Stuck in pending status for 5 weeks - how long until ESD decides approval/denial?

Unfortunately, that 'pending' status is frustratingly common right now. ESD is dealing with a backlog after their system upgrade in December. The normal processing time should be 1-3 weeks, but many claims are taking 6-8 weeks currently. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while pending - if approved, you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks. Check if your claim shows 'adjudication' status anywhere - that's different from just pending and means there's a specific issue they're investigating.

My claim was stuck in adjudication for 9 WEEKS before I finally got a decision!!! The whole time I kept filing and got ZERO money. Finally found out they needed employment verification I never even knew about! Check your ESD account for any 'Action Required' alerts or messages. Sometimes they need more info but don't actually tell you directly!!!

Adjudication means theres something they need to confirm about your claim. Could be they need to verify with your employer about the layoff reason, or maybe theres a question about your availability for work. I waited 7 weeks last year. Keep checking your eServices account everyday for new messages and keep filing those weekly claims!

Adjudication means there's a specific issue with your claim that an ESD adjudicator needs to review. Common issues include: 1. Verification of job separation reason (layoff vs. quit vs. termination) 2. Questions about your ability and availability for work 3. Wage verification issues 4. Job search compliance questions They should have sent you a notice explaining what's in adjudication, either in your eServices messages or by mail. If you can't find anything, you need to speak with an ESD representative directly. The challenge is getting through to someone.

I was in the same boat last month - adjudication for 6 weeks with no explanation. After failing to get through by phone for weeks, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and finally got connected to an ESD agent within an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent told me my claim had a flag because my previous employer incorrectly reported my last day. Once we cleared that up, my claim was approved within 48 hours and I got all my back payments.

Update: I tried that Claimyr service and actually got through to someone at ESD! Turns out there was a discrepancy between the wages I reported and what my employer reported (they had accidentally included some bonuses in the wrong quarter). The agent said they'll send a form to my employer to correct it, and it should be resolved within 7-10 business days. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!

my cousin waited like 3 months last year and then got denied for something stupid. make sure u appeal right away if they deny u!! u only get like 30 days to appeal or ur screwed

Final update: My claim was approved this morning! All 5 weeks of backpay are showing as paid and should hit my account in 2-3 business days. Such a relief. For anyone else stuck in adjudication - don't give up, keep calling until you can talk to someone, and definitely keep filing your weekly claims even when it seems hopeless.