wrong date - will this week count as waiting week? Need urgent help!

OMG i did the EXACT same thing last year!! its the WORST. you definitely need to call them asap because they CAN fix this but only if you explain it right.

You need to contact ESD and request a backdate for your claim. This is a common issue, especially when transitioning between benefit years. The system won't let you fix this yourself online, but an agent can adjust your claim effective date. When you reach someone, specifically ask for a "backdate request" for your reopened claim. Explain that you didn't understand the timing requirements for the new benefit year. Make sure to mention your financial hardship - they're more likely to process it quickly if you explain the urgency.

dont feel bad this is super confusing and the esd website doesn't make it clear at all! i think a TON of people make this mistake, the benefit year transition is way more complicated than it needs to be. hope u get it fixed!

The ESD phone system is absolutely WORTHLESS these days!!! I had a similar issue (not exactly the same but needed to speak with someone RIGHT AWAY) and spent FOUR DAYS trying to get through. They always say "high call volume" and hang up on you! It's like they don't WANT to help people!!! I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent within about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Worth every penny since I was about to miss my car payment waiting to get through. The agent I spoke with fixed my issue right away once I actually got to talk to someone.

i remember my friend had something like this happen and they had to fill out some special form too not just call in. something about a "backdating request form" they had to download from the esd website?? might be worth looking for that while you try to get thru on phone

The ESD system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING to discourage people from collecting benefits they LEGALLY DESERVE!!! I've seen hundreds of people get screwed by this exact issue. They make the rules complicated, don't explain them clearly, then punish YOU when you make a mistake. It's CRIMINAL how they treat unemployed people!!

I'm an employment counselor who helps people with ESD issues regularly. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, ESD can backdate your reopened claim, especially for benefit year transitions 2. You need to speak with a claims specialist, not just any agent 3. When you call, use these exact words: "I need a backdate adjustment for my reopened claim due to benefit year transition" 4. Mention that you're experiencing financial hardship 5. If the first agent says they can't help, politely ask to speak with a tier 2 specialist The backdate should be processed within 48 hours once approved, and your waiting week will be correctly assigned to the earlier week. Your current week will then be payable on the normal schedule. Don't stress too much - this is a common issue and has a straightforward fix once you reach the right person.

let us know what happens!! ive got my fingers crossed for u!

UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning! Used the advice from this thread and specifically asked for a backdate adjustment for my reopened claim. The agent was really helpful once I explained everything clearly. They backdated my claim reopening to 3/16 and said last week will now count as my waiting week instead of this week. Payment for this week should process in the next 48 hours! Such a relief - thank you all for your help!