Union member training benefits suddenly in adjudication - why the delay when I was promised payment in 48 hours?

Same thing happened to me last month during my union apprenticeship classes. Super frustrating! They put me in adjudication because they needed to verify that I was still 'able and available' for work even though my union hall knows I'm in training. It took almost 3 weeks to resolve and I nearly missed rent.

This is actually a common issue with union training programs. ESD's system often automatically flags claims when you indicate you're in training, even if it's union-approved. The adjudicator needs to verify that your training is approved and that you're still considered available for work under union rules. Make sure you uploaded your union membership documentation and any paperwork showing the training is mandatory. Did you select "in training" when filing your weekly claim?

bro they do this all the time now its like they WANT to make us wait for $$$. my cousin in pipefitters went thru same bs last year. he said you gotta call them everyday until someone fixes it, thats the only way

I went through this exact situation with my electrical union training in January. Here's what worked for me: call the ESD Technical Support line (not the regular claims line) and explain that you're a union member in mandatory training and your claim was incorrectly placed in adjudication. Ask them to expedite review and specifically mention the Training Benefits program for union members. Also, contact your union rep - sometimes they can reach out to ESD directly through channels we don't have access to. I tried calling 50+ times before I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual ESD agent within 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth every penny when you're waiting on benefits to pay bills.

just my 2 cents but i think there using some new system since january that flags EVERYTHING for adjudication. not just union stuff. my claim got stuck for 6 weeks even though nothing changed from last time!!!!!

ESD adjudicator here. Since 2025, we've implemented enhanced verification protocols for all training programs, including union training. The system automatically flags these claims for review to ensure compliance with the revised "able and available" requirements. What many claimants don't realize is that you need to have your union specifically indicate that this training is employer-approved via form ESD-UCT25 (the Union-Certified Training approval form). The fastest resolution would be: 1. Have your union business agent submit the UCT25 form ASAP 2. Upload a letter from your training coordinator confirming this is mandatory 3. Call our specialized adjudication line at 833-572-8400 (different from the main claims line) The standard processing time is currently 7-10 business days, but with these documents it can be expedited to 3-5 days.

After the adjudicator approved my claim, they backdated all the payments, so at least I got everything I was owed eventually. Just took FOREVER. Make sure you keep doing your weekly claims even while in adjudication!

i forgot to say my cousin said if u mention hardship like ur about to miss rent or whatever sometimes theyll put u in the urgent pile. worth a shot

UPDATE: Got through to ESD this morning using that Claimyr service (seriously took like 25 mins instead of endless redials). The agent confirmed what @ESDadjudicator said - they needed the UCT25 form. My union business agent submitted it this afternoon and the agent put a note on my claim to expedite review once received. They said I should see movement within 3-5 days. Thanks everyone for the help! Will update when it's resolved.