Will ESD contact my previous employer again for my new claim if they're in my base year?

Yes, unfortunately ESD will contact all employers in your base year period when you file a new claim, even if they've previously provided information on an earlier claim. Each claim is treated as a separate case, and they must verify wages and separation reasons for all base year employers. Be prepared that your former employer might receive paperwork again.

they def contact all base year employers i just went thru this last month. my old boss tried to lie AGAIN but since i already won before it was easier this time. just keep all ur old documentation!!

The system is designed to make you go through the same BS over and over! They WANT people to get frustrated and give up. My previous employer tried to say I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off, and ESD made me fight the same battle TWICE even though they had all the evidence from my first claim. Keep EVERYTHING from your previous case - emails, determination letters, hearing recordings - you'll need it all again!

While previous commenters are correct that ESD will contact all base year employers, there is some good news. Since you've already been through the process once and won, you have an established record that will help if they contest again. Here's what I recommend: 1. Get a copy of your previous determination letter and hearing decision if you had one 2. When filing, note in the comments section that this employer previously contested a claim unsuccessfully 3. If they dispute again, respond immediately with your documentation Since the separation issue was already decided in your favor, a second adjudication process should be quicker, especially if you reference the previous case number.

I had something similar happen and spent 8 weeks trying to get through to ESD when my old employer contested. This was after they'd already lost a previous dispute with me! So frustrating. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at ESD. They have this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who was able to see my previous favorable determination and push my new claim through. Saved me weeks of waiting.

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, if your previous employer contests the claim, it will typically trigger an adjudication process that can delay your benefits. However, since this issue was previously resolved in your favor, you may be able to request ESD refer to the previous determination, which could expedite the process. Make sure you mention the previous claim number whenever you communicate with ESD about this issue.

my cousin works at esd (not supposed to tell anyone lol) but she says they DO look at prior determinations but they still have to go thru the whole process again. its dumb bureaucracy stuff. just be ready to tell the same story again :

One more important tip: When you file your new claim, be very consistent with how you described your separation from the previous employer the first time. Any discrepancies, even minor ones, could trigger additional review. Also, while waiting for resolution, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims even if you're not receiving benefits yet.

btw when u file online theres a section where u can add comments about each employer. I put in mine "this separation was previously approved for UI in claim #12345 on [date]" and i think that helped cuz they processed faster than last time