When an unemployment claim gets stuck in review, it can feel like nothing is happening — especially if weeks pass without updates or payments. In most cases, a claim isn’t frozen because something is wrong, but because multiple verification steps are still being processed.
Reviews can stack, overlap, or pause progress while agencies wait for information. Understanding why claims get stuck — and what usually happens next — can help set realistic expectations and avoid mistakes that cause further delays.
What “Stuck in Review” Usually Means
“Stuck in review” is not an official unemployment status you’ll see on your claim. It’s a phrase people use when a claim shows no progress for an extended period, even though certifications are being accepted and the claim remains active.
When a claim appears stuck, it is usually because the unemployment agency has placed a pending issue on the claim while required checks are completed. In many cases, this pending issue may later move into formal adjudication depending on the complexity of the review.
In most cases, a claim appears stuck because it is waiting on one or more verification checks to be completed. These checks can involve identity confirmation, employer responses, earnings reviews, or eligibility questions. While these reviews are unresolved, payments are typically paused until the agency finishes processing the required information.
Common Reasons Unemployment Claims Get Stuck in Review
Unemployment claims often get stuck in review when one or more of the following checks are still unresolved:
- Identity verification still processing
Identity checks may take additional time to complete, especially if documents require manual review or were submitted more than once. - Employer response or separation review pending
If an employer disputes the claim or has not responded, the agency may pause payments until required information is received. - Earnings or wage mismatches
Differences between reported earnings and employer wage records can trigger a review until amounts are verified. - Availability or work search questions
Claims may be reviewed if availability for work or job search activity needs confirmation. - Appeals or prior determinations under review
An active appeal or a previous unresolved determination can block payment release until the review process is completed.
Why Reviews Can Take Weeks (or Longer)
Unemployment reviews are processed in queues, and claims are often handled in the order information is received. When multiple reviews are required, each step may need to be completed before the next one begins.
In many cases, these delays are caused by formal eligibility reviews, which explains why an unemployment review can delay payments or often appear in a claim as a pending issue or pending adjudication status even when nothing is wrong.
Delays can also happen when agencies are waiting on employer responses, verifying documents manually, or managing backlogs during periods of high claim volume. In these situations, a review may remain open even if no new updates appear on the claim.
Because reviews are handled by different departments and timelines vary by issue, it’s common for claims to remain under review for several weeks without visible progress.
What Happens While a Claim Is Stuck in Review
While a claim is stuck in review, payments are usually paused, but the claim itself often remains active. Weekly certifications may still be accepted, even if no payment is issued yet.
If your payments were stopped entirely, you may see a pending issue stopping payment notice on your claim.
In many cases, if the review is resolved in your favor, back pay is released for eligible weeks. This means payments are often delayed rather than permanently lost, depending on the outcome of the review.
What to Expect Next
After a claim has been under review for some time, the unemployment agency usually takes one of several actions. Some claims are cleared automatically once required information is verified, while others move toward a formal determination.
Depending on the situation, the next step may include:
- A request for additional documents or clarification
- A status update showing the review has been completed
- A determination approving or denying benefits
- Instructions related to an appeal or next eligibility step
In many cases, updates occur without advance notice, so it’s common for claimants to see changes suddenly after a long period of inactivity.
How This Connects to Pending Issues
When reviews remain unresolved, your claim may show a pending issue status. If you’re unsure what that means overall, see our complete guide to pending unemployment claims.
What You Can Do While Waiting
While a claim is under review, there are a few steps that can help prevent additional delays:
- Respond promptly to any requests for information or documents
- Continue filing weekly certifications if required
- Avoid submitting duplicate documents unless instructed
- Keep records of communications and deadlines
- Monitor your claim for updates, even if changes appear infrequently
In most cases, the review process moves forward once all required information has been processed.