Called ESD 800 number repeatedly but can't reach a human - any alternatives?

This is unfortunately super common with ESD. The phone system is completely overwhelmed. I was in the same boat about 2 months ago. Here's what worked for me: call exactly at 8:00 AM when they open, press 1 immediately when prompted (for English), then press 4 for questions about your claim, then 2 for claim status. This sometimes puts you in a queue instead of just hanging up on you. You still might wait 2+ hours though.

omg i hate that stupid 800 number!!! ive called like 50x and never got anywere. the worst part is when u wait forever and then it just hangs up on u

I've been dealing with ESD for years and their phone system has always been terrible. What worked for me during my last adjudication was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that basically keeps calling ESD for you until it gets through, then connects you. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It saved me hours of frustration and I actually got my issue resolved the same day.

Speaking as someone who used to work in call centers (not ESD but similar), here's some actual technical advice: 1. Your pending status of 4 weeks isn't unusual. Standard adjudication can take 4-6 weeks during high volume periods. ESD is currently experiencing a backlog due to seasonal claims. 2. For calling, use the prompts that lead to payment issues rather than general questions. The payment queues often have more staff. 3. Try Thursday afternoons between 2-3pm. That's typically when call volumes drop at most unemployment offices. 4. Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims while waiting. Many people forget this step and it causes additional delays. 5. Check your ESD online account for any alerts or documents requiring action - sometimes there's a simple form they need that's holding up your claim.

This probably won't be helpful but I need to vent too. The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I spent TWO MONTHS trying to reach someone about my claim last year. They denied me because of an employer mistake, then I couldn't reach anyone to appeal. By the time I got through, the appeal deadline had passed. Then they said I should have emailed instead. But their emails don't get responses either! The whole system feels designed to make people give up.

The ESD phone system is definitely frustrating, but there are a few things you can try beyond just calling repeatedly: 1. Send a secure message through your eServices account. It's not as fast as talking to someone, but they do respond, usually within 3-5 business days. 2. If your claim has been pending for 4 weeks, you might be in adjudication. This means they're investigating something about your claim. Check if there's a fact-finding questionnaire you need to complete in your online account. 3. Contact your state representative. This sounds extreme, but their constituent services can often help move things along with ESD. Google "[your area] state representative" to find yours. 4. If you're really struggling financially while waiting, ask about Hardship status. If approved, they may expedite your claim.

have u tried emailing them? sometimes they respond faster that way

My brother had same problem last month but he went to WorkSource in person and they helped him!! They couldn't fix his claim but they called ESD on a special line and got him connected to someone. Maybe try that??

Just following up - did you have any luck getting through? The advice about trying WorkSource is solid. They sometimes have direct lines to ESD that bypass the public queue. Also, if your claim is in adjudication specifically, there's a different number you can try: 800-246-9763.