What documentation does ESD accept as proof of separation from employer?

There are several documents ESD will accept as proof of separation: - Termination letter - Layoff notice - Email from employer confirming your last day - Final paystub (if it indicates it's your final pay) - Signed statement from HR about your separation I'd recommend submitting whatever official document you received when you left. If you didn't get anything in writing, contact your former employer's HR department and request a separation letter.

when i filed last year i just uploaded my last paystub and that worked fine

I went through this 3 months ago and it was such a headache! My boss refused to give me anything in writing (small construction company), so ESD kept putting my claim in adjudication. I ended up having to fill out one of their employer contact forms where I explained the situation and provided my supervisor's phone number. They eventually verified everything themselves, but it took almost 5 weeks! Make sure you're super clear about your last day worked and the reason for separation in whatever you submit. That's what they really care about.

If your employer isn't being helpful, you have a couple other options: 1. Submit your own signed statement explaining the circumstances of separation, including dates, supervisor name, and reason for leaving 2. If you have any emails or text messages discussing the end of your employment, even indirectly (like "tomorrow will be your last day"), those can work 3. If you received any severance documentation or COBRA insurance information, those explicitly acknowledge the end of employment The key is providing something that clearly shows your employment ended involuntarily. For layoffs, ESD will typically cross-verify with the employer anyway, but having documentation speeds up the process.

why dont u just ask ur employer 4 a letter? thats what i did

I had the EXACT same issue back in January! I couldn't get through to anyone at ESD on the phone either - would wait for hours then get disconnected. So frustrating!!! I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) after someone here recommended it. They got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes who told me exactly what I needed to submit. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent told me they actually prefer the separation letter but will accept the COBRA notice as proof too. Got my claim approved the next day once I submitted the right docs.

UGH the verification process is THE WORST! My claim was denied twice because I kept sending "insufficient" documentation even though I sent them my termination email. Turned out they needed to see the OFFICIAL HEADER of the company email with the date clearly visible. Make sure whatever you send has all that info visible!!! SO many stupid technical details they never tell you about upfront.

Just to follow up on the earlier comments - based on what you've said, I would recommend submitting: 1. Your COBRA notice (this is excellent verification) 2. The emails about returning equipment 3. A personal statement explaining the layoff situation Upload all three together and title the documents clearly like "Separation Verification - COBRA Notice" etc. If you haven't already, make sure you're regularly completing your weekly claims while waiting for the verification to be processed.