Best time to call ESD without getting the 'call back later' message?
I've been trying to reach ESD about my claim all morning but keep getting the automated 'please call back later' message and then it hangs up. So frustrating! My claim has been stuck in adjudication for almost 3 weeks now and I really need to talk to someone. I've tried the general unemployment line (800-318-6022) about 8 times today starting at 8:05 AM. Does anyone know what time of day is actually best for getting through? Do they have slower periods during the week? I'm getting desperate as rent is due next week and I need to know what's happening with my benefits. Any tips would be appreciated!
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Clay blendedgen
Calling right when they open at 8am used to work for me, but lately even that's been impossible. I had better luck on Wednesdays and Thursdays around 3pm for some reason. Mondays are absolutely THE WORST - everyone who had issues over the weekend is calling then.
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Mary Bates
•Thanks for the tip! I'll try tomorrow afternoon around 3. Did you just keep calling over and over or is there some trick to it?
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Ayla Kumar
I've found that Thursdays between 2:30-3:30pm has been the best window recently. Statistically, most people call in the morning (8-10am) and during lunch (12-1pm), so those are the worst times. Try mid-afternoon on Tuesday-Thursday. Also, make sure you're calling from the phone number listed in your ESD profile - they prioritize calls from verified numbers in their system.
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Lorenzo McCormick
•Is that really true about them prioritizing calls from numbers in your profile? I never heard that before but it makes total sense why I might be getting through easier than my husband when we both call!
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Ayla Kumar
•Yes, it's part of their call routing system. They implemented it in late 2023 to help manage call volume. It doesn't guarantee you'll get through, but it does slightly increase your chances of not getting the automatic rejection message.
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Carmella Popescu
tbh ive given up on calling them directly lol. wasted like 3 days of my life trying. ESD is joke, they probly don't even answer the phones anymore
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Clay blendedgen
•They definitely answer, but their call center is severely understaffed. My friend works for DSHS (different dept but she knows people) and said ESD has like 40% of the call staff they actually need.
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Kai Santiago
After struggling for weeks to get through, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. They have some system that bypasses the hold queue. Worked perfectly for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue similar to yours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Before that I spent literally 12+ hours over several days trying to get through on my own with no luck.
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Mary Bates
•I've never heard of this service before. Has anyone else used it? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point, but I'm always cautious about new services.
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Lim Wong
•I used it last month. It works. Basically saves you from having to redial 100 times. I was skeptical too but I needed to talk to someone about my disqualification and it connected me after about 20 mins.
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Dananyl Lear
THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED BY DESIGN!!!! They don't WANT you to get through! I've been calling for FIVE WEEKS trying to fix a simple issue with my claim and still nothing. Called at every possible hour. They've made the system deliberately difficult so people give up and don't collect benefits they're entitled to. I've documented FIFTY-THREE CALLS with screenshots before giving up. FIFTY-THREE!!!!!
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Ayla Kumar
•I understand your frustration, but it's not intentionally designed to block people. The unemployment system is dealing with outdated technology and staffing shortages. They're actually working on a new phone system scheduled to launch in mid-2025 that should help with these issues. In the meantime, have you tried contacting your state representative? They often have liaisons who can help with ESD issues.
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Dananyl Lear
•That's what they WANT you to believe. The 'new phone system' has been 'coming soon' for YEARS now. Meanwhile they're denying millions in benefits to hard-working people who need help. But sure, keep believing the propaganda if it makes you feel better.
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Clay blendedgen
Have you tried contacting them through the eServices message center? Sometimes they respond faster that way for certain issues. Not great for urgent matters, but might be worth a try in addition to calling.
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Mary Bates
•I did send a message last week through eServices but haven't heard anything back yet. The website says they're experiencing high message volume too. Seems like everything is backed up right now.
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Lorenzo McCormick
omg i had the same problem last month! my claim got stuck forever and i couldn't get thru on the phone either. i finally got my neighbor to let me use her phone (i thought maybe my number was flagged or something lol) and i managed to get through on a Wednesday around 2:45. weird time but it worked!
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Carmella Popescu
•lol at thinking ur number was flagged. classic ESD paranoia, we've all been there 😂
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Ayla Kumar
If your claim is in adjudication specifically, calling at optimal times helps, but there's also another approach. You can request an expedited adjudication review if you're experiencing financial hardship (like potential eviction or utility shutoff). To do this: 1. Call during mid-afternoon hours as suggested 2. Specifically ask for an "expedited hardship review" of your adjudication 3. Be prepared to provide documentation of the hardship This won't guarantee immediate resolution, but it can move your claim up in priority. Also, continue filing your weekly claims during this time, even while in adjudication.
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Mary Bates
•This is incredibly helpful information. I had no idea about the expedited hardship review option. I'm definitely experiencing financial hardship and can document it. I'll specifically ask for this when I call tomorrow afternoon. Thank you!
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Lim Wong
I work nights so I always call around 3:30pm right before they close at 4pm. Sometimes catch them when call volume is lower. Not foolproof but worked twice for me in March.
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Lorenzo McCormick
•Isn't that kinda risky tho? Like what if u get through at 3:55 and they have to rush or cut u off? I'd be scared they wouldn't have enough time to actually fix anything
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Lim Wong
•They don't cut you off if you're already talking to someone when 4pm hits. They'll stay on until they resolve your issue. At least that was my experience.
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