Anyone know the direct ESD phone number to reach a REAL agent instead of the automated system?
I've been trying to call ESD for THREE DAYS about my claim status and keep getting stuck in the automated system hell. Has anyone actually managed to talk to a living, breathing human there?? I've tried the main number on their website like 20 times but it either disconnects me or puts me in an endless loop of useless recorded messages. There HAS to be a direct line or some trick to get through to an actual person. I'm about to lose my mind and really need to speak with someone before my rent is due next week!
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Miguel Silva
The official number is 800-318-6022, but you're right that it's nearly impossible to get through. I had success calling right when they open at 8:00 AM, but even then I was on hold for 1.5 hours. Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM and be prepared to wait. Also, if you get disconnected, keep calling back - sometimes it takes 5-6 attempts before you get placed in the queue.
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StarSailor}
•Thanks for the tip about calling right at 8am. I'll try that tomorrow. Did you select any specific options when you called? I've been choosing option 2 for existing claims but maybe that's not right?
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Zainab Ismail
i call them like 50 times a day its a nightmare!!! try hitting 0000 when the auto thing starts sometimes that works
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StarSailor}
•I'll try the 0000 trick too! Thanks!
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Connor O'Neill
The ESD phone system is definitely challenging. In addition to calling right at 8:00 AM, here are some strategies that have worked for others: 1. When you call the main number (800-318-6022), try option 4 instead of option 2 - sometimes the claims specialists are less busy than the general queue. 2. If your issue is related to identity verification, try the specific ID verification line at 800-318-6001. 3. For some issues, you might get faster help through your WorkSource office rather than ESD directly. 4. Make sure you've submitted a message through your eServices account first, as agents can sometimes respond more quickly there than by phone.
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StarSailor}
•Thank you so much! I didn't know about option 4 possibly being faster. My issue is that my weekly claim is stuck as "pending" for 3 weeks now with no explanation, so I think I need a claims specialist. I did submit an eServices message last week but haven't heard anything back.
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Yara Nassar
I went through the EXACT same thing last month. Spent days trying to reach someone. Turns out there's a service called Claimyr that can actually help you get through to ESD without spending hours on hold. It worked for me when nothing else did. Check out claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. They basically call ESD for you and then connect you once they get an agent on the line. Saved me so much frustration!
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Keisha Robinson
•is that legit? sounds too good to be true honestly
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Yara Nassar
•It's definitely legit - I was skeptical too. My claim was stuck in adjudication and I couldn't get any answers. Used Claimyr and was speaking with an ESD agent about 45 minutes later. They don't do anything magical - they just have a system that handles the calling and waiting for you. Then they call you once they have an agent on the line.
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GalaxyGuardian
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED TO KEEP US FROM GETTING OUR BENEFITS!!!!! I've been trying for WEEKS to talk to a human and all I get is run-around. They PURPOSELY make it impossible to reach anyone. Even when you do get through they put you on hold for 2+ hours and then HANG UP ON YOU!!! It's a JOKE!!!
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Connor O'Neill
•While the system is definitely overwhelmed, I don't think they're intentionally avoiding claimants. ESD has been working with reduced staff since the post-pandemic funding reductions. If you're having this much trouble, I'd recommend contacting your state representative's office - they often have dedicated liaisons who can escalate ESD issues.
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GalaxyGuardian
•REDUCED STAFF MY FOOT! They have plenty of people to send out those overpayment notices but nobody to answer the dang phones!!
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Paolo Ricci
I had success calling on Wednesday around 2:30pm. For some reason mid-week afternoons seem to be slightly less busy. Also, don't hang up if you get put on hold - I finally got through after about 1 hour and 40 minutes of waiting. The agent told me that many people hang up right before they would have been helped. Make sure you have your claim ID and social security number ready when they answer so you don't waste any time.
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StarSailor}
•That's really good to know about Wednesdays! I'll try that time slot if the morning attempt doesn't work out. And yeah, I've been hanging up after about 45 minutes because I figured it was hopeless - maybe I've been giving up too soon.
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Zainab Ismail
anybody tryed the online chat?? it says theres a chat option on the website but i cant find it anywhere lol
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Miguel Silva
•The chat feature isn't always available - it only appears during certain hours and when they have enough staff. Even when it is available, the wait times can be just as long as the phone.
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StarSailor}
Update: I FINALLY got through! Called at exactly 8:00am, pressed option 4 like someone suggested, and waited on hold for about 1.5 hours. The agent was actually super helpful once I got through. For anyone else struggling, definitely try right when they open and be prepared to wait. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
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Connor O'Neill
•That's great news! Glad you were able to get through and get help. What was the issue with your claim?
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StarSailor}
•Turns out my employer had submitted some conflicting information about my last day worked, so my claim was flagged for manual review. The agent was able to verify everything and said my payments should be processed within 48 hours. Such a relief!
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