Can't reach ESD after 26 calls - need tricks to get through to a REAL person
I've been trying to contact ESD for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT about my claim being stuck in pending status. Called the 8553182764 number at least 26 times (yes I counted) and either get disconnected immediately or stuck in that awful phone tree that eventually hangs up on me. I've sent 5 messages through eServices but no response after a week. My rent is due in 4 days and I'm seriously freaking out!! Do they even have real people working there anymore?? Has anyone actually managed to talk to a human being at unemployment recently? What's the secret trick to getting through? Please help before I lose my mind!!!
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Sofia Hernandez
They are IMPOSSIBLE to reach right now!! I tried calling at exactly 8:00am when they open and still got the "high call volume" message. The system is broken on purpose I swear.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
•try calling at 7:59am!! thats how i got through last month, their system starts taking calls 1 min before they officially open. worked for me!
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Ava Thompson
I managed to get through to an ESD agent last week after struggling for days. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call early - between 8:00-8:30am 2. When you reach the menu, press 2 for claim questions, then 3 for payment issues 3. If it says high call volume, hang up and immediately try again 4. Keep trying different menu combinations (sometimes option 4 works better) The key is persistence and timing. Their system is overwhelmed right now due to the new quarter starting. Also, make sure your phone number is updated in your eServices account - sometimes they try to call back but have old contact info.
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Dylan Campbell
•Thanks for the tips, but I've literally tried ALL of these multiple times. I've been calling at opening, mid-day, right before closing... nothing works. I've tried every menu option possible. I'm starting to think nobody actually works there. What happens if they never answer and my claim just sits pending forever??
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Miguel Ramos
i had the same issue last month!!! pending for 3 weeks and couldnt reach anyone. finally got thru by calling my state representative's office - they have special contacts at esd and fixed my claim in 2 days. google your district rep and email their office explaining the emergency situation
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Zainab Ibrahim
•This is absolutely correct advice. The state representatives and senators have legislative liaisons at ESD who can escalate urgent cases. Be sure to include your full name, last 4 of SSN, claim ID number, and specific issue when you contact them. Most offices have an unemployment assistance form on their website specifically for this purpose.
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StarSailor
Have you tried using Claimyr? I was in the exact same situation last month - calling 30+ times with no luck. A friend told me about this service that basically holds your place in line and calls you when they get an actual ESD agent on the phone. I was skeptical but desperate so I tried it. Got through to a real person within an hour! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Way less frustrating than constant redialing and hoping. The agent I spoke with was able to remove the pending status on my claim right away.
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Connor O'Brien
•Is this legit though? Seems sketchy to use a third-party service to reach a government agency. Did you have to give them any personal information? I'm desperate to get my adjudication resolved but also worried about security...
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StarSailor
•They don't ask for any ESD account info or passwords or anything like that. They just connect the call and then you're talking directly with ESD. I was hesitant too but it was honestly such a relief to finally talk to someone after weeks of trying.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
did u try the workaround where u select the spanish option then press 0??? sometimes that gets u to an english speaking person faster bc less people use that line. worth a shot!!
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Sofia Hernandez
•That worked like 2 years ago but they caught on and fixed that loophole. Now the Spanish line is just as impossible to get through on. 😡
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Dylan Campbell
Update: I actually got through today!!! Called exactly at 8:01am, selected option 1, then 4, then waited on hold for 47 minutes (was sure I'd get disconnected). Finally spoke with someone named Melissa who was actually really helpful. She found the issue - there was an employer response that needed review. She put in a request to expedite it since my benefits have been delayed over 3 weeks. For anyone else struggling, I think the key really is calling right when they open and being prepared to wait on hold for a LONG time. Don't hang up even if you think the call might be dead. I'm hoping my claim moves forward now but at least I know what's happening.
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Miguel Ramos
•congrats!! did they give u any timeframe for when ur claim will be fixed? hoping u get paid soon!!
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Dylan Campbell
•She said it could take up to 72 hours for the review to be completed, but she put notes on my account about the financial hardship so it might be faster. I'm just relieved someone actually looked at my claim finally!
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Ava Thompson
For anyone else reading this thread in the future, here are some proven strategies for contacting ESD in 2025: 1. Call at 8:00am sharp when they first open (or 7:59am as someone mentioned) 2. If your issue is urgent (eviction, utilities being shut off), make sure to mention this 3. Keep your claim ID number, last 4 of SSN, and specific issue details ready 4. If you can't get through after multiple attempts, contact your state representative 5. Always document every contact attempt with date/time for reference 6. Check if your issue can be resolved through the eServices portal 7. Prepare for a potential 30-60 minute hold time once you do connect Staying calm and being specific about your issue when you do reach someone will help get your problem resolved more quickly.
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