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this whole thing reminded me when i got denied benefits last year because they said i voluntarily quit. took 3 months of appeals to finally get someone to understand i was laid off not fired. esd is such a mess sometimes
btw even if u have to do job search now doesnt mean u cant go back to ur old job later. ur not locked into taking a new job just cuz u applied. the system just wants u to try to find work while getting benefits
Has anyone on here ever successfully challenged ESD's definition of "reasonable distance"? I'd love to know what kind of evidence they accepted. The one-hour guideline seems completely arbitrary and doesn't account for gas prices in 2025!!!
To follow up on my earlier comment, if you're really concerned about this issue, I recommend these steps: 1. Call ESD directly and ask for clarification about distance expectations for your specific job classification and location. Get the agent's name and note the date/time of the call. 2. Visit your local WorkSource office if possible - they can provide guidance specific to your area and help document any geographic limitations in your job search. 3. When logging job search activities, include distance calculations for jobs you apply to, showing you're making good-faith efforts within a reasonable radius. 4. If you decline an interview due to distance, document the exact reason (cost analysis showing the job would be financially unfeasible after transportation costs). Being proactive about this documentation can prevent potential issues later.
they'll probably backpay you for the weeks once approved so don't stress too much. but yea this system is horrible i feel ur pain
This is a prime example of why ESD adjudication takes so long - the distinctions between being laid off, quitting, being terminated, or refusing unsuitable work are so nuanced, and the application doesn't really let you explain unique situations well. I went through something similar last year. I was told my position was being eliminated in a restructure (layoff), but on my last day they tried to say I was being fired for performance (termination). Took 5 weeks in adjudication, but ultimately I won because I had emails from months earlier discussing the restructuring. Document everything. If you have the original restructuring notice plus the email saying it wasn't a termination, you're in good shape. But absolutely call ESD to make sure they understand the full picture, especially if you accidentally selected 'quit' on your application.
Anastasia Kuznetsov
Im going through something kinda similar right now and its so annoying. Have you tried contacting your state representative? My friend did that when she couldnt get her unemployment issues fixed and someones office helped her get it sorted out pretty quick.
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Emma Johnson
•This is actually excellent advice. Your state representatives often have dedicated staff who can cut through red tape with state agencies like ESD. They can sometimes resolve issues in days that would otherwise take months. Just go to your state legislature's website to find your representatives and reach out to their constituent services team.
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Leila Haddad
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to try several approaches: 1. Send a secure message with "URGENT: BACKDATE ADJUDICATION REQUEST" 2. Try calling using Claimyr since I keep getting disconnected otherwise 3. Reach out to my state representative as a backup plan I'll gather all my documentation tonight and start the process tomorrow morning. Really appreciate knowing there's still hope to recover these benefits, especially since I'm still paying off those credit card bills from that period. I'll update this thread if I make any progress!
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Astrid Bergström
•Good plan of action. Make sure to document all your communication attempts going forward as well. If you do get through to ESD, ask for a claim specialist rather than a general agent, as they'll have more authority to resolve complex backdating issues. Best of luck!
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