Weekly UI claim stuck in 'Processing IVR' status - rent due but payment delayed
I'm panicking a bit right now. Every Sunday I file my weekly unemployment claim by phone (using the IVR system), usually around noon. Yesterday I couldn't do it until 5pm, and now it's still showing 'processing IVR' status in my account. Normally by this time it would be processed already! I was counting on this money to pay my rent TODAY and my landlord isn't exactly the understanding type. Is this normal when filing later in the day? Does the system just take longer to process evening claims? Has anyone experienced this before? Really stressing out that I might have done something wrong or that there's a problem with my claim.
17 comments
Join the conversation
Selena Bautista
This happens sometimes when the system gets backed up, especially on Sundays when everyone is filing. The IVR system typically processes claims in batches, and later-in-the-day claims might get pushed to the next batch. In my experience, it usually updates by Tuesday morning at the latest. I wouldn't panic just yet - the system is showing it's processing, which means your claim was received successfully.
0 coins
Tasia Synder
•Thanks for the reply. My rent was due today though... I've never had it take this long before so I got really worried. Do you think calling ESD would help speed things up?
0 coins
Mohamed Anderson
it happenz to me ALL THE TIME!!! the esd computers r sooooo slow lol. sometimes it takes like 48 hrs when i do it late on sunday. ur probably fine just gotta wait it out
0 coins
Tasia Synder
•48 hours?! Ugh, I really hope it doesn't take that long. My landlord is already texting me about the rent.
0 coins
Ellie Perry
I've been on unemployment for 8 months now, and I've noticed that filing timing definitely affects processing speed. Filing early Sunday (before noon) usually gets processed by Monday morning. Filing late Sunday or on Monday can push processing to Tuesday or even Wednesday in some cases. For your rent situation, I'd recommend calling your landlord to explain the situation. Most states have grace periods of 3-5 days for rent payments before any late fees can be assessed. If you show good faith by communicating, many landlords will work with you.
0 coins
Tasia Synder
•That's really helpful to know about the timing. My landlord gave me until tomorrow, thankfully. I'll definitely file earlier from now on!
0 coins
Landon Morgan
If you're really worried and need to speak with someone at ESD to check on your claim, I'd recommend Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last month where my payment got stuck in processing, and I needed answers fast. Claimyr helped me get through to an actual ESD agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. It was a lifesaver when I was stressing about my delayed payment.
0 coins
Tasia Synder
•I've never heard of this service before! If my payment doesn't process by tomorrow morning, I might try this. Did the ESD agent actually help solve your problem when you got through?
0 coins
Landon Morgan
•Yes, they did! The agent was able to see exactly what was happening with my claim and told me when to expect the payment. They can see details in their system that don't show up in our online portal. In my case, there was a minor verification flag that was slowing things down, but nothing serious.
0 coins
Teresa Boyd
This EXACT thing happened to me in February. Filed late Sunday, still processing Monday, freaked out, called ESD Tuesday (took FOREVER to get through), and guess what? The money hit my account while I was on hold with them! The system just takes longer sometimes, especially at month-end when volume is high. Deep breaths!
0 coins
Lourdes Fox
•The same happened to me! Waited on hold for 2 hours and it processed while I was on the phone! ESD's system is so frustrating sometimes.
0 coins
Bruno Simmons
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US WAIT!!! They PURPOSELY delay payments at end of month because they know rent is due!!! I've tracked this for MONTHS and ALWAYS slower at month-end! They want people to get evicted so they don't have to pay benefits anymore!!!
0 coins
Selena Bautista
•That's not actually how it works. The system processes claims in batches based on volume and staffing. Month-end might be slower because more people file then, creating higher volume, but it's not a conspiracy to cause evictions. ESD wants people to receive their benefits - that's literally their job.
0 coins
Bruno Simmons
•OH SURE, believe whatever they tell you! I've been through 3 claims over 5 years and EVERY TIME the same pattern. Why would month-end have more claims when everyone files WEEKLY? Explain THAT!
0 coins
Tasia Synder
UPDATE: My payment just processed! It switched from "Processing IVR" to "Paid" about an hour ago. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the reassurance. I'll definitely be filing early on Sundays from now on. Lesson learned!
0 coins
Ellie Perry
•Great news! Glad it worked out. And yes, filing early is definitely the way to go, especially if you have time-sensitive bills.
0 coins
Mohamed Anderson
•yay!!! told u it would be fine :) the system just takes foreverrrrr sometimes
0 coins