Can't get through to ESD - what's the REAL number to talk to an actual person?
I swear I've called the regular ESD number (800-318-6022) about 30 times over the past 3 days and it's absolutely USELESS. Either I get an automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume and to try again later *click* or I wait on hold for 45+ minutes only to get disconnected. My claim has been pending for almost 4 weeks now and I'm getting desperate. I'm behind on rent and my landlord isn't exactly the patient type. Does anybody know if there's a different number that actually connects you to a real human being? Or some secret extension? Or literally ANY way to get through to someone who can help? I've already sent messages through eServices but haven't heard anything back. This is ridiculous!
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Ethan Taylor
Same exact problem here! Been trying to reach them about my adjudication issue for weeks. The regular number is completely useless. I think they designed it to frustrate people into giving up. I even tried calling right when they open at 8am and STILL couldn't get through.
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Aisha Khan
•Exactly! I tried the 8am thing too and it didn't make any difference. Did you ever manage to get through to anyone?
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Yuki Ito
Unfortunately there's no "secret" number that connects you directly to a claims agent. The main line (800-318-6022) is actually your best bet, but with some strategy: 1. Call precisely at 7:59am, so you're in queue when they open at 8am 2. If prompted for a callback, ALWAYS take it - don't wait on hold 3. Press the right options: usually 1, then 3, then 1 again 4. Avoid calling Mondays and Tuesdays when volume is highest Also, while waiting, make sure you've submitted all documentation in eServices and checked your Action Items tab for anything pending on your end.
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Carmen Lopez
•I second this advice! I had similar issues for weeks but calling at 7:59am on a Thursday finally worked. Got through after only about 15 minutes on hold.
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AstroAdventurer
i kno this sounds crazy but hav u tried reaching out to ur state representative? my claim was stuck for almost 2 months, i emailed my rep and had a call from ESD within 48 hrs. google ur district representative and send them a quick email explaining ur situation
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Aisha Khan
•Wow, I never would've thought of that! I'll look up my rep right now. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Andre Dupont
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING BENEFITS!!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone by design!! I spent 6 WEEKS trying to get through only to be told I filled out some form wrong and had to restart the whole process. The wait times are just another way they hope you'll give up and stop claiming what you're legally entitled to!
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•While I understand your frustration, I don't think it's actually designed that way. The ESD system is just understaffed and overwhelmed. They're trying to process thousands of claims with limited resources. That said, it IS extremely frustrating when you need help and can't get through.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
After experiencing the same frustration, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to ESD within about 30 minutes instead of days of trying. They basically handle the hold time for you and call when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first but it worked surprisingly well for my adjudication issue. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Saved me a ton of stress after weeks of trying.
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Aisha Khan
•That sounds promising! I'm so desperate at this point I'll try anything. Going to check out that video now. Did they actually help resolve your issue or just connect you?
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•They just connect you with an actual ESD agent - once you're talking to ESD, the resolution depends on your specific claim situation. In my case, the agent was able to clear up my adjudication issue in about 15 minutes once I finally got through. The service just saves you from the endless redial nightmare.
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Jamal Wilson
heres a tip that worked 4 me - keep trying different times of day. everyone calls at 8am so its jammed. i got thru at 3:30pm on a thursday after trying forever. also dont press 1 for english right away, wait till the whole intro plays. dunno y but seemed to help
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Ethan Taylor
•That's interesting about letting the intro play fully. I'm gonna try that tomorrow afternoon. I've been hanging up as soon as I hear the high call volume message, but maybe I should stay on the line longer?
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Yuki Ito
One more important tip - check if you have any Action Items in your eServices account that are holding up your claim. Many people spend weeks trying to reach someone only to find out they just needed to complete a simple form or questionnaire that was sitting in their account. Look under the 'Alerts' and 'Action Items' sections carefully.
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Aisha Khan
•That's actually really helpful. I just checked and there WAS an action item I missed from last week! It was a simple employment verification form. Just completed it - hopefully this helps move things along. Thank you!
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Ethan Taylor
So did anyone ever figure out a reliable way to get through? I'm back in the same position again with a new issue on my claim. Really don't want to spend another month trying to reach someone...
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Aisha Khan
•Update on my situation: I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and did get through to an agent yesterday. Cost was worth it for me considering I was about to miss another rent payment. They fixed my pending issue (turned out to be a simple verification problem). My claim is now processing! Fingers crossed for payment soon.
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