Can't reach ESD by phone - all calls disconnected due to 'high volume'
I'm about to throw my phone against the wall! I've been trying to reach ESD for THREE DAYS now about a problem with my adjudication status. Every time I call I get the same automated message about 'high call volume' and then it disconnects me. I've tried calling at 8am right when they open, during lunch, late afternoon... nothing works. And I just realized they removed the message feature on the eServices portal that used to let you contact them! How is anyone supposed to resolve claim issues when there's literally no way to speak to a human? Has anyone found a trick to actually get through? This is beyond frustrating when my rent is due next week and I'm still waiting on 3 weeks of benefits.
14 comments
Dmitry Petrov
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.
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Sofia Gutierrez
•I didn't know state reps could help with this! Do I just look up who my rep is and email their office? Did they get back to you quickly?
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StarSurfer
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.
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Ava Martinez
•THIS! Keep filing those weekly claims!!!! I didnt know i had to keep doing weekly claims while in adjudication and lost out on like 6 weeks of payments. They wont backdate them no matter how much u beg. The system suuuucks.
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Miguel Castro
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.
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Zainab Abdulrahman
•Does this really work? I'm suspicious of any third-party service that claims they can get through when nobody else can. Has anyone else tried this? I don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work when I'm already stressed about finances.
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Connor Byrne
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
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Yara Elias
•While I understand your frustration, I don't think this information is accurate. I worked as an ESD adjudicator until 2023, and there's no single processing timeline that applies to all claims. Some claims take longer than others based on complexity, employer responses, and documentation needs. The current timeframe for most adjudication is 3-4 weeks according to the dashboard on ESD's website. Different types of issues have different processing queues.
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StarSurfer
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.
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Sofia Gutierrez
•Thanks for these tips! I didn't know about the employer line trick - is that actually allowed? I'm definitely going to try calling right before they open tomorrow. And I'll double-check all my documents are properly uploaded. This is really helpful.
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Miguel Castro
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.
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Zainab Abdulrahman
•I actually ended up trying Claimyr yesterday after reading your comment, and it worked! Got connected to an agent after about 1.5 hours. The agent was able to see that my claim had a verification flag that wasn't showing up in my online portal. Problem solved in one call after two weeks of trying. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Sofia Gutierrez
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.
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Ava Martinez
•congrats!!! thats awesome u got it fixed. the ID verification thing is such a mess, happened to me 2x last year for no reason. so frustrating!!!
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