ESD phone lines completely inaccessible - not even getting the queue option

same here buddy, been trying since monday... feels like they turned the phones off completely

There's actually a system maintenance update going on right now for their phone system. It was announced on the ESD website, but it's buried in their news section. They're supposedly upgrading their call routing system, but it's causing major disruptions. The announcement said it would be completed by this Thursday, but clearly it's still having issues. Your best bet is to try again next Monday when the upgrades should be fully implemented. In the meantime, have you tried sending a message through your eServices portal? While not as immediate as a phone call, they usually respond within 3-5 business days to messages, which might be faster than waiting for the phone system to be fixed.

I dealt with this exact situation last month. The phone system has been extremely unreliable lately. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call exactly at 7:59am (their system actually starts accepting calls slightly before 8) 2. If that doesn't work, try calling during their documented "low volume" hours - typically 3-4pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays 3. Make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue. The general line (800-318-6022) has the longest wait times. If your issue is about adjudication specifically, try the claims center number instead 4. Keep detailed notes about when you attempted to call - this will help if you need to file a complaint or request backpay due to ESD accessibility issues Also, one thing many people don't realize is that you can email your local WorkSource office for assistance. They often have direct connections to ESD staff and can escalate your issue internally. It's not guaranteed, but I've had better luck with this approach than endlessly calling.

I've been dealing with ESD for almost 10 years through various layoffs and their phone system has ALWAYS been a nightmare. But something I discovered recently that actually worked for me was using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first, but it actually got me connected to an ESD agent within 25 minutes after trying for DAYS on my own. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Basically they use some tech to keep dialing and get you in the queue, then they call you when they have an agent. Saved me a ton of stress during my adjudication nightmare last month.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!! I've been trying to reach someone for THREE WEEKS about my disqualification and the phone lines are ALWAYS "too busy" or "having technical difficulties" or some other excuse. Even their online messaging system is a joke - I sent 4 MESSAGES and got ZERO responses! This is how they save money - make it impossible to actually talk to anyone who can help! I filed a complaint with the governor's office AND my state representative. If enough of us do this maybe something will change. But I'm not holding my breath!!!!

I've been working for years as a job counselor helping clients with unemployment issues, and I can tell you that what you're experiencing is unfortunately common, but there are some strategies that can help. First, the current phone system problems are definitely unusual, even by ESD standards. As someone mentioned, there is a system upgrade happening, but it's taking longer than expected. If you need to resolve an adjudication issue quickly, here's what I recommend to my clients: 1. Continue trying the phone system, but be strategic. Tuesday-Thursday from 2-4pm tends to have slightly better luck than mornings. 2. Send a detailed message through eServices specifically mentioning the 10-day deadline in the subject line. Use the exact wording from your letter. 3. Document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of every attempt to contact ESD, including dates, times, and what happened. This is critical if your benefits are affected by ESD's accessibility issues. 4. Go in person to a WorkSource office. While they're not ESD directly, they often have special contact channels and can sometimes help escalate urgent issues. 5. If you received a letter requesting information within 10 days, you can also fax the information directly to the number on the letter, along with a cover sheet explaining that you've been unable to reach anyone by phone. Make sure to include your claim ID on every page. The system is frustrating by design, but persistence and documentation are key. Let us know how it goes!

Quick update for everyone: I just checked the ESD website again and they've posted a new alert. The phone system maintenance has been extended through next Tuesday due to "unforeseen technical complications." They're advising everyone to use eServices for all communications until then. Just thought I'd share this so people don't waste their time calling for the next few days.

This whole thing reminds me of last year when my neighbor filed for unemployment and couldn't get through for weeks. She finally contacted her state representative's office and they actually had a dedicated staff person who helped constituents with ESD issues! She got a call back from ESD within 48 hours after her rep's office contacted them. Might be worth trying that route too if nothing else works.