Quick update for those following this thread: ESD just announced yesterday they're bringing in 45 temporary workers specifically to address the identity verification backlog. They're estimating it will take 3-4 weeks to get back to normal processing times. So there is some hope on the horizon! In the meantime, definitely follow through on contacting your state rep and trying the other suggestions here.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! After trying everything suggested here, what finally worked was using Claimyr to get through to an agent (thanks for that suggestion!). Once I got a real person on the phone, they told me the issue was that my driver's license had my middle initial but my ESD account had my full middle name. Such a small thing! The agent was able to override the verification on the spot since I was on the phone with them. My status changed to approved about 2 hours later, and they said I should expect payment within 48 hours for all the back weeks. I'm so relieved! Thank you all for your help during this stressful time.

Quick update on the timeline expectations: If your appeal was filed Monday and they said it's with a caseworker, they're likely in the "reconsideration" phase. This is actually good news because if the caseworker agrees with you, they can reverse the decision without going to OAH. The bad news is there's no guaranteed timeline for this phase. Have you checked your online correspondence in eServices? Sometimes they upload decisions there without notifying you. Also, check if your status has changed from "disqualified" to something else - that could indicate progress.

Same thing happened to me! I found out its because I answered YES to the 'physically able to work' question but then accidentally answered NO to 'available for work' on a weekly claim! Just ONE mistake and they assume your out of state! It took foreverrr to fix.

To answer your earlier question about requesting your employer's response - log into eServices, go to your claim details, and look for "Request for Information" or sometimes "View Documents." If you don't see it there, you can also call the claims center and specifically request your employer's response to your initial claim. Also, make sure you're checking your eServices account and physical mail frequently. ESD will send hearing notices with important dates and times, and if you miss the hearing, your appeal will likely be dismissed. Sometimes these notices come with very little advance warning, so stay vigilant.

One more important thing - when you have your hearing (which will probably be by phone), make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception and have ALL your documents ready to reference. The judge asked me very specific questions about dates and events, and having everything organized helped tremendously. Also, they record the entire hearing, so speak clearly and avoid talking over others. Be respectful to the judge even if your employer says things that make your blood boil (mine sure did!). If you win your appeal, you'll get all the back payments for the weeks you were filing claims, so even though it's stressful waiting, you'll eventually get the full amount you're entitled to.

That's great news! Congrats! Hope you get your payments soon!

Excellent! Keep an eye on your eServices account over the next week. You should see the payment status change to

my friend had this happen and it turned out his direct deposit info was wrong even tho he thought he entered it right. double check all your bank info in your esd account. also some banks take foreeeever to process esd payments for some reason

Quick update question - has your payment arrived yet? Most holiday-delayed direct deposits should have processed by now. If you're still waiting, it might be worth contacting ESD before the weekend.