Will ESD backpay all 15 weeks after appeal if I found a job?

Yes, you'll get backpay for all weeks you were eligible and properly filed claims for! The fact that you have a job now doesn't change your eligibility for the weeks you were unemployed. Make sure you accurately reported your job search activities each week though - that's critical for getting the backpay. Congrats on the new job btw!

Oh thank god. I've been so worried about this. I did submit my 3 job search activities every single week without fail. It's been such a nightmare getting to this point.

my frind got similar situaton last yr. he got job halfway thru appeal and still got all his backpay. took like 4 weeks after hearing to get the $$$ tho

Thanks for sharing that! Did they pay it all at once or in chunks? I'm trying to plan financially and wondering how they'll distribute it.

While the previous responses are generally correct, I should add some important details. If your appeal is successful, you'll receive benefits for the weeks you were eligible AND filed claims, BUT there are some conditions:\n\n1. You must have completed all required job search activities for each week (3 per week)\n2. You must have been able and available for work during those weeks\n3. You must have properly certified each week\n\nIf your employer contests the appeal and provides evidence you weren't laid off, that could still affect the outcome. Also, depending on how much you'll earn at your new job, there might be partial eligibility for the week you start working (if you work less than full-time hours initially).\n\nBasically, getting a new job doesn't disqualify you from weeks you were legitimately unemployed, but each week stands on its own eligibility requirements.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I've definitely been able and available each week, and I've done my 3 job search activities consistently. My former employer might fight it, but I have documentation showing the layoff was not voluntary.

GOOD LUCK getting ESD to actually pay you!!! My appeal was approved FOUR MONTHS AGO and I'm still fighting with them to release my backpay of 22 weeks. They always have \

man thats rough! did u try callng them? i had to call like 50 times to get someone

YES! I've called literally HUNDREDS of times. Either can't get through or get disconnected after waiting for 2+ hours. It's CRIMINAL how they treat people!!!

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2025. Employer reported a voluntary quit when I was laid off due to budget cuts. After my hearing (which I won), I received all my backpay for the 12 weeks I had claimed, even though I had started a new job 2 weeks before the hearing. \n\nOne thing to prepare for: after you win, there can still be a processing delay before the funds are released. In my case, it took about 3 weeks after the favorable decision for the money to hit my account. Keep filing your weekly claims until you start your new job, then stop filing as soon as you begin working full-time hours.

This is really helpful, thank you! Did they notify you when the payment was being processed, or did it just show up in your account?

It just showed up in my account one day. The status in my ESD portal changed to 'paid' about 48 hours before the deposit hit my bank. I'd recommend checking your portal daily after you get the decision.

Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask them? Seems like that would be better than getting random advice from people online lol

I've called ESD about 20 times in the past month. Either can't get through at all or get disconnected after being on hold for 1-2 hours. That's why I'm asking here - at least I might get some real experiences from people who've been through it.

If you're still struggling to reach ESD by phone (which is incredibly common), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual ESD agent when I was in a similar appeal situation. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when an agent is ready. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nThe agent I spoke with confirmed that backpay would be issued for all eligible weeks regardless of current employment status. Having that official confirmation really put my mind at ease.

Thank you - I hadn't heard of this service! I'll check it out. It would be worth it to actually speak to someone official about my specific situation.

i used this too!! got through in like 30 min when i had been trying for days

One more thing - make sure you have all your documentation ready for your hearing! Bring any emails or paperwork showing you were laid off rather than quitting. The judge will want evidence to counter your employer's claim. If you can prove they reported it incorrectly, you'll likely win the appeal.

Thanks for the tip! I have the original email from my manager explaining the layoff, plus a text conversation where he acknowledged it wasn't my choice to leave. Hoping that's enough.

After you win your appeal (and I hope you do), you should see a status change in your ESD account from

That's a good point about taxes - I hadn't thought about that. I'll definitely set some aside. I have direct deposit set up, so hopefully that makes things smoother.