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Diego Mendoza

Anyone know how long ESD takes to respond to secured messages? Been waiting 2 weeks!

Getting so frustrated with ESD's communication system! I sent a secured message through my eServices account exactly 14 days ago about missing payments and haven't heard ANYTHING back. My claim status is active but the last 3 weeks show 'pending' with no explanation. I need this money for rent! Has anyone actually gotten a response from ESD through the secure messaging? How long did it take? Should I just keep calling instead? I feel like my messages are disappearing into a black hole...

lol good luck with that...i waited almost 5 weeks for them to answer my message about missing work search documentation. their 'secured message' system is a joke. better off trying to call them directly but even that's nearly impossible these days

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Diego Mendoza

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5 WEEKS?! I can't wait that long! This is ridiculous. Did they at least fix your issue when they finally responded?

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Sean Flanagan

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The ESD secure messaging system typically takes 3-4 weeks for responses right now due to high volume. Here's what I recommend: 1. First, check your spam/junk folder - sometimes their responses end up there 2. Make sure you're checking the actual secure message center in eServices, not just your email 3. For pending payments, the message system isn't the fastest solution If you need a faster response on those pending payments, you should definitely call instead. Yes, it's difficult to get through on the phone, but it's much more effective for payment issues than messaging.

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Diego Mendoza

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Thanks for the tips. I've been checking both the secure message center and my email daily. I guess I'll have to try calling, but I've already tried multiple times and keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever.

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Zara Shah

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I've found that when u call ESD, it matters WHAT TIME u call!!! I always get thru when I call right when they open at 8 AM sharp!!! Try that its worked for me every time. The secured messages r just too slow when ur talking about money for rent and bills. They prioritize phone calls over messages from what I understand.

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NebulaNomad

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This actually works! I tried calling at 8:01am and got through after only 12 minutes on hold. Any later in the day and forget about it.

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Luca Ferrari

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I've had varying experiences with ESD's secured message system. My first message took about 3 weeks to get a response, but a more recent one was answered in just 6 days. I think it really depends on what you're asking about and current staff workload. For payment issues specifically, I'd recommend calling rather than messaging. Payment flags usually need direct intervention, and waiting for a message response could significantly delay your benefits. If you're struggling to get through on the phone, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was skeptical at first, but after weeks of trying to reach ESD, I gave it a shot. They helped me connect with an ESD agent who resolved my pending payment issue in one call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

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Nia Wilson

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I second this! Their secured messaging is completely hit or miss - sometimes they respond fast, sometimes never. For payment issues, you NEED to talk to someone directly.

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When I had 'pending' payments last month, I discovered they needed additional identity verification but never notified me! The issue wasn't going to resolve itself no matter how many messages I sent. I finally got through on the phone and the agent told me exactly what documentation to upload. My payments were released 2 days later. Pending payments almost always need direct phone intervention. Messages are better for general questions, not time-sensitive payment issues.

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Diego Mendoza

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That's concerning! I didn't even think there might be a verification issue they haven't told me about. I should probably stop wasting time with messages then and focus on getting through by phone. I'm worried I'll never get these payments at this rate.

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NebulaNomad

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one time i sent a message and got a reply the NEXT DAY and then another time it took like 6 weeks and by then i had already fixed the problem another way lol. its so inconsistent!!

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Sean Flanagan

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Update us on what happens! If you do manage to get through by phone, ask the agent to check if there are any flags or issues on your account causing the pending status. Sometimes there's a simple verification step needed that isn't obvious in the online portal.

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Diego Mendoza

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I finally got through to ESD this morning! Called exactly at 8:00am like someone suggested. Turns out there was an employer response they were waiting on that was delaying everything. The agent pushed it through manually and said my payments should process within 48 hours. So much better than waiting for a message response that might never come. Thanks everyone for the advice!

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Oscar Murphy

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That's awesome news Diego! So glad you got it resolved. This is exactly why I always tell people to call for payment issues - the messaging system just isn't built for time-sensitive problems like pending payments. The fact that there was an employer response holding things up shows how these issues often need immediate attention that only a phone agent can provide. Hopefully this helps other people in similar situations realize that sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and spend the morning trying to get through by phone.

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