Can't reach a human at ESD - claim disqualified for unknown reason
I'm at my wit's end trying to reach someone at ESD about my disqualified claim. I've called the 800 number literally 27 times over the past week and it's ALWAYS just the automated system. I can't get through to a real person no matter what options I select! My claim shows 'disqualified' on eServices but doesn't explain why. A friend who works at WorkSource mentioned there's been some system errors lately that are auto-disqualifying legitimate claims. I NEED to talk to an actual person to figure this out since rent is due next week. Is there a secret phone number? A specific time to call? Anything? My bills aren't going to wait for ESD to fix their glitchy system.
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Mei Zhang
same thing happned to me last month! the stupid automated system kept hanging up on me after 40 mins of waiting. try calling right when they open at 8am, thats how i got thru eventually. also press 1 then 2 then 4 in the menu, thats the path that worked for me
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Jamal Brown
•Thanks, I'll try that exact menu path tomorrow morning. Did they explain why your claim was disqualified when you finally reached someone?
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Liam McConnell
There are a few possible reasons for disqualification you should check first. Look for any alerts in your eServices account - the most common issues are: 1. Missing weekly claim certification 2. Not completing the required three job search activities 3. Reporting earnings incorrectly 4. Identity verification issues If none of these apply, you likely do need to speak with an agent. Try calling during off-peak hours (Wednesday or Thursday afternoons tend to have shorter wait times). When you get to the menu, select the option for "claim problems" rather than general questions.
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Jamal Brown
•I checked all of those things already. I've been doing my 3 job searches every week, reporting correctly, and have no alerts in my account. It literally just changed to disqualified with no explanation. That's why I'm desperate to talk to someone!
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Amara Oluwaseyi
ESD's phone system is a JOKE. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone on purpose. I got disqualified last year and spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through. By the time I did, I was already behind on bills and had to take out a payday loan. The system is designed to frustrate people until they give up.
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CosmicCaptain
•While I understand your frustration, I don't think it's a deliberate design to prevent people from getting help. The department is chronically understaffed. This doesn't make the situation any less difficult for claimants though. Did you eventually get your issue resolved?
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Giovanni Rossi
look in ur eservices account for the disqualification letter. might have explanation there. click on ur claim then letters.
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Jamal Brown
•I checked there too - no letter explaining the disqualification! That's part of why I'm so frustrated and need to talk to someone directly.
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
After going through the same nightmare trying to reach ESD for weeks about my adjudication issue, I ended up using a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you and holds your place in line. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was able to see that my disqualification was indeed a system error (something about a mismatch between reported hours and my employer's report). They fixed it on the spot and reactivated my claim.
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Dylan Mitchell
•I've heard good things about this service too from clients at the resource center where I volunteer. Several people mentioned it helped them get through during peak periods when the phone lines are overwhelmed. Just make sure you have all your claim information ready when you do connect with an agent.
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CosmicCaptain
Here's what I recommend as an alternative approach while you're trying to reach someone by phone: 1. Submit a message through your eServices account (under "Contact Us") specifically stating your claim was disqualified without explanation 2. Email your state representative - they often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues 3. Contact your local WorkSource office to see if they have an ESD representative on site who can look into your claim Regarding the phone system, call patterns matter: Tuesday-Thursday between 10-11:30am or 2-3:30pm typically have shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. Also, if your claim is showing as disqualified, the system might have triggered an automatic notification letter that's still being processed. Check your physical mail in the next few days as well.
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Amara Oluwaseyi
•LOL good luck with the "Contact Us" messages. I sent THREE of those and never heard back from a single one. Complete waste of time!!!
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Jamal Brown
Thank you all for the suggestions! I tried calling this morning at 8:00 am sharp using the menu options suggested, but still ended up in the automated system with a "high call volume" message. I've gone ahead and sent a message through eServices AND emailed my state rep as suggested. I may try the Claimyr service tomorrow if I don't hear anything by then. This is so frustrating - I've been working for 7 years and this is the first time I've ever needed unemployment. I had no idea it would be this difficult just to talk to someone about why my claim was denied.
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Dylan Mitchell
•When you do get through to someone, make sure to ask if they can put a note on your file that this was a system error. This will help if you encounter any similar issues in the future. Also ask them to explain exactly why the disqualification happened so you understand what to avoid going forward.
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ESD yet? Did any of the methods work for you?
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Jamal Brown
•YES! I finally got through using Claimyr this morning after trying for 3 more days with no luck on the regular line. The agent confirmed it was a system error related to my identity verification. Apparently my driver's license expiration date was entered incorrectly. They fixed it on the spot and said my payments should resume next week. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
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