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One more thing to try - send a message through your eServices account specifically asking about the status of your identity verification. Sometimes that can flag your account for review. Just be super specific in the subject line like "Urgent - Identity Verification Hold - 5 Weeks Without Benefits" - that helped in my case!
i hate to say this but my claim was stuck for almost 3 months!! i called every day for weeks. then i contacted my state representative's office and suddenly my claim was fixed in 2 days. might be worth trying if nothing else works
This is actually excellent advice. Your state representatives have liaisons who can directly contact ESD on your behalf. This is particularly helpful for claims stuck in identity verification or adjudication for extended periods. Just visit your state legislature's website to find your representatives and their contact information.
There seems to be some confusion about the regulations. While being a union member doesn't waive the 680-hour requirement, there IS something called the "alternate base year" calculation that might help. If you don't qualify using the standard base year (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters), ESD can use the alternate base year (the 4 most recently completed calendar quarters). This might capture more work hours for you and potentially qualify you. But again, you still need 680 hours total - that part doesn't change. Also, check with your union welfare office. Many unions have hardship funds or other assistance programs specifically for members between jobs who've exhausted benefits. The hall should have information about these resources.
Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after using Claimyr) and got confirmation that there's no union exception to the 680-hour rule. The agent checked my account and I only have about 450 hours in my base year. She suggested I look into the Commissioner Approved Training program if I want to take some classes while waiting to build more hours. Thanks everyone for your help - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.
Glad you got a definitive answer! The Commissioner Approved Training is a good suggestion if you're interested in upskilling while waiting for dispatch. It allows you to collect benefits while attending approved training programs without having to look for work. Might be worth considering if dispatch remains slow.
When I got laid off last year I had a similar situation with my side business. Make sure you're super clear about your availability during the application process! I almost got disqualified because they thought I wasn't available for full-time work because of my side gig. Had to appeal and everything. What a headache!
Ava Rodriguez
congrats!!! i'm still waiting for my hearing date after 5 weeks. this gives me hope!
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Liam McGuire
•Hang in there! My hearing took about 6 weeks to get scheduled after I filed the appeal. The waiting is really stressful, but it's worth fighting if you believe ESD made a mistake. Hope your hearing goes well!
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Liam McGuire
UPDATE: Got through to ESD this morning! Used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and it worked perfectly - got connected in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they received my appeal decision and said the system shows my payment should process in 5-7 business days. She also verified all my weekly claims were in the system correctly. The relief is real! Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I'll update again when the money actually hits my account.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•luckyyyy!!!! let us know when it actually shows up! i'm in a similar boat.
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