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Former ESD employee here. The system is unfortunately designed to manage call volume by disconnecting when all agents are busy, rather than creating long hold queues. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call EXACTLY at 8:00:00 AM when the phone lines open 2. If disconnected, wait 2-3 minutes before trying again (consecutive immediate redials get flagged as spam) 3. Use a landline if possible (more stable connection) 4. Have all your information ready (claim ID, dates, specific questions) 5. Be extremely specific about your issue when you do reach an agent For your job search log issue: if you're getting an error when entering activities, try using different activity types. Some claimants have success with "job application" rather than "job search" activities as the system validates them differently.
Thank you so much for this insider info! I didn't know about waiting between calls - I've been immediately redialing which might be making things worse. The tip about job search activities is super helpful too. I'll try submitting my activities differently.
if ur really a former employee then why did u guys make it so impossible to reach anyone? its like the system is designed to stop ppl from getting help!
I was finally able to get through to ESD last month about a similar issue! I noticed that calling on Wednesday around 3:15pm worked for me. The agent told me that's when their call volume typically dips a bit. Also, make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue. The general claims line (800-318-6022) is different from the weekly claims line (800-318-6020). Good luck!
Thanks for the tip about Wednesday afternoon! I'll add that to my strategy. I've been calling the general claims line (800-318-6022) since that's what WorkSource told me to use for this issue. Fingers crossed I can get through tomorrow!
Also my hearing was done by phone, not in person. Make sure ur phone number is updated in the system and that you answer ALL calls during your scheduled hearing time even if the number looks weird. I almost missed mine cuz it came from a weird area code I didn't recognize!
That's good to know - I'll make sure my phone info is updated. Did they email you any documents before the hearing or was everything by mail?
While you're waiting for your hearing date, use this time to thoroughly prepare. Review the ESD Claimant Handbook section on appeals (pages 39-42), gather all documentation about your separation from employment, and consider if you need witnesses. OAH hearings are formal proceedings where both you and ESD will present your case to an Administrative Law Judge, so preparation makes a significant difference in outcomes. When you do receive your hearing notice, it will include important information about your rights, how to submit evidence, and deadlines for doing so. Read every page carefully.
Thank you - I didn't even think about the Claimant Handbook. I'll review those sections tonight. Do you think I need to get a lawyer for this?
Just to add some additional context: If your claim has any potential issues (like if you reported partial work, had vacation pay, or if your employer contests anything), it can extend the processing time. But for straightforward claims where everything is verified and there are no discrepancies, the 2-3 business day timeline for processing to paid is generally accurate in my experience. Then add 1-2 days for bank processing. The good news is that seeing it move from pending to processing means the initial verification steps have been completed successfully.
hey just wondering did ur money come through yet? im in the same boat (processing since friday) and getting anxious
It just switched to paid this morning! So that was about 2.5 days in processing. Now waiting for it to hit my bank account. Hope yours changes soon too!
thx for update! gives me hope mine will change tomorrow 🤞
Update: I spoke with an ESD agent yesterday who confirmed I should include ALL hours I was required to be at the workplace, including the unpaid time between clients. I've submitted my application with the corrected hours (adding all those 30-min breaks) and it puts me well above the 680 hour threshold! The agent said they might contact my former employer to verify, but as long as I can prove it was mandatory time (I found our employee handbook that states we must remain on premises between appointments), I should be good. Thanks everyone for your help!
That's great news! Smart move finding that employee handbook - that's exactly the kind of documentation that helps. Keep us posted on how it goes with your claim.
One more thing to keep in mind - if your employer disputes the hours, don't panic. ESD will schedule a fact-finding interview where both sides can present their evidence. Just make sure to attend the interview and clearly explain the workplace policy. Having that employee handbook is perfect evidence. Also, if you have any emails or text messages about staying on premises between clients, save those too. Documentation is your best friend in these situations.
Paige Cantoni
did u check ur spam folder 4 any emails from esd? sometimes they email u if theres a problem with the payment
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Chad Winthrope
•Just checked all folders including spam - no emails indicating any problems. Just the one confirming the payment was processed. Guess I just need to be patient!
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Liam Cortez
Update us when it arrives! Always helpful to know how long these things actually take. Based on what I've seen in this forum over the past few months, 3-4 business days seems to be the average for backpay amounts over $5000.
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Chad Winthrope
•I'll definitely post an update once it comes through! Thanks everyone for the reassurance - feeling much better about the situation now.
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