Can't reach ESD by phone - all calls disconnected due to 'high volume'

Same thing happened to me last month. I tried calling 46 times one day (yes, I kept count) and never got through. The system is completely overwhelmed right now with all the seasonal layoffs happening. What worked for me was contacting my state representative's office - they have special channels to reach ESD and can sometimes help escalate your case.

Have you tried calling from a different phone number? Sounds weird but some people say ESD's system is filtering repeat callers when they're overloaded. Also, Thursdays seem to have slightly lower call volume in my experience. Whatever you do, don't miss filing your weekly claims while waiting to resolve this - you still need to submit those even if you're in adjudication.

I've been through this exact situation, and I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an ESD agent. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first, but it worked perfectly - I got a call back within about an hour with an actual ESD agent on the line. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It was honestly such a relief after two weeks of failed call attempts. The agent was able to resolve my adjudication issue in about 15 minutes.

its not just you, esd is a complete disaster right now!!! my cousins boyfriends mom works for worksorce and she said they are 8 WEEKS behind on processing claims!!! the whole system is broken and they dont care about ppl who need there money. its all about there metrics an stats and not about helping real ppl who cant pay bills

To answer your original question - yes, ESD does have a callback feature, but it only activates when their queue isn't completely full. The problem is that in 2025, their systems are still not equipped to handle the volume they're receiving. A few tips based on my experience: 1. Call at 7:58am, two minutes before they officially open 2. Try the employer line and then ask to be transferred (controversial tip but works sometimes) 3. Check if you qualify for priority status (certain hardship situations) 4. Use the virtual assistant on the website to schedule a callback (when available) Also, make sure you've uploaded all requested documents in your online account. Sometimes claims get stuck because they're waiting on documentation that wasn't properly submitted.

Just want to follow up on Claimyr that I mentioned. @skeptical_claimant I was suspicious too at first, but it worked for me. The service basically keeps dialing for you using their system that can detect when a line opens up. When they get through, they call you and connect you to the ESD agent who's on the line. Saved me days of frustration.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone with the same problem, here's what worked: I called exactly at 7:58am like someone suggested, and instead of selecting the claims option in the menu, I selected the employer option first, then asked to be transferred. The wait was still about 45 minutes but at least I didn't get disconnected. The agent told me my claim had been flagged for identity verification (even though I already uploaded my documents weeks ago) and they were able to clear it on the spot. My status changed from 'adjudication' to 'processed' within a few hours. Thanks everyone for the suggestions! This forum was way more helpful than anything on the actual ESD website.

So glad you got through, Sofia! This whole thread has been incredibly helpful. I'm a newcomer here and have been dealing with the exact same issue - stuck in adjudication for 2 weeks now and can't get through by phone. I'm definitely going to try the 7:58am employer line trick tomorrow morning. It's ridiculous that we have to use workarounds like this just to reach a government agency that's supposed to help us. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this community is a lifesaver when the official support channels completely fail us.

As someone who just joined this community after weeks of ESD frustration, I can't thank you all enough for these tips! I've been in adjudication hell for almost a month now and was starting to lose hope. Reading through all these suggestions gives me actual actionable steps to try. I'm definitely going to attempt the 7:58am employer line approach tomorrow, and if that doesn't work, I might look into Claimyr or contacting my state rep. It's both comforting and infuriating to know I'm not alone in this struggle. The fact that we have to crowdsource solutions because the official system is so broken really says something about the state of our unemployment services. Sofia, congratulations on getting your issue resolved - your success story gives the rest of us hope!

Just wanted to jump in as another newcomer who's been lurking here for a few days while dealing with my own ESD nightmare. I'm currently on week 4 of adjudication with zero communication from them about what's needed or when it might be resolved. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both reassuring (I'm not crazy - this system really is broken) and incredibly helpful. I tried the 7:58am trick this morning based on the tips here and actually got through after a 52-minute hold! Turns out my employer hadn't responded to their request for information, which was causing the delay. The agent was able to send another request with a priority flag. I'm documenting everything now like some of you suggested - screenshots, call times, reference numbers. It's sad that we need to treat interactions with our own state agencies like legal proceedings, but here we are. Thanks to everyone who's shared their strategies and especially Sofia for the success story update. This community is providing better support than the actual ESD website!

New member here who's been struggling with the same phone issues for over 3 weeks now! I've been calling daily with no luck until I found this thread yesterday. Tried the 7:58am employer line trick this morning that Sofia and others mentioned, and while I'm still on hold after 78 minutes, at least I didn't get the dreaded "high volume" disconnect! Fingers crossed this actually works. It's incredible how this community has provided more useful information in one thread than ESD's entire website. I've already started documenting everything as suggested - call times, hold durations, reference numbers. The fact that we need to use these workarounds and crowd-source solutions just to access basic government services is absolutely wild, but I'm grateful for everyone sharing their strategies. Will definitely update once I (hopefully) get through to an agent. Thank you all for keeping hope alive when the official system keeps failing us!