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ESD keeps hanging up when I call - anyone actually reach a human representative?

I swear I'm losing my mind trying to get through to ESD! I've called 17 times today and every single time, I either get the 'high call volume' message or it just disconnects me completely without warning. How is anyone supposed to resolve adjudication issues when the system literally hangs up on you?? I need to explain my availability issue before my benefits get cut off completely. My claim has been pending for almost 3 weeks now and rent is due in 5 days. Has ANYONE managed to speak with an actual ESD representative lately? What secret code am I missing??

Max Reyes

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same here!! been trying for daysss. press 1, then press 3, then it says high calll volume and hangs up. so annoying

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Felicity Bud

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It's maddening! Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's my plan for tomorrow but I'm not hopeful...

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Mikayla Davison

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This has been going on for YEARS with ESD! They've never fixed their garbage phone system even after all the pandemic problems. I spent TWO MONTHS trying to get through about my identity verification issue. Had to contact my state representative before anyone would call me back. The system is designed to wear you down until you give up.

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Adrian Connor

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While I understand the frustration, that's not entirely accurate. ESD actually did improve their phone systems in late 2023, but they're still understaffed for the current claim volume. Contacting your representative can work but there are other options before taking that step.

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Aisha Jackson

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try calling at exactly 7:59am that worked for me once

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Felicity Bud

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I'll try that tomorrow! Did you have to wait on hold for a long time even getting through that early?

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I was in the same boat last month with my adjudication for separation reasons. After dozens of failed calls, I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to ESD in about 30 minutes. It basically waits on hold for you and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked when nothing else did.

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Aisha Jackson

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does that actually work? sounds to good to be true tbh

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Yes, it definitely worked for me. Once I got through to a rep, she was able to see that my employer hadn't responded to their request for information, which was causing the hold-up. She pushed it through to a supervisor and my claim was approved two days later.

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Lilly Curtis

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i had this problem too but i sent a message through the eservices portal instead and they actually responded in like 4 days. might be worth trying that route if calling isnt working for u

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Felicity Bud

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That's helpful, thanks! I sent a message about a week ago but haven't heard anything yet. Maybe I should try sending another one with more details?

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Leo Simmons

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ESD call volume tends to be highest on Mondays and Tuesdays, with many people calling after filing their weekly claims. Try calling on Wednesday afternoon between 2-4pm. The queue is typically shorter then. Also, when you call, make sure you're selecting the correct options in the phone tree. For adjudication issues specifically, you want to select the option for claim questions, not the general information line. If you continue having problems, you can also try: 1. Submitting a detailed message through your eServices account (include your availability details and any supporting documentation) 2. Visiting a WorkSource office in person for assistance 3. Having your state representative's office submit an inquiry The current average adjudication time is actually around 21-28 days, so your 3-week wait is unfortunately still within the normal timeframe.

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Felicity Bud

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Thanks for the detailed advice! I'll try Wednesday afternoon and see if that works better. I've been selecting option 1 for claims then option 3 for speaking to a representative - is that correct? And I didn't realize WorkSource could help with ESD issues! I might try that tomorrow if calling still doesn't work.

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Adrian Connor

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I used to work for ESD before switching careers, and here's what I can tell you: The phone system is programmed to automatically disconnect when the queue reaches capacity (usually around 200-250 callers). This is frustrating but actually more efficient than leaving people on hold for 5+ hours. For your specific availability issue, here's what you should do: 1. Call exactly at 7:58am when the phone lines open 2. When prompted, press 1 for claims, 3 for agent 3. If disconnected, immediately try again 4. Keep detailed notes of each call attempt (time, date, result) If you still can't get through after 3 days of attempts, document this thoroughly and include it with your appeal if you get disqualified. The OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings) judges will often consider your good-faith efforts to resolve issues when making determinations. Also, send a detailed message through eServices with all relevant information about your availability issue. Specifically request adjudication of this issue. Print a copy of this message for your records.

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Felicity Bud

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This is incredibly helpful! I didn't realize the disconnect was actually by design (though still frustrating). I'm going to follow your exact instructions tomorrow morning and start documenting everything. Thank you so much for the insider perspective!

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Aisha Jackson

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thats exactly what i said call at 7:59! good to know it wasnt just luck that it worked

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Adrian Connor

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You're welcome! And yes, the early morning strategy does work better. Just be prepared that even if you get through, you might wait 45-60 minutes on hold. Make sure your phone is charged and you're somewhere with good reception.

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Felicity Bud

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UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and I ACTUALLY got through to a real person at ESD after weeks of trying! The representative was able to see that my adjudication was for my availability statement, and she updated my file with the correct information. She said the adjudicator should review it within 3-5 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

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Leo Simmons

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Great to hear you got through! Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for the adjudication decision. And if you haven't already, prepare any documentation that shows you're available for work (job search logs, applications, etc.) in case they request additional information.

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Lilly Curtis

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congrats! hope they approve it quick for you

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