Desperate for direct ESD phone number to reach a real person - automated system keeps hanging up
I'm at my wits end trying to reach someone at ESD about my unemployment claim. I've been calling the main number (855-682-0785) for WEEKS but keep getting stuck in the automated system that eventually disconnects me. My benefits were suddenly stopped 3 weeks ago with a message saying there's an 'issue requiring additional information' but there's nothing in my eServices account showing what information they need! I've sent multiple secure messages with no response. Does anyone know if there's a direct line or extension that will connect me to an actual human being? Or some secret trick to get through the phone tree? I'm falling behind on rent and desperately need to get this resolved.
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LongPeri
The ESD phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate. I've found that calling right when they open at 8:00 AM can sometimes work, but you need to be ready to redial multiple times. Also, try selecting the option for 'new claim' even if you don't have one - sometimes that route has shorter wait times and the agent can still help with your issue once you get through.
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Freya Collins
•Thanks for the tip! I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. Did you have any luck with a specific day of the week that might be better? I'm willing to try anything at this point.
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Oscar O'Neil
ohh man i feel ur pain!! been there done that. the esd phone system is THE WORST. i called like 47 times in one day last month before i got through. literally just kept hitting redial over and over and over. eventually got someone but took half my day ugh
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Freya Collins
•47 times?! That's insane but at least you eventually got through. I might have to try the brute force approach tomorrow.
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Sara Hellquiem
I had the same issue last month when my claim went into adjudication without explanation. After trying for days to get through on the regular line, I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 15 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you and alerts you when it gets through to a person. Saved me hours of frustration. 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 a lifesaver since I was about to miss a mortgage payment.
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Charlee Coleman
•is that legit? sounds too good to be true tbh. did you actually talk to ESD or was it some third party thing?
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Sara Hellquiem
•It's definitely legit. It just connects you directly to the actual ESD agents - the same ones you'd talk to if you got through on your own. The service just handles the frustrating part of getting through the phone system.
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Liv Park
As someone who used to work at a WorkSource office (connected to ESD), I can tell you that unfortunately there is no "secret" direct line to ESD agents that bypasses the queue. The issue is that they're severely understaffed for the volume of claims they handle. A few suggestions: 1. Be very specific when navigating the phone tree - choose options related to "existing claim with issues" rather than general questions 2. Try calling the Technical Support line instead (855-682-0785, select Option 6) - sometimes they can see what's blocking your claim and either fix it or transfer you to someone who can 3. Visit your local WorkSource office in person - while they can't directly access your claim, they sometimes have priority communication channels to ESD 4. If your issue is truly urgent (eviction, utilities being shut off), request an escalation for hardship The "issue requiring additional information" usually means either identity verification or employer dispute requiring adjudication. Check your correspondence tab in eServices carefully for any letters you might have missed.
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Freya Collins
•Thank you for such detailed advice! I've checked my correspondence tab multiple times but there's nothing new there, which is part of what's so frustrating. I'll try the Technical Support option tomorrow and if that doesn't work, I'll visit WorkSource in person. Really appreciate your insider perspective.
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Leeann Blackstein
When my claim got stuck in February, I found out that calling my state representative's office actually helped. They have constituent services that can contact ESD directly on your behalf. It took about 3 days but I got a call back from an ESD supervisor who fixed my issue right away. Worth trying if nothing else works!
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Ryder Greene
•This actually works! I did the same thing last year when my benefits were on hold for over a month with no explanation. Called my state rep's office and suddenly ESD was calling me within 48 hours. It's ridiculous that we have to go to these lengths but it does get results.
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Freya Collins
Update: I tried the Claimyr service that @profile3 suggested and it actually worked! Got connected to an ESD rep in about 20 minutes this morning. Turns out they needed additional wage verification because my former employer reported different quarterly earnings than what I submitted. The agent was able to review the documents I had already uploaded and fix the issue while I was on the phone. My claim status is back to 'paid' now! Thanks everyone for your help - this community saved my sanity.
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Oscar O'Neil
•awesome!! glad u got it fixed! isnt it crazy how something that shud be simple takes so much effort? the whole system needs fixing tbh
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Liv Park
•Great to hear you got resolution! For anyone else reading this thread later - wage verification issues are common when there's a discrepancy between what you report and employer-reported wages. Always keep detailed records of your hours and earnings for exactly this reason.
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