Anyone successfully reach ESD agents lately? Need call strategy for UI questions

I managed to get through to ESD last month after trying for 3 days straight. What worked for me was using Claimyr.com - it's a service that basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Seriously worth it when you need to talk to someone about your claim.

I call right when they open at 8am and still cant get through most days!!! The whole system is BROKEN and they dont care about us. Been trying to reach someone for 2 weeks about my adjudication and its impossible. They just want people to give up!!

I finally got through last week about my standby status question. What worked was calling exactly at 8:01am (not 8:00 when everyone else is calling) and choosing option 2, then 3, then 1 in the menu system. Still waited about 45 minutes on hold but at least got through. The agent was actually super helpful once I finally reached someone - cleared up my confusion about job search requirements while on standby status. BTW - make sure you have your claim ID number, SSN, and the exact dates of any employment gaps ready before you call. They'll ask for all that info and you don't want to be fumbling around once you finally get a human on the line.

I called ESD like 20 times last month lol. never got through. ended up just sending a message through eServices. took them 9 days to respond but they eventually did. might be worth trying that instead of the phone if your question isnt super urgent

The phone system at ESD is definitely still challenging, but there have been some improvements since 2023. Here's what works now: 1. Call between 1:30-2:30pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays (their slowest period) 2. When the automated system asks why you're calling, clearly say "speak to an agent" 3. Have your claim ID, last employer info, and dates ready 4. Be prepared for 30-60 minute hold times even when you get in queue Also, make sure you're calling the correct number for your specific question. There's a different line for weekly claims (800-318-6022) versus claim questions (800-318-6022 - same number but different options). For technical issues with logging in, use the SAW helpline instead (855-682-0785). If you're really struggling, try the WorkSource office in your area. Sometimes they can help facilitate contact with ESD.

just fyi they disconnect you after like 2 hours on hold now. happened to me twice. so frustrating!!

I saw someone mention they tried Claimyr earlier in this thread - I used it last week and it actually worked pretty well. Got a callback in about an hour and was able to sort out my adjudication issue. Beats spending days redialing.

Update: I just had another question come up about my job search requirements and managed to get through to ESD again this morning. Called at 8:03am, waited about 35 minutes. The agent confirmed that right now they're training new phone staff so the wait times should actually improve over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed they're right! Also, make sure you're not calling on a holiday - I made that mistake last month and wasted a bunch of time before realizing they were closed.