ESD direct deposit timing for weekly claims - FASTER than website claims?
Has anyone else noticed that filing weekly claims by PHONE seems way faster than the website right now? I'm honestly shocked at how quickly my payment processed. Here's my timeline from this week: Sunday 12:15am - Filed my weekly claim by phone Sunday evening (sometime between 4-7pm) - Status changed to processing Monday morning 7:30am - Status showed as PAID Monday 10:00am - Money actually in my bank account This is WAY faster than the 48+ hour delays people are reporting with web claims! With the holiday coming up next Monday, I'd recommend setting up your phone filing PIN this week if you haven't already. It's definitely worth trying if you've been stuck with those website delays. Not sure if my experience is just lucky or if phone filing is consistently faster, but thought I'd share in case it helps anyone. We all know how frustrating it is when ESD doesn't communicate about these things!
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StarSeeker
Yes! Phone claims are processing much faster right now. I've been using the automated phone system for the past 5 weeks and consistently get my payments in 24-36 hours vs the 48-72 hours it was taking through eServices. ESD hasn't officially announced this difference, but several claims specialists have confirmed they're prioritizing phone claims due to some technical issues with the website processing queue. Just make sure you have your PIN set up in advance - you can't create one on the same day you want to file.
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Dmitry Volkov
•That's really good to know it wasn't just a one-time fluke! Did you have any issues getting your PIN initially? I had mine from before but I'm wondering if new claimants might run into delays getting set up.
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Ava Martinez
i tried the phone thing last week but it kept saying my ssn wasnt recognized???? like i KNOW my own ssn lol. anyone else have this problem or just me? the website is so slow but at least it works
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StarSeeker
•The phone system can be finicky with entry. Try entering your SSN more slowly with a pause between each number. If that doesn't work, you might need to call the ESD claims center to reset your phone access. Sometimes it gets locked after too many failed attempts.
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Miguel Ortiz
Thanks for posting this! Quick question though - does the holiday on Monday mean we should file earlier this week? Or does it not matter since we file on Sunday anyway?
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Zainab Omar
•The holiday won't affect when you file (still Sunday), but it WILL affect when payments process. Bank ACH transfers don't process on federal holidays, so even if ESD approves your claim on Monday, the payment likely won't hit your account until Tuesday or Wednesday. Just something to budget for!
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Connor Murphy
If anyone is struggling to get through to ESD to set up their phone PIN (or for any reason), I recently used Claimyr and it actually worked amazingly well. Their system holds your place in line and calls you back when an ESD agent is available. Saved me HOURS of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Worth checking out if you're stuck trying to reach someone before the holiday!
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Yara Sayegh
•Is this legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services with unemployment stuff. Has anyone else used this? I've been trying to get through for 3 days to fix my adjudication issues.
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NebulaNova
•I used it last month when my claim got stuck in pending. It worked but honestly I felt kinda silly paying for something that should be free. But I guess if you're desperate and your bills are coming due...
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Zainab Omar
I want to add some important context here. The phone system is indeed processing faster right now, but it's not ALWAYS the case. ESD sometimes prioritizes one filing method over another depending on system load and technical issues. I'd recommend: 1. Set up both phone and web access 2. Check processing times from other claimants in this forum each week 3. Use whichever method is currently faster Also remember that while phone filing might currently process faster, the website gives you a confirmation number and lets you upload documents if needed. Each method has pros and cons.
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Dmitry Volkov
•Great point about having both options ready! Do you know if there's any official way to check which method is processing faster, or do we just have to rely on what people report here?
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Zainab Omar
•Unfortunately, ESD doesn't publish this information officially. They're rarely transparent about system issues or processing priorities. The community forums and social media are actually your best sources for real-time information about what's working best. I'd recommend checking here each Saturday before you file.
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Keisha Williams
THE PHONE SYSTEM IS THE WORST!!!! I tried 6 times and it kept hanging up on me. Then I FINALLY got through and it said my payment was processed but NOTHING in my account for 5 days now!!!!! ESD IS BROKEN AND NOBODY CARES ABOUT US CLAIMANTS!!!!!
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StarSeeker
•Sorry you're having trouble. Could be a couple of things happening here: 1. The phone system can disconnect if you pause too long between entering numbers 2. If your payment shows processed but isn't in your account, check if your direct deposit information is correct 3. There could be a bank hold on the deposit (some banks hold ESD deposits for 1-3 business days) I'd recommend calling the claims center directly to check on your specific situation.
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Miguel Ortiz
Wait a second - am I the only one who didn't know you could file by phone? I've been using the website for months! How do you even set this up?
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Dmitry Volkov
•I felt the same way when I first found out! You need to call the main ESD number (during regular business hours) and request a phone PIN. Once that's set up, you can call the weekly claims line at 800-318-6022. The automated system walks you through everything. Definitely worth setting up before the holiday!
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NebulaNova
i did the phone thing last week and it still took 3 days to get paid so maybe its just random luck when we get our money lol. nothing about ESD makes any sense to me anyway
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Ava Martinez
•right?? one week its super fast then the next week its like did they forget about us?? i swear its just whoever is working that day and if they feel like pressing the approve button lol
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