Commissioners Review Office never returns calls/emails - any way to get through?
Has anyone actually gotten through to the Commissioner's Review Office? I filed an appeal 7 weeks ago after losing my redetermination hearing, and I'm at my wit's end trying to contact them. Every single time I call, I get their voicemail saying 'leave a message and we'll call back in 24-48 hours.' I've left FIVE MESSAGES in the past three weeks and still nothing! I also sent two emails to their official address (which they claim is the 'faster way to get a response') and complete radio silence. Meanwhile my benefits have been on hold since February and I'm about to miss another rent payment. I need to know if they received my appeal paperwork and how long the review might take. Anyone have any tricks to actually get a human on the phone there?
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Oliver Becker
same here!! been trying to get ahold of them for 3 weeks and nothing!!! their system is a joke
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Amina Bah
•So frustrating! Have you tried anything besides calling the main number? I'm desperate at this point.
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CosmicCowboy
The Commissioner's Review Office is notoriously understaffed. When I went through this last year, I eventually found out they were running about 12-14 weeks behind on reviewing appeals. What worked for me was calling right when they open at 8:00am (not 8:01, exactly 8:00). I got through on my third attempt doing this. Also make sure you have your case number and all relevant dates ready when you call - they'll ask for those immediately to look up your file.
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Amina Bah
•Thank you! I'll definitely try the 8:00am trick tomorrow. Did they give you any updates on your case when you reached them or just general information?
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CosmicCowboy
•They were able to confirm they had received my paperwork (which was a huge relief) and gave me a rough timeframe for when my case would be reviewed. They couldn't expedite anything, but at least I had some information to work with.
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Natasha Orlova
hav u tried contacting ur state rep? that's what finally worked 4 me when i couldn't get anywher with ESD for 2 months. they have special channels 2 contact the unemployment office and can sometimes speed things up
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Amina Bah
•That's actually a really good idea, I hadn't thought of that. Did you just call your representative's office and explain the situation?
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Natasha Orlova
•yep just called their office, explained i was having trouble with unemployment & they had me fill out a form with all my info and case details. took about 2 weeks but got a call directly from ESD after that
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Javier Cruz
I've been through this process twice now (unfortunately). The Commissioner's Review Office is the WORST to get in touch with. After weeks of frustration, I discovered Claimyr.com which connects you directly to an ESD agent without the endless waiting. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It worked for me both times I needed to check on my commissioner's review status. The ESD agents can see if your paperwork has been received and where it is in the queue. Worth trying if you're desperate!
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Amina Bah
•Thank you for this suggestion! I'd never heard of this service before. Did the ESD agents have access to the Commissioner's Review Office information? That's my main concern.
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Javier Cruz
•Yes! That's exactly why I tried it. The regular ESD agents CAN see the status of your commissioner's review in their system - whether your documents were received, if it's been assigned to a reviewer yet, etc. They might not be able to give you an exact date, but at least you'll know if everything is in order.
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Emma Thompson
Former ESD employee here. The Commissioner's Review Office is a separate department from regular ESD claims, and they're chronically understaffed. Your best bet is to follow a three-pronged approach: 1. Continue leaving messages, but space them out every 3-4 days (too many messages in their system can actually cause delays) 2. Send a formal letter via certified mail requesting status update (keep your receipt) 3. Contact your state legislative representative as someone suggested Also important to know: Commissioner reviews typically take 10-14 weeks currently, but your case should still be in their system. If you can get through to a regular ESD agent, they can verify receipt of your paperwork, which should give you some peace of mind while waiting.
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Amina Bah
•This is incredibly helpful information, thank you! I didn't realize sending too many messages could actually hurt my case. I'll definitely try the certified letter approach too. Is there any specific information I should include in that letter besides my claim ID and contact info?
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Emma Thompson
•Include your full name, contact information, claim ID, the date of your redetermination hearing, and the date you submitted your request for Commissioner's Review. Keep it brief and simply request confirmation that your appeal is in their system and an estimated timeframe for review. Also, I forgot to mention - if you're experiencing significant financial hardship (like potential eviction), note that in your letter as they do occasionally expedite cases in dire circumstances.
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Malik Jackson
The whole ESD system is RIGGED to make it impossible to talk to anyone! They don't WANT to help us!! I spent THREE MONTHS trying to get through to someone about my commissioner's review and never once got a real person. Had to hire a lawyer eventually which cost me $1200 I didn't have!!! The system is designed to make people give up!!!
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Isabella Costa
•I sympathize with your frustration, but hiring a lawyer seems extreme. Did you try contacting your state representative? That route is free and often effective for escalating ESD issues.
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Malik Jackson
•YES I tried EVERYTHING before the lawyer - state rep, governor's office, even the media!! Nothing worked and I was about to lose my house. The lawyer got it resolved in 2 weeks after I spent months trying on my own. System is broken BY DESIGN
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StarSurfer
fyi theres a little known direct line to the commissioner office that sometimes works. try 253-***-**** and press option 4 then 2 then hold for like 20 min. i got through last week this way
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Oliver Becker
•did that actually work? every number i've tried just goes to voicemail
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StarSurfer
•yea but u gotta call exactly at 10:30am for some reason. thats when they clear the phone queue or something
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CosmicCowboy
Update from my earlier comment - another option is to visit your local WorkSource office in person. They can't directly help with Commissioner Reviews, but they can sometimes contact ESD through internal channels to verify your appeal status. I did this last year when I was in a similar situation and the WorkSource specialist was able to confirm my appeal was in the system and gave me a rough timeframe.
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Amina Bah
•I appreciate the update! There's a WorkSource office about 20 minutes from me that I could visit. Do I need to make an appointment first or can I just walk in?
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CosmicCowboy
•Most WorkSource offices take walk-ins, but it's always better to call ahead and schedule a time with an employment specialist. Make sure to bring all your claim paperwork, ID, and any correspondence you've received about your appeal. The more documentation you have, the more they can help.
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Lydia Santiago
I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Filed my Commissioner's Review appeal 6 weeks ago and it's like they don't exist. Really appreciate all the suggestions here - going to try the 8am calling strategy and definitely looking into contacting my state representative. Has anyone had luck with the Governor's office constituent services? I saw they have an online form for ESD issues but wasn't sure if it's worth trying. This whole process is so stressful when you're already struggling financially.
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