I work at a WorkSource center and can confirm the main ESD unemployment claims number is now 833-572-8400. The 6022 number is still active but primarily for employer services and informational purposes rather than claim support. For "able and available" issues specifically, you might also want to check if you received a questionnaire in your eServices account. Sometimes they send those instead of requiring a phone call. Look under "Pending Issues" in your account dashboard. If you have one, filling it out completely might resolve the issue without needing to call. If you do need to call, the best times are typically Tuesday-Thursday between a:30-10:30am or 2:30-4:00pm when call volumes tend to be lower.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! For anyone with the same issue - the new number is indeed 833-572-8400. I called at 8:15am and selected option 2, then 3 as suggested above. Wait time was about 35 minutes, but I finally spoke with someone who could help. Turns out the "able and available" flag was because I mentioned a doctor's appointment in my weekly claim. The agent cleared it after I explained it was just a one-time appointment that wouldn't affect my availability for work. Payment should be processed within 48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help! This forum saved my sanity.

wait r u getting the paper mail from ESD too? sometimes they send important stuff that's not on the website and if u miss responding to one of those letters the whole claim gets messed up. happened to my roommate

One more thing that might help - if you're able to get through to ESD (either directly or through a service), ask them specifically if there are any "fact-finding questionnaires" that need to be completed. Sometimes these aren't obvious in your online account but can be holding up your claim. Also, make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims even while in adjudication. If you miss filing for any week, it creates even more complications. Lastly, document EVERYTHING - dates/times you called, names of people you spoke with, letters you sent, etc. This documentation can be helpful if you need to appeal or escalate your case.

Update: I went ahead and submitted the change to direct deposit yesterday. The system accepted my bank info without any errors, so that's a good sign. I'll report back next week to let everyone know if my payment arrives on time and which method it used. Thanks for all the advice!

Final update: My payment this week still went to my debit card as many of you predicted. I checked my ESD account and it shows the direct deposit is now active, so next week's payment should go to my bank account. No delays at all with the payment, which was a relief!

After trying Claimyr that someone mentioned, I actually got through to ESD yesterday after weeks of trying. The agent said identity verification issues are prioritized differently based on your work history and when you last filed. If you've had multiple claims or gaps in employment, you get flagged for extra verification. The frustrating part is their notification system is completely separate from eServices, and many notices are still being sent through regular mail that people aren't receiving.

That's so helpful to know! I definitely have gaps in my work history which probably explains why I got flagged. Did the ESD agent tell you any tricks for speeding up the process once documents are submitted?

Generally there's minimal downside to having a professional conversation. Frame it as "this role isn't the right fit for either of us" rather than "I want to quit but need unemployment." Many employers understand it's better for everyone if an employee who isn't a good fit moves on, and coding it as a layoff can be a win-win. If they seem receptive, you could even offer a transition period where you help train your replacement.

UPDATE: I called ESD this morning to ask about a similar situation and the agent confirmed that job elimination followed by unsuitable work CAN qualify for benefits. She said they look at these on a case-by-case basis and that documenting the differences between positions is critical. She also mentioned that if your pay was reduced by more than 25% OR your skills aren't transferable to the new role, those are strong factors in your favor. Hope this helps someone!