ESD claim stuck on old week after international travel - can't restart despite notifying them

Same thing happened to me last month, it's so frustrating!! The system is totally broken. I tried calling that number 37 TIMES in one day and never got through. Ended up having to resort to using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. The agent fixed my claim status immediately and I was able to file for current weeks again.

have u tried hitting 0 repeatedly during the automated menu? sometimes that works to get a human but tbh the whole esd system is garbage rn

The issue you're experiencing is because the system is treating your travel period as a potentially disqualifying event, triggering the Able and Available issue. This happens when the system flags international travel, even when properly reported. What you need to do is keep trying that claims center number very early (7:55am) right before they open. Alternatively, try sending a secure message through your eServices account specifically requesting that they manually advance your claim past the stuck week. Include your travel dates and reference your prior notification. Also, check if there's an option in the automated phone system to "restart your claim" - sometimes it's hidden in the menus but can resolve this exact issue without speaking to anyone.

I went through something similar after a family emergency trip. The stupid part is ESD tells you to notify them of travel, but then penalizes you anyway!!! What worked for me was calling repeatedly for 3 days (I'm not exaggerating) until I finally got through. The agent had to manually override the system to let me skip the weeks I was gone and file for current weeks. Oh and make sure you have documentation of your original travel notification handy when you do reach someone - they tried to tell me I hadn't properly notified them until I forwarded my original email.

When you call the number, try selecting option 2 for claim questions, then option 4 for payment issues, then option 3 for claim status. I found this path sometimes has a shorter queue. Also, the automated system has a hidden restart claim option that doesn't appear every time - it seems to be triggered if you enter your SSN and PIN, then press 4 for "other services" and then 2 for "restart claim." If that doesn't work, try again the next day as the menu options sometimes change. Additionally, you can try calling your local WorkSource office - sometimes they can help with claim issues or at least have direct lines to ESD staff.

just wait it out. my claim fixed itself after like 3 weeks of being stuck lol. esd eventually processes the backlog even if you cant reach anyone

UPDATE: I did not manage to reach a live representative on the number in my post, however based on the advice in the comments I was able to find an option that asked me if I want to restart my claim and I pressed "yes". It asked me to create a PIN, and voila, my claim is now automatically restarted. I no longer have the old weeks blocking my current claims. It did ask me if I was available for work for the first week during which I was travelling and I replied no. That was all. I could swear that option was NOT available previously in the automated system. It somehow appeared the 10th or 15th time I called...