ESD phone number 6022 broken - can't reach real agent anymore
Has anyone else noticed the 6022 ESD phone number doesn't have the option to speak with a live agent anymore? I've been calling for 3 days trying to figure out why my weekly claim was flagged for "able and available" issues. The automated system just keeps sending me in circles without any option to talk to a real person. Did they change the number? Is there some secret extension or new number to reach an actual ESD representative? My rent is due next week and I'm seriously stressing out!
20 comments


Nia Harris
yep its totally broken now. i tried calling 15 times last week and it just keeps telling me to check online. but online doesnt show why my payment is pending!!!
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GalacticGuardian
•So frustrating! Have you found any other way to contact them? I tried the message center but haven't gotten a response in 5 days.
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Mateo Gonzalez
I had the same issue last month! The 6022 number is practically useless now. I think they're trying to force everyone to use the online portal, but that doesn't help when you need to actually explain your situation to someone. Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? Sometimes that works better.
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GalacticGuardian
•I tried calling at 8am sharp yesterday and still got the same automated menu with no option to speak with anyone. Did you eventually get through to someone?
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Mateo Gonzalez
•No, I never did with that number. I ended up having to visit a WorkSource center in person, which was a huge hassle since I don't have a car right now.
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Aisha Ali
The main ESD claims center number changed earlier this year. Try 833-572-8400 instead of the 6022 number. They also added more self-service options to reduce call volume, which is why the old menu options changed. For "able and available" flags, you usually need to speak with an adjudicator specifically. When you call the new number, select the option for claim questions (usually option 2) and then stay on the line when prompted about existing claims. Be prepared for long wait times though - I've heard they're severely understaffed in 2025 due to budget cuts.
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Ethan Moore
THEY DO THIS ON PURPOSE!!!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone so they don't have to pay claims. I've been fighting with ESD for 3 months about my availability issue and every time I finally get through to someone, they transfer me to a "specialist" and then I get disconnected. The whole system is designed to make you give up. Complete SCAM!!!
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Yuki Nakamura
•While it's definitely frustrating, I don't think it's an intentional scam. The ESD system is just overwhelmed and underfunded. But I agree it feels like they're making it harder to get help on purpose sometimes.
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Ethan Moore
•Oh please. My neighbor works for the state (not ESD) and he says they literally have meetings about how to reduce claim payouts. Wake up people!!!
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StarSurfer
I had the same problem last week with my adjudication. I used Claimyr to get through to ESD and it worked great! It basically calls for you and gets you in the queue, then calls you when a real person is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. For an "able and available" issue you definitely need to talk to a real person.
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GalacticGuardian
•Thanks for the recommendation! I hadn't heard of this before. Did it take long for them to get you connected with an agent?
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StarSurfer
•It took about 40 minutes for me, but that was way better than the days I spent trying on my own. The agent was able to see that my "able and available" flag was because I'd written "doctor's appointment" as one of my reasons for limited availability, but I just needed to clarify that it was a one-time thing, not recurring.
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Carmen Reyes
The correct number for ESD claims issues is 833-572-8400. The old 6022 number is being phased out gradually. For "able and available" issues specifically, you'll need to speak with an adjudicator, not just a regular claims agent. When you call, select option 2 for existing claims, then option 3 for payment issues. If your claim has been flagged for able and available issues, it usually means something in your weekly certification raised a question about whether you were available for full-time work. Common triggers include: - Indicating you couldn't work certain days/hours - Mentioning school or training conflicts - Saying you were out of town or had transportation limitations These issues typically need clarification from you to resolve, so speaking with an adjudicator is necessary.
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GalacticGuardian
•Thank you so much for this detailed information! I think I know what triggered it now - I mentioned a doctor's appointment on my certification. I'll try the new number with those specific options tomorrow morning.
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Nia Harris
one time i got thru by pressing 2-1-4-3 in the menu but that was like months ago so it might be different now
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Yuki Nakamura
I work at a WorkSource center and can confirm the main ESD unemployment claims number is now 833-572-8400. The 6022 number is still active but primarily for employer services and informational purposes rather than claim support. For "able and available" issues specifically, you might also want to check if you received a questionnaire in your eServices account. Sometimes they send those instead of requiring a phone call. Look under "Pending Issues" in your account dashboard. If you have one, filling it out completely might resolve the issue without needing to call. If you do need to call, the best times are typically Tuesday-Thursday between a:30-10:30am or 2:30-4:00pm when call volumes tend to be lower.
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GalacticGuardian
•Thank you for the insider info! I just checked my eServices account again and you're right - there was a questionnaire that I completely missed. It was under a tab I hadn't noticed before. Really appreciate your help!
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GalacticGuardian
UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! For anyone with the same issue - the new number is indeed 833-572-8400. I called at 8:15am and selected option 2, then 3 as suggested above. Wait time was about 35 minutes, but I finally spoke with someone who could help. Turns out the "able and available" flag was because I mentioned a doctor's appointment in my weekly claim. The agent cleared it after I explained it was just a one-time appointment that wouldn't affect my availability for work. Payment should be processed within 48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help! This forum saved my sanity.
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Carmen Reyes
•Great news! Thanks for updating the thread with what worked. That will definitely help others who search for this issue in the future.
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Mateo Gonzalez
•So glad you got it figured out! The whole system is so confusing and it's ridiculous how one little thing can hold up your benefits for weeks.
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