ESD phone nightmare - called 25+ times this morning with no luck
I'm at my wit's end trying to reach someone at ESD! I've literally called their number 25 times today starting at 8:00 AM sharp, and I either get the 'call volume too high' message or it disconnects me after going through all the menu options. I need to talk to someone ASAP about my adjudication issue that's been pending for almost 3 weeks and my savings are almost gone. Has anyone successfully gotten through to a real person lately? What time of day works best? I'm desperate for any tips or tricks that actually work in 2025... the online message system just sends automated responses that don't help my specific situation.
21 comments


Morita Montoya
I was in the exact same boat last month! After trying for DAYS the regular way, I finally used Claimyr and got through to ESD in about 20 minutes. It's a service that basically handles the calling/waiting part for you. You just go to claimyr.com, they call ESD for you and then call you back when they have an agent on the line. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - honestly saved my sanity during my adjudication nightmare.
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Kingston Bellamy
•Is that service legit? Sounds too good to be true tbh
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Morita Montoya
•Definitely legit! My adjudication was for job separation reasons and I needed to explain my side. The agent I got through Claimyr was able to see notes on my claim and expedited the process. Got my determination letter literally 2 days later.
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Beth Ford
•Thanks for this suggestion! I'm checking out that video right now. At this point I'd try anything to get through. Did you have to wait long after they connected you?
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Joy Olmedo
call right when they open at 8am thats what i did got thru after only 12 tries lol
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Beth Ford
•I tried that today! Started calling right at 8:00 but kept getting the same automated message about high call volume. Did you push any specific options in the menu?
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Isaiah Cross
There are a few strategies that might help you reach ESD more efficiently: 1. The best time to call is typically mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) between 8:00-8:30 AM or 4:00-4:30 PM. These times tend to have slightly lower call volumes. 2. When navigating the phone menu, sometimes option 2 followed by option 3 can connect you to a different queue that might have shorter wait times. 3. Be persistent but strategic - rather than calling repeatedly in a short timeframe, try spacing your calls throughout the day. 4. Make sure your eServices account is completely up to date with all requested information, as sometimes this can resolve issues without needing to call. 5. If your issue is specifically about adjudication, try the dedicated technical support line instead of the main number. Sometimes that line has fewer callers. Hope this helps! The system is definitely frustrating right now with the new claim processing system rolled out last quarter.
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Beth Ford
•Thank you for these detailed tips! I didn't know about the technical support line - is that a different number? And I'll definitely try the menu options you suggested. My eServices account is up to date but it just shows "adjudication in progress" with no other details or estimated timeframe.
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Kiara Greene
I had to deal with this last month and found a workaround that eventually got me through. Instead of selecting options for existing claims, I selected the option for filing a new claim (even though I wasn't). Got transferred to a different department, explained I actually needed help with my existing claim, and the person was able to help me or transfer me to someone who could. Sometimes you have to game the system a bit. Also, if you have a WorkSource office nearby, going in person can sometimes get you access to resources or direct lines that aren't available to the general public. The staff there helped me get my adjudication resolved when I was stuck in limbo for almost a month.
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Beth Ford
•That's a clever workaround! I'll try that tomorrow if I still can't get through. There is a WorkSource office about 20 minutes from me - didn't think they could help with ESD claim issues but I'll definitely check that out too. Thanks!
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Kiara Greene
•Just make sure you're polite when they realize you selected the wrong option intentionally. Explain that you've tried the proper channels multiple times without success. And yes, WorkSource won't directly handle your claim, but they can sometimes provide guidance or resources that help navigate the system faster.
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Evelyn Kelly
i waited 7 WEEKS in adjudication last year so 3 weeks isnt even that bad honestly. the system is completely broken and they dont care about us at all. i lost my apartment waiting for them to approve my legitimate claim. and when i finally got someone on the phone they had no explanation for the delay. RIDICULOUS!!!
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Paloma Clark
•7 weeks is absolutely unacceptable! Did you try contacting your state representative? I was stuck in adjudication for 5 weeks and finally emailed my district's rep with details of my situation. Their office contacted ESD on my behalf and miraculously my claim was processed within 48 hours. It shouldn't take political intervention to get basic services, but sometimes that's what works.
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Evelyn Kelly
•no i didnt think of that... wish i had known that trick before i lost my place. the whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch its just designed to make people give up
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Beth Ford
•I'm sorry you went through that! 7 weeks is insane. I'm already struggling at 3 weeks - rent is due next week and I'm seriously worried. I'll definitely try the state rep approach if I can't get through soon.
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Kingston Bellamy
Have u tried sending a message through the eServices portal? Sometimes that works better than calling
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Beth Ford
•Yes, I sent two messages last week but just got generic automated responses that didn't address my specific question about why my claim is stuck in adjudication. The second response just told me to keep filing weekly claims while I wait :
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Paloma Clark
When I had trouble reaching ESD a few months ago, I ended up trying at exactly 8:00 am on Wednesday, and somehow got through after only about a 25-minute wait. Not sure if Wednesday is actually better or if I just got lucky. Regarding your adjudication - is it for able and available issues or job separation? Mine was for job search requirements because I missed uploading documentation for one week, and it took about 4 weeks total to resolve. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for the adjudication to complete, even though you won't get paid until it's resolved. I made the mistake of skipping a week and it caused even more delays. Good luck! The waiting is so stressful when bills are piling up.
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Beth Ford
•Mine is for job separation - my employer is contesting that I quit voluntarily when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. They're trying to avoid the UI claim affecting their rate. I've been faithfully filing my weekly claims even though nothing is being paid. It's so frustrating because I have documentation proving it was a layoff!
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Isaiah Cross
Just wanted to follow up - for job separation disputes like yours, having documentation ready is crucial. When you do reach an agent, make sure you have: 1. Any written communication about your layoff (emails, letters, texts) 2. Names and contact information of supervisors or HR personnel involved 3. Documentation of the budget cuts if possible 4. Dates of any meetings about your employment ending The adjudicator will need to investigate both sides, but having your evidence organized can speed up the process. Also, you might want to prepare a clear, concise timeline of events that led to your separation. Keep it factual and unemotional, as this helps the adjudicator focus on the relevant details.
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Beth Ford
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I have emails from my manager mentioning the budget cuts and the layoff, plus the official notification letter. I'll put together that timeline tonight so I'm prepared when I finally reach someone. Really appreciate the guidance!
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