Can't reach ESD after 3 weeks - disqualified with no explanation - desperate for medications

I'm really sorry you're going through this. ESD's phone system is basically designed to keep people out. What worked for me was calling at EXACTLY 7:59am, then hitting the options to get into the queue the second the automated system starts at 8:00. If you call at 8:00 or later, you'll never get through. Also, when you do get someone, immediately ask for a Tier 2 agent or supervisor - many of the frontline staff can't actually fix adjudication or disqualification issues. Make sure to specifically reference the conflicting information you received and that you need medication. The disqualification should have come with an appeal form - fill that out immediately while you're still trying to reach someone by phone.

Check ur disqualification letter carefully!! Mine said I was disqualified for "not being able and available" just bc I answered ONE question wrong on my weekly claim. I finally got ahold of someone who fixed it in like 5 minutes. The stupidest part is I'd been doing my claims the same way for weeks and suddenly they had a problem with it. Gotta love ESD logic 🙄 Btw have u tried Claimyr? It's this service that helps u get through to ESD faster. My friend used it last month and got through in like 20 mins instead of days of calling. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The website is claimyr.com I think. Worth checking out when ur desperate!

tbh governor's office is useless for this stuff. they just read from a script. if you really need help try contacting your state representative's office. my cousin did this when he was in a similar situation and their constituent services person made some calls and magically his claim got fixed within 48 hours

The disqualification issue is concerning. Based on what you described, this sounds like a case where you may have given contradictory information to the two different agents you spoke with this week, or the first agent simply made a major error in their notes. If your disqualification is for "not able and available," this is actually one of the easier issues to resolve, but you MUST appeal within 30 days. While you're waiting for the appeal, you should: 1. Continue filing your weekly claims even though they'll show as "disqualified" 2. Document every job search activity with extreme detail 3. If you have any medical documentation showing your medications don't prevent you from working, get that ready An appeal hearing will usually be scheduled within 3-4 weeks, and you can present your case to an Administrative Law Judge. These disqualifications are often overturned if you can show you're actively seeking work. As for reaching ESD, unfortunately the phone system is severely understaffed in 2025 just like it's been for years. Your best bet is the early morning technique another poster mentioned or considering a service that helps connect you.

have u tried the eservices message center instead of calling? sometimes they actually respond there when the phones are impossible. also check if ur worksouce office has an ESD person who can help. some do some dont

what did the disqualification letter actually say? the exact reason makes a big difference for how to fix it

THE ESD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY PEOPLE THEIR BENEFITS!!! I'm convinced they train their employees to find ANY reason to disqualify claims. I went through something similar last month and it took FIVE WEEKS to get it fixed. Had to call 87 TIMES before I got through (yes I counted). By the time I got my benefits I was already behind on rent and had my electricity shut off. They don't care AT ALL about our suffering!!! You need to DEMAND to speak to a supervisor. Don't let them transfer you to another regular agent. Say the words "escalate to supervisor" over and over until they do it. Regular agents won't fix anything!!! Also RECORD EVERY CALL with them if your state allows it. I wish I had done this because they kept giving me different information every time I called.

Hey just wondering - did you try the Claimyr thing? Did it work? I'm in a similar situation now and considering trying it but wasn't sure if it's legit